Fireworks are enjoyed year-round by people but can be a source of fear for many animals. It doesn’t have to be that way though, so don’t ignore the problem.
Seek advice from your vet who will if necessary; be able to refer you to a professional clinical animal behaviourist. You can also follow the RSPCA top tips to make firework celebrations less frightening for your pet.
Keeping cats and dogs secure
- Make sure your dog or cat always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard.
- During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
- At nightfall close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.
- It’s fine to comfort your pet if it helps them relax, or leave them alone unless you think they will harm themselves.
- Never punish your pets when they’re scared as this will only makes things worse in the long run.
- Make sure your cat or dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise. Have your pet microchipped in case they do escape.
Just for dogs – when the fireworks start
- Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.
- If you know a dog that isn’t scared by noises and which gets on well with your dog, then keeping the two together during the evenings may help your dog to realise that there’s no need to be afraid.
Just for cats
- Make sure your cat has somewhere to hide if it wants to. For example this may be under some furniture or in a quiet corner.
- Don’t try and tempt your cat out as this will cause it to become more stressed.
For more information visit the RSPCA website or look at their Fireworks frighten animals leaflet.
