How to Prepare Your Pet for Fireworks Season: A Guide to Keeping Them Calm and Safe

by Grace Briggs

Fireworks season is fun for us humans, but for our pets, it can be a time of stress and fear. As celebrations light up the sky, the loud noises, flashes, and vibrations can leave many animals feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Preparing your pet in advance can make a world of difference, helping them feel safe and secure when those unpredictable booms start. Here’s a complete guide to preparing your pet for fireworks season, ensuring they stay as calm and comfortable as possible.

Create a Safe, Cozy Space

Pets feel safer when they have a quiet, enclosed space to retreat to. Before fireworks season starts:

  • Set up a quiet area in your home where your pet can go if they start feeling overwhelmed. This could be a corner of a room with their bed or a crate with a blanket over it.
  • Add familiar toys and bedding to comfort them. Familiar scents can help them feel secure and remind them that they’re in a safe space.
  • Consider soundproofing techniques like closing curtains and windows, which can help to muffle the noise from fireworks outside.

Get Them Used to Firework Sounds Gradually

Desensitising your pet to firework sounds can help them be less reactive:

  • Play firework soundtracks at a low volume during their daily routine and gradually increase the volume over time. Pair this with positive reinforcement, like treats or play, to build a positive association.

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  • Limit exposure time to avoid overwhelming them—short training sessions of a few minutes each day are best.
  • This process may take a few weeks, so the earlier you start, the more comfortable they’ll feel.

Use Calming Aids

Calming products can be a huge help during fireworks season. Here are some pet-safe options:

  • Calming supplements and treats: Many pet-friendly supplements are available that contain natural calming agents, like chamomile or valerian root.

Adaptil Dog Calming Chews Pack Of 30 £31.59 and Dorwest Herbs Calming & Relieving Valerian Compound for Dogs & Cats £27.39

  • Pheromone diffusers and sprays: These release calming scents that mimic the pheromones pets naturally release when they feel safe, helping them relax in stressful situations.

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  • Anxiety wraps or vests: Products like the Thundershirt apply gentle pressure to your pet’s body, which can mimic swaddling and help reduce stress.

Thundershirt Stress & Anxiety Relief Coat For Dogs £31.59

Make sure to try these products in advance so you can confirm that they work for your pet.

Engage in Calming Activities Beforehand

Burning off excess energy beforehand can help pets feel less restless:

  • Exercise earlier in the day: A long walk or a play session can help dogs, cats, and other animals expend energy and feel more relaxed.
  • Incorporate mental stimulation, like puzzle toys, treat mazes, or training games. Mentally stimulating activities are tiring and can help your pet focus their attention elsewhere when the fireworks begin.

Minimise Exposure to the Outdoors

If your pet needs to go outside for any reason:

  • Take them out early in the day before fireworks begin, as it’s safer and can help prevent accidents.
  • Keep pets leashed if you need to take them out in the evening. Many pets run off during fireworks due to fear, so a leash is essential for their safety.
  • For outdoor pets, consider bringing them inside during fireworks events, as they’ll feel safer and be less likely to try to escape.

Distract with White Noise or Music

Distracting your pet from the noise of fireworks can be very helpful:

  • Play soothing music or white noise to help mask the loud booms outside. Classical music, white noise machines, or even TV background sounds can help drown out external noise.
  • Engage them with interactive toys that require focus, like food-dispensing puzzles, to keep them distracted from the sounds outside.

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Practice Calming Techniques Together

Your pet can pick up on your emotions, so staying calm and reassuring can help them feel less afraid:

  • Stay close to them during fireworks if they’re anxious; gently petting them can help if they’re receptive to touch.
  • Remain calm yourself, as pets sense and respond to our stress levels. If you’re calm and composed, they’re more likely to follow suit.
  • Use verbal reassurance in a soothing tone, and offer treats or praise to reward them for calm behaviour.

Plan for After the Fireworks

Sometimes, pets can be stressed for a while after the fireworks are over. Here’s what you can do to help:

  • Engage them in gentle play or a short walk to help them release any lingering tension.
  • Provide a treat or a comfort item, like their favourite blanket or a toy, to help them settle down.
  • If your pet continues to show signs of stress, be patient and consider extra calming support, like a pheromone diffuser, until they’ve fully relaxed.

Stock Up on Pet Safety Essentials

If you know your pet gets especially anxious during fireworks, it’s a good idea to be prepared:

  • Ensure their ID tag is up-to-date with your contact information, just in case they manage to escape.
  • Consider a GPS tracker for your pet’s collar. If they’re a flight risk, this can help you locate them quickly.
  • Make sure you have plenty of calming treats, anxiety wraps, and safe spaces prepared ahead of time so you’re not scrambling when the fireworks start.

Preparing Early = Less Stress for Everyone

Fireworks season can be a challenging time for pet owners, but with a little preparation, it’s possible to help your pet through it comfortably. By creating a safe environment, using calming aids, and being mindful of your pet’s needs, you can reduce the impact fireworks have on their stress levels and keep them feeling safe and loved.

Explore Our Calming Products for Fireworks Season!

At Direct4Pet, we offer a range of calming solutions to help your pet relax during fireworks. From treats and anxiety wraps to calming diffusers, we have what you need to keep your pet feeling safe and secure this season.

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