How To Help Dogs With Fireworks

Fireworks can be shocking for the best of us, so with heightened hearing it’s no surprise that our furry friends can get scared. Did you know 62% of dogs and 54% of cats are scared of fireworks?

Fireworks cause high levels of anxiety in our pets because of their loud bangs, bright lights, and the unfamiliar smells they give off.

As the firework season is rapidly approaching, we have put together our top tips to keep your pet as comfortable and happy as possible during this time! In this article we’ll also suggest some of the best calming aids for dogs with fireworks, as well as some tips on how best to help your cats and other pets during firework season.

SIGNS YOUR DOG IS SCARED OF FIREWORKS

It is extremely common for your dog’s behaviour to change when they are scared or feeling uneasy. We have put together a list of common behaviours seen when your dog is scared of fireworks:

• Shaking / Trembling
• Clinginess
• Excessive panting and licking
• Digging
• Restlessness e.g. pacing
• Hiding
• Ears are back
• Alertness
• Frozen in place and won’t move
• Whining or barking
• Trying to escape
• Going to the toilet in the house
• Tucking their tail

SIGNS YOUR CAT IS SCARED OF FIREWORKS

Your cat’s ears are highly sensitive, which means that fireworks are even louder to cats than they are to humans. These recurring loud bangs can induce fear, stress, and anxiety in your cat which will usually cause them to flee and hide. Other behaviours include:

• Shaking / Trembling
• Excessive licking
• Hiding (particularly in small spaces e.g., laundry baskets)
• Loud meowing
• Trying to escape
• Going to the toilet in the house instead of their litter box
• Frozen in place and won’t move
• Flattened ears
• Dilated eyes
• Crouching/making themselves small
• Aggressive behaviour e.g., hissing and scratching
• Wrapping their tail around their body

HOW TO CALM DOGS ON BONFIRE NIGHT

As pet owners, it is our responsibility to keep our four-legged friends feeling safe and loved. If you’re looking for tips on how to calm dogs on bonfire night, or any occasion where fireworks may be involved, here are some methods you can put in place to reduce their anxiety and stress. These tips can also work on feline friends and other small pets.

1. Create a ‘safe space’

Use blankets, pillows, and their favourite toys, either in their crate or around your house to create a peaceful environment for your pet to relax in. It is important to allow your pet to pick their favourite space as they are all unique and have their own preferences.

2. Close the curtains

Closing your curtains can block scary bright lights and reduce the impact of loud sounds. Don’t forget to close windows and both internal and external doors which will also help calm your pet whilst fireworks are going off  and keep them feeling safe indoors.

3. Have background noise

Turning the TV or radio up a little bit more than usual can help mask the loud whizzing and bangs that startle your pet. This is a great excuse to have a cosy night in with your pet to watch a film with your favourite snacks.

4. Schedule meals and treats during the display

Scheduling their dinner time to coincide with the fireworks display can be a great distraction and provide an element of comfort. Long-lasting dog chews, such as Himalayan Yak Chews and Antler Chews are also great to keep your pet entertained with a chewy challenge, all whilst benefiting their dental health!

5. Keep your pets inside

Fireworks can startle our pets and trigger their fight-or-flight response. Ensure that your pets’ tags and microchips are up to date, and be careful when opening doors as they may attempt to run away when spooked by the fireworks. A top tip for cat owners is to lock cat flaps and make sure they are inside before it starts to get dark. For outdoor pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, you may consider bringing them inside, covering the hutch with a blanket or giving them extra bedding to burrow in. Exercising your pet throughout the day can tire them out and can allow them to sleep through the display.

6. Use calming supplements

Here at Pets Purest, we supply some of the best calming supplements for dogs during fireworks, such as our Natural Calming Drops which can help to relax your pet in as quick as 20 minutes! Our drops contain Valerian which is a powerful herb that is helpful in situations of stress & anxiety. The second key ingredient; Magnesium has long-term calming effects, which makes it great as a daily supplement to produce an overall calming effect in our animals. We would recommend adding these to your pet’s food in advance. 

Our 100% Natural Grain Free Calming Premium Treats can also be great to use, either on their own or in conjunction with the calming drops. These are a fun way to support your pet during this time. When it comes to calming your cat, anxiety can be reduced by tasty treats such as our 100% Natural North American Catnip. Simply sprinkle around your home or over toys to relax your cat this firework season.

7. Lots of cuddles and attention

Last, but certainly not least, give your companions lots of love and attention. Your pet will look to you to feel safe. Cuddles will help them to feel at home and forget about what is going on outside. Not only this, it can be useful to supervise your pet if they display destructive behaviour in response to fear.

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