Fireworks and Your Pets: 9 Ways to Keep Them Safe and Calm

As autumn approaches, many pet owners in the UK prepare for the noise and commotion that comes with Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th. Fireworks displays, which have also become common during Christmas and New Year's celebrations, can be unsettling for your pets. Dogs, cats, small furries, and even horses often experience significant distress from the loud bangs and flashes. This guide covers effective ways to keep your pets safe and calm during fireworks season, helping you minimise their stress and ensure their wellbeing.

1. Plan Ahead for Extended Fireworks Periods

Fireworks are rarely limited to just one night around Guy Fawkes Night. They may be set off several days before and after, including at Halloween, Christmas, and New Year. It is crucial to plan your pet care accordingly, rather than focusing solely on the 5th of November. This helps avoid last-minute scrambling and keeps your pet’s environment secure throughout the fireworks period.

2. Keep Pets Indoors and Secure

Bringing outdoor pets indoors is the safest option during fireworks. For rabbits and guinea pigs, ensure their hutches are moved inside—whether into a quiet room, shed, or garage—well before the fireworks start each evening. Keep cats inside and lock cat flaps, providing them with litter trays in case they do not want to go out. For horses, bank up bedding around the stable walls to cushion any startled movement, and keep stable doors secured while supervising from a safe distance. Apply protective boots or bandages to horses prone to spooking to avoid leg injuries. Walk your dog earlier in the evening to avoid the initial fireworks and ensure they eat and drink adequately to manage stress.

3. Create a Safe Retreat for Dogs and Cats

Many pets naturally seek small, enclosed spaces when frightened. Provide accessible, favourite hiding spots such as under beds, inside cupboards, or specially prepared pet crates. Allow pets to choose where to hide without disturbance or coercion—attempting to remove them only increases anxiety. This refuge becomes a crucial element of their comfort during fireworks.

4. Control Environment As Darkness Falls

When twilight signals the start of fireworks, close curtains or blinds to reduce visual stimuli and lessen the impact of bright flashes. Use background sounds such as music or the television at a moderate volume to mask the noise of fireworks, but do so before the bangs begin to help your pet acclimate calmly rather than startling them further.

5. Manage Your Pet’s Fear Calmly

Stress signs during fireworks include vocalisation, frantic movement, hiding, or trembling. Instead of fussing excessively, which can reinforce fear, remain calm and speak to your pet in a normal, soothing tone, acting as a confident leader. If your pet wants to come out and play, gently encourage this but don’t force interaction. Understand that stress might cause involuntary behaviours like house-soiling or destructiveness—never punish your pet for these instinctive responses.

6. Use Stress-Reducing Products and Techniques

Consider synthetic pheromone products such as DAP for dogs or Feliway for cats, available as collars, sprays, or plug-ins. These can provide a calming effect in the pet’s sanctuary. Nutritional supplements designed to reduce anxiety might also be helpful when advised by your vet. For pets with severe noise phobia, consult a vet regarding behaviour modification programmes or medication if appropriate.

7. Enlist Comfort from Other Familiar Animals

If you have other pets who are not fearful of fireworks, keeping them together can help reassure a distressed animal. This strategy works best with pets already familiar and comfortable with each other. Avoid introducing new animals during high-stress times, as this can worsen anxiety.

8. Ensure Your Pet Has Identification

In the unlikely event your pet escapes in fright during fireworks, proper identification is vital. A microchip is the most reliable method of identification. Additionally, a collar with up-to-date contact details can aid finders in returning your pet safely. Regularly check that all ID tags and microchip registrations are current before fireworks season.

9. Plan Long-Term Noise Desensitisation

Many pets develop ongoing fear of loud noises from repeated fireworks exposure. Training and desensitisation methods can reduce long-term stress and make future fireworks events less distressing. Consult your vet or a professional trainer about suitable programmes to expose your pet gradually and safely to noise simulations, improving their resilience over time.