How to Calm an Anxious Pet During Fireworks Season?

Fireworks have been a marker of celebrations and festivities for centuries. While they create dazzling displays in the sky, they also have negative effects. Beyond environmental concerns, the loud noises and bright flashes can cause immense stress and anxiety for pets. 

Whether it is Diwali, New Year’s Eve, or a major sports victory, fireworks are an unavoidable part of festivities. Since you cannot control when or where they happen, it’s essential to take steps to keep your pet safe and calm.

Here Are 7 Tips to Calm Your Pet During Fireworks

Keeping Your Pet Calm During Fireworks

Keep Your Pet Indoors and Away from Fireworks

The best way to protect your pet is to prevent exposure altogether. If you expect fireworks in your area, avoid taking your pet outside. Instead, engage them in indoor activities, like playing with their favourite toy or giving them a treat puzzle. 

If the noise is too overwhelming at home, a short drive to a quieter location can help. Fill a small corner or secluded space with familiar scents in your car to distract them from the constant sounds. Finding an open area or driving a few kilometres outside the city can offer some relief. 

Create a Safe Space

Set up a comfortable, enclosed area where your pet feels secure. A quiet room, a covered crate, or a basement without windows can help reduce the intensity of the sounds and flashing lights. 

Introduce this space to your pet ahead of time to help build a positive association. Add comforting items like their favourite blanket, toy, or an item with your scent. Keeping doors and windows closed will further block out noise and flashing lights.

Ensure Proper Identification

Since fear and panic can cause pets to run away during fireworks displays, it is crucial to ensure they have proper identification. Pet microchipping is the best way to help locate a lost pet, but a secure collar with updated contact information is also helpful in case your pet panics and slips off their leash. Make sure their records are up to date so they can be safely returned if they get lost.

Offer Comfort and Reassurance

Your pet looks to you for security. During fireworks, stay with them, speak in a soothing tone, and offer gentle touches. Cuddling, petting, or simply sitting close can provide reassurance. Playing calming music or using a white noise machine can also help drown out the loud sounds. Since pets pick up on human emotions, staying calm will help them feel more secure.

Desensitize Your Pet to Fireworks

Gradual exposure to fireworks sounds can help reduce anxiety. Start by playing low-volume recordings of fireworks while engaging in a positive activity, like feeding treats or playing. Slowly increase the volume over time, always pairing the noise with something enjoyable. This training takes patience but can significantly reduce stress during actual fireworks events.

Use Anxiety-Reducing Aids

There are several products designed to ease pet anxiety. Anxiety wraps or calming shirts can provide gentle pressure that helps reduce stress. Pheromone diffusers and sprays can also create a calming atmosphere. If your pet has extreme anxiety, consult a veterinarian about possible medications or natural remedies.

Adjust Your Pet’s Routine

Try to schedule exercise and potty breaks before fireworks begin. A well-exercised pet is more likely to be tired and relaxed. Feeding them a little earlier in the evening can also help, as a full stomach promotes relaxation.

As pet parents, it is our responsibility to protect our furry companions during stressful times. By taking proactive steps, creating a safe environment, ensuring identification, offering comfort, and using desensitization techniques, you can help your pet navigate fireworks season with less anxiety. 

Our pets cannot express to us when they feel scared or threatened, we need to read their body language and signals to piece the puzzle. The best thing to keep your pet calm is to be calm with them.