Advice

Keeping pets safe in firework season 

How do you like to spend evenings in autumn and winter? Maybe you celebrate events like Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night with friends – huddled around a bonfire in your cosiest clothes. Or you might have fun watching amazing firework displays.

Even though us humans love watching fireworks, the loud bangs and flashes can really scare our pets. So here’s some tips on how to take care of them and reassure them at a time of year that can cause them stress. 

Save the date!

Lots of people set off fireworks on these celebration days, so try out our tips on these dates, just in case.

  • 31 October 
    Halloween 
  • 1 November
    Diwali 
  • 5 November
    Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night
  • 31 December
    New Year's Eve
  • 29 January
    Chinese New Year

Top tip!

If you want to watch a firework display, pick a public organised display and suggest to your friends that they do the same. Organised displays allow pet owners to plan ahead, whereas private displays in someone’s back garden can come as a surprise. 

Make sure a pet sitter or grownup is home to reassure your pet while you’re gone.

Our top tips

Make a den

Build a cosy den with sheets and blankets – in a crate, using furniture, or in a safe corner. Encourage your pet to settle in their special space before firework season starts, by tempting them with toys and healthy treats.

Create hiding spots

Have fun creating hiding spots around your home where curious cats can hide. Clear spaces on shelves and under chairs – particularly in warm spots – and line them with blankets and towels.

Play soothing music

Studies show that classical music helps calm dogs. And music will help cover up the sound of distant bangs. Try playing the radio station Classic FM, which plays relaxing music especially for pets in firework season.

Ignore the bangs

If you hear fireworks nearby, try not to react. Our pets are good at reading our behaviour and emotions, so ignoring fireworks will help let them know that they’re safe with us. 
 

Stick to daytime walks 

Most fireworks are set off once it's dark outside, so take your dog out for walks while it's still light, to avoid walking past a sudden display. It's harder to distract your pet from loud bangs and flashes while outdoors. 

Spend evenings together

Sitting quietly with your pet will help reassure them that nothing is wrong. If your pet settles in their den or hiding spot, give them space. Just knowing you’re there, as you read, or watch TV, will help keep them calm. And they’ll know you’re on hand to give fuss or strokes.
 

Close the curtains

Remember to close your curtains when it starts to get dark. That way, your pet won’t be able to see the bright flashes of fireworks, which they can find frightening. 

Top tip: Instead of going to a firework display, look out for silent fireworks, laser light shows and drone light shows. They’re quieter and less likely to frighten pets

Keep cats indoors 

If you let your cat explore outdoors, let them out during the day and keep them safely in at night. Shut your cat flap (if you have one) once they’re safely indoors and set up a clean litter tray that they can use until the morning. 

I'm still struggling to keep them calm!

If your pet is very afraid of fireworks, and you’re struggling to keep them calm, talk to an expert.

Vets sometimes offer owners ‘pheromone diffusers’. These are devices which release natural chemicals that help relax pets. In special cases, they might prescribe medication to help your dog or cat to stay calm. 

Your vet might refer you to an animal behaviourist who can teach your pet to become less afraid with expert training lessons.