Keeping Pets Safe and Calm During Fireworks Season: Tips for Dogs, Cats, and Small Mammals

Fireworks are a part of festive celebrations, but they can be stressful for pets. The loud, sudden noises can trigger fear and anxiety, especially in dogs, cats and small mammals. Here’s a guide from RATS Animal Rescue on helping your pets stay safe and calm during fireworks, ensuring they feel secure and comfortable.

Understanding the Issue

The loud, unpredictable nature of fireworks can cause a fight-or-flight response in animals. Dogs and cats, with their sensitive hearing, often become anxious or try to hide, while small mammals may panic, burrow or freeze. As a pet owner, you can take several steps to minimise their distress.

1. Create a Safe Haven for Pets

Setting up a cozy, secure space for your pet to retreat is essential. This could be a crate, a small room or a familiar area where your pet already feels safe. Adding familiar items like bedding, toys and treats can make this space even more comforting. Make sure this space is available and accessible before the fireworks begin.

2. Use White Noise or Calming Music

Soft background noise can help mask the sound of fireworks. Many pet owners find success with white noise machines, calming music, or specific playlists designed for pets. This soothing sound can help drown out the loud booms and ease your pet’s anxiety.

3. Keep Them Indoors

During fireworks displays, keep pets indoors with windows and doors closed to reduce noise. For dogs, ensure they’re walked earlier in the day. Avoid letting any pet outside unsupervised, as their instinct may be to run and hide. Close curtains or blinds to block out flashing lights that can be frightening.

4. Provide Extra Bedding for Small Mammals

Small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds are especially sensitive to loud sounds. For these pets, extra bedding can offer a comforting place to burrow. Moving their cage or hutch to a quieter area, such as a garage, can also help reduce noise exposure. Covering cages with a blanket (while allowing ventilation) can further muffle sounds and block out sudden lights.

5. Ensure ID and Microchips are Up-to-Date

In the rare case that a pet does escape, proper identification is essential. For dogs and cats, make sure they’re wearing an ID tag and are microchipped, with current contact information. This increases the likelihood of a quick reunion should they get lost.

6. Resist Coddling or Scolding

While it’s natural to want to comfort pets, avoid reinforcing their fear. Don’t scold or overly soothe anxious pets; instead, act calm and provide a positive environment. For dogs, consider distractions like chew toys or snuffle mats to focus their attention away from the noise.

7. Talk to Your Vet about Calming Aids

For pets with severe anxiety, consult your vet about calming, pheromone-based products to help create a soothing effect. In extreme cases, medication may also be recommended to keep pets comfortable.

Extra Tips for Dogs

Early Walks: Take your dog for a walk earlier in the day to avoid being outside when fireworks start.

Den Space: Create a den or small, comfortable area for your dog to hide. This can be a crate or even a cardboard box with blankets, in a quiet, interior room.

Stay Close: Dogs often find comfort in your presence, so, if possible, stay home during fireworks to provide them with reassurance.

Extra Tips for Cats

Indoor-Only Time: Keep cats indoors during fireworks, and ensure they have access to litter trays.

High Hiding Spots: Cats may seek high places to feel safe. Make sure they have access to spaces like shelves, or safe areas under the bed.

Leave Them Be: Don’t try to coax a cat out of its hiding spot; let them decide when they feel safe enough to emerge.

Keeping Small Mammals Calm

Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and birds need extra consideration:

Move Cages to Quiet Spots: Place cages in a calm, indoor area, away from the main noise.

Extra Bedding: Provide additional bedding for burrowing, which helps them feel safe.

Cover Enclosures: If you can’t bring a hutch indoors, turn it to face a wall and cover it with a thick blanket to dampen noise, while ensuring ventilation.

Final Thoughts

Fireworks can be stressful for pets, but with a few precautions, you can help them feel secure. From creating a safe retreat to using calming aids, these steps will make