Fireworks Anxiety in Pets
Fireworks can cause great distress to some pets. It can be equally distressing for owners to see their animal display signs of fearful behaviour.
​
Even if your pet does not currently have any noise phobias, it’s worth monitoring over time as they can develop, and sometimes this can be associated with medical conditions (particularly in older animals when the noise phobia is newly developed).
​
This factsheet is aimed at helping owners alleviate this fearful behaviour:
1. Be Prepared and Plan Ahead
Sound desensitisation can be used to help reduce the anxiety some pets experience to certain noises such as fireworks.
​
Desensitisation starts at a lower intensity, slowly building up as the pet starts to become accustomed to the noises, with the aim of significantly reducing the stress the pet experiences over time.
​
This does take time and it is not advisable to start at a high-intensity period (such as close to fireworks season), so it is best to plan well ahead.
​
Such programmes can be found here:
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/sound-therapy-for-pets
2. Calming Natural Products
There are many available, and one of our team will be happy to discuss products suitable for your pet, but here are a few options:
​
a) Adaptil (previously known as Dog Appeasing Pheromone)
This product is based upon natural pheromones the bitch secretes to relax her puppies and can be a useful product for many fearful dogs.
​
It comes in several forms — a collar which lasts up to 30 days and is activated as the dog’s body temperature rises in response to stress. This can be a useful way of using the product as it reacts to the animal’s behavioural needs.
​
It also comes in a plug-in refillable diffuser which can be placed in your dog’s ‘core’ area in the home (i.e. close to bed). There is also a spray available which can be used around the home or for travel (e.g. spray on a blanket or a bandana).
​
b) Feliway
This is for our feline friends, again with a diffuser and spray available (a collar is not available for cats).
​
c) Zylkene
This is a natural product based upon the enzyme the mother secretes in her milk to relax the young. It is in capsule form, administered once daily, and is best used a minimum of 2 days prior to a stressful event. It can be continued for more prolonged periods of stress in either cats or dogs.
​
d) Nutracalm
Again, this is a natural product in capsule form which can be sprinkled into food.
​
e) Skullcap and valerian
Natural herbal remedy.
​
There are many other products widely available, but please do ask our team’s advice on which is most suitable to try for your pet.
3. Providing a Safe Environment
This is crucial to make your pet feel as safe as possible during extreme stress. Here are a few tips to create a safe space:
​
a) Exercise
Ensure walks for your dog are carried out earlier in daylight, and not during periods with a higher risk of fireworks. This allows time for exercise and toilet needs to be met in a safe environment.
​
Make sure that any walking equipment (collars, harnesses) are secure. Double lead attachments are safer to reduce the risk of your pet escaping if they panic at an unexpected firework noise.
​
Pet trackers are now available if you’re worried about your pet being a flight risk.
​
Keep cats indoors and lock cat flaps prior to fireworks starting. Make sure cats have access to preferred hiding spots (some prefer to be higher up, while others prefer to hide on the ground e.g. under the bed or bottom of a cupboard).
​
b) White Noise / Background Noise
Having calming noises in the house can help mask the sound of fireworks.
​
c) Hiding Spaces
Ensure there are safe areas for your pet to move to, away from windows and doors. Close curtains to reduce visual stimuli.
​
Many cats prefer to be up high, so creating safe hiding spots in cat trees or shelves can help.
​
Provide extra blankets for dogs, as some prefer to hide under or ‘tunnel’ when anxious.
​
If your dog is crate trained (and chooses to use their crate), covering the crate with a thick duvet can help dampen noise and create a cosy, safe space. Just don’t close the crate door, as you don’t want your dog to feel trapped during a time of anxiety.
​
d) Thunder Shirts
These are available for dogs. They use gentle pressure to help release the animal’s natural endorphins to calm them down. They can also be worn outside during stressful times.
​
Important Behaviour Note
Remember to allow your pet to express their natural behaviour. They may not want to be cuddled or petted at this time, and extra fuss can sometimes reinforce the stressful behaviour and potentially lead to insecure attachment issues later.
​
Once your animal is calmer and seeking your attention, this is the time to give ‘rewards’.
4. Anti-Anxiety Medication
Sadly, for some animals, despite using the above methods, firework phobia is still too stressful to cope with.
Signs of extreme distress can include:
​
-
Pacing
-
Unable to settle
-
Destructive behaviour
-
Panting
-
Tremoring​
​
In such cases, anti-anxiety medication may be considered best for your pet’s welfare. There are many options available.
​
We no longer advise using sedatives, as they do not reduce your animal’s anxiety, only limit the way the animal can express their fear. Instead, we use medication that can reduce anxious behaviour.
​
Please contact our team in advance to speak to one of our vets so we can discuss the best approach for your pet.
5. Reducing the risk
In cases where there are no or little signs of anxiety related to fireworks, it’s still worth being proactive to reduce the risk of it developing later in life:
​
1) Create a Positive Environment
During firework season, make extra effort to create a positive experience for your pet.
​
Make sure your pet always has a comfortable, safe space to retreat to in the home, somewhere quiet and in a ‘low traffic’ area (e.g. in a corner and not next to a door).
​
Have the windows closed, the curtains drawn, and the TV or radio on to minimise sudden explosion sounds.
​
2) Use Positive Association Training
Just after the first firework has gone off (timing here is important), start doing some gentle games or fun training (nothing too exciting or stimulating, just calm but fun).
​
Keep this fairly short and assess if your dog is engaging with you.
After this, offer your pet a long-lasting food reward (e.g. a chew, stuffed Kong, lick mat, puzzle feeder, etc.) to help them relax.
​
If your pet can focus and engage with you during the games/training and concentrate on their food reward, this is a good sign that the fireworks are not causing them distress.
​
Do this every time fireworks are occurring, and your pet will learn they are nothing to fear and instead predict a good experience.
​
If your pet cannot focus on you, snatches treats, or appears distracted, this is a sign the fireworks are causing concern, and you may need to provide additional support.
Need Expert Help?
We have specially trained members of our team. If you would like further noise phobia advice for your pet, please contact the practice.