Keeping Your Pet Safe During Firework Season

Many humans are big fans of fireworks, but pets are not. Firework displays can be very distressing for cats and dogs, with bright lights and loud noises often leaving them cowering. Fireworks don’t just cause stress and anxiety for pets – they can also be dangerous, causing serious injuries if they come into contact with them accidentally. Keeping your pet safe during firework season is crucial. Read on to find out how to do this. 

Don’t Leave Your Pet Alone

Staying with your pet during a fireworks display is a good way to reassure them and keep them calm. Your presence can create a sense of comfort and make them feel relaxed. You’ll also get the chance to keep an eye on your pet’s behaviour and well-being if you remain by their side. If you do find that you need to leave your pet when fireworks are being set off, it’s a good idea to ask a friend or relative to stay with them.

Try To Distract Them

Another way to keep your pet calm during a fireworks display is to try and distract them. When your pet is focused on something else, this can make them feel more secure. Consider giving them their favourite toy or offering them treats. Pet toys are great for keeping your cat or dog occupied and mentally stimulating them. Ideally, opt for treats that take quite a while for them to consume.

Obscure The Noise

Masking the noise caused by fireworks can sometimes help to keep pet calm during fireworks. This can be highly effective when it comes to minimising anxiety and fear. Some people use white noise machines which can create ongoing background noise. You can also find sounds that appeal to pets on streaming playlists and apps. Nature sounds can also be helpful, as can soft music. Closing doors and windows can block much of the noise coming from outside. Consider using thick curtains and weatherstripping. The latter can seal gaps which would otherwise let external noise inside your home.

Keep Your Pets Indoors

Another tip for keeping your pet safe during firework season is to keep them inside when fireworks are being set off nearby. You should also lock your windows and doors so they can’t escape. Make sure cats inside the house, and only allow dogs out on a lead so they can relieve themselves. Keeping your dog on a lead gives you full control over their movements, helping to ensure they don’t run away. 

Create A Safe And Relaxing Environment

Try and create an environment that’s as safe and soothing for your pet as possible. You could place them inside a small, cosy room, adding their familiar items to it such as their bed, food bowl, water bowl and toys. This can prevent the situation from becoming too overwhelming for them. Some people use pheromone diffusers to make the environment more soothing.

Close You Curtains Or Blinds

Closing your blinds or curtains when fireworks begin can keep visual stimulation to a minimum. The bright lights caused by fireworks can be as stressful for some pets as the noise. Creating a dark, enclosed environment can reassure pets that they are both safe and protected. This can help to reduce feelings of anxiety. 

Try to desensitize your pet to loud noises. You can do this by playing pre-recorded noises of fireworks in the run-up to bonfire night so they’re prepared for the real thing. You could start by playing these noises at a low volume at first then subtly increasing it over time.

Talk To Your Vet

You could also speak to your veterinarian if you need extra guidance on preparing your pet for firework season. It’s perfectly understandable that you may also feel distressed if your pet becomes anxious during firework displays. Your vet can tell you about potential treatments and give you bespoke solutions to address the specific anxiety triggers of your pet. They may advise that you make small adjustments to your daily routine and could also prescribe anxiety-reducing medication.

Consider Using Kennels Or Other Boarding Facilities

If you decide it’s best that your pet isn’t around during firework displays, you could consider using dog boarding facilities. This can be a great way to protect them from the fear and anxiety that can result from the loud noises and bright lights of fireworks.

Boarding facilities tend to be run by highly experienced staff who know exactly how to manage anxiety within pets. They are also normally incredibly safe and secure. This means there is little to no chance of them escaping if a firework display is taking place nearby. 

Kennel staff can ensure your pet receives round-the-clock supervision and can tailor their services to the specific requirements of your beloved cat or dog. They can also use anxiety-reducing strategies to keep them calm.

How To Find The Right Pet Boarding Facility

If you do want to use a pet boarding facility, there are several steps that you can take to find the right one for your needs. Heading online to read genuine reviews and look at ratings can help you identify a quality service.

You could also ask friends and family members if they have any specific dog boarding facilities to recommend. You may need to book in advance as these facilities can become booked up quickly in the run-up to Bonfire Night. Ask as many questions as you feel you need to and find out exactly what the facility can offer your pet.

Always remember that not matter whether you require dog boarding kennels in Sheffield, Liverpool or London always ensure you use a reputable boarding facility.