How to Help Your Pet Cope with Fireworks Anxiety
Fireworks are one of the decorations that can be witnessed at the time of celebrations be it the New Year Eve, Independence Day, or at any kind of local festival. Although humans celebrate with the terrible bright noises, and bright lights, our pets often go through Mexomaniacal fear and blisslessness at the same time. Fireworks are also loud and soundless event for most of our dogs, felines, and other family pets which leads to them believing they are threats and they will get out on exciting chaos such as a flight response.
If your pet seems distressed by fireworks, you should both prepare ahead of time and try to comfort them when the fireworks are going off with such things as trembling, hiding, barking too much, and pacing around.
This article will cover:
- ✔ Why pets fear fireworks
- ✔ Fireworks anxiety signs in pets
- ✔ How to keep your pet calm before, during, and after fireworks
- ✔ Long-term training to decrease sensitivity
- ✔ More tools and resources that may help make your pet safer
If you follow these practical steps, you can have your furry friend remain calm and comfortable during the fireworks season.
What is the reason behind the fireworks phobia in pets?
Animals however do not have the ability to comprehend that fireworks are part of a celebration like humans. The loud noises, bright flashes of light and that strange vibrating motion can be quite terrifying. Lord knows we love our pets, but here is why fireworks make pets anxious:
1. Fireworks are noisy and wild
Fireworks make loud booming noise which can go as high as 150 decibels, louder than the gunshots. Explosions can be startling and jarring to humans, but can wreak havoc on the far more sensitive ears of our pets.
2. Your Pets Have No Clue Where the Noise Is Coming From
Unlike thunderstorms, which send out preliminary signals such as rain and wind, the pyrotechnics appear without warning. It's this uncertainty that makes them all the more scary for animals.
3. Fireworks Set Off A Fight-or-Flight Response
Those loud noises and bright lights trigger an instinctive survival instinct. Many pets react by:
✔ Running to hide (flight)
✔ Barking, growling, or displaying aggressive behavior (fight)
✔ Freezing in fear (freeze)
4. Other Pets Have Had Past Bad Experiences
For those pets that have experienced a negative association with loud noise in the past (gunshots, thunder, construction, etc.), fireworks may actually be perceived as dangerous and thus intensified anxiety.
By knowing what these triggers are you can take the right measures to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable.
Symptoms of Fireworks Anxiety in Dogs
They're obviously not the same pet each time, and not every pet reacts to fireworks in the same way. For others, it can just feel slightly uncomfortable, while for others still, it can manifest in full blown panic attacks. Which common signs of anxiety to watch for:
In Dogs
🐶 Trembling or shaking
🐶 Pacing or restlessness
🐶 Sighing or barking too much
🐶 Seeking refuge under furniture or in corner
🐶 Panting and drooling
🐶 Trying to break-out (pawing at doors, digging or jumping fences)
In Cats
🐱 Hiding in unusual places
🐱 Ears flush or fluffed up fur
🐈 Running or dashing quickly
🐱 Excessive grooming or licking
🐱 Avoiding food and water
If your pet displays any of these behaviors, they require your help to make them safe.
How to Prepare Your Pet Before Fireworks Begin
Preventative measures will keep your pet calm and secure for when the fireworks begin. Before the event, what you can do is something like this:-
1. Create a Safe Space
✔ Prepare somewhere your pet can hide (a quiet, comfortable bedroom, closet, or crate)
✔ Blankets, pet beds, and familiar items for comfort
✔ Shut the windows and draw the curtains to dampen the noise and flashing lights
✔ Turn on the lights to see fireworks flash is not so strong
2. Use Gentle Music or White Noise
✔ Find a fan, tv or white noise machine to cover up some of the noise of fireworks.
✔ Play calming music or dog relax playlists
3. Get Your Pet Some Exercise During The Day
✔ Walk or exercise the dogs to burn off excess energy
✔ Play with cats to exhaust them with some task or trick toys
A dog who has had plenty of exercise will be less likely to get stressed or hyper when the fireworks start.
4. Feed Your Pet Early
✔ Serve dinner ahead of the fireworks: nervous pets may not be interested in eating afterwards
✔ Deliver a treat-dispensing toy or chew to keep them pre-occupied
5. Ensure Your Pet’s Safety
✓ Ensure your pet is chipped and has a secure id tag
✔ Leash or harness (to take them outside)
✔ All doors, windows and gates are securely closed
This can help prevent your pet from bolting if they get frightened.
Tips To Help Your Pet Remain Calm Over Fireworks
If you must be with your pet (and you should) when the fireworks start, do these things to help keep them calm:
1. Stay Calm and Act Normal
Your pet is relying on you for reassurance — try to remain calm and chill.
✔ Do not be overly worried or anxious, this will confirm their fear
✔ Use a calming tone and reinforce calmness
2. Put on a Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap
✔ These close-fitting clothes provide gentle pressure, like a hug
✔ Makes a huge number of pets feel safe and comfortable
3. Consider using Pheromone Diffusers or Calming Sprays
✔ DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromones) or Feliway for cats to de-stress
✔ In Multiple Forms: plug-in diffusers, spray, or collar
4. Offer Comforting Distractions
✔ Offer a chew toy, puzzle feeder or a frozen treat
✔ Play a low-key inside game (like tug-of-war)
5. Never Make Your Pet Face Their Fear
✔ Do NOT haul them outside for fireworks
✔ Let Them Hide If They Are More Comfortable In A Quiet Space
Your aim should be to keep them feeling as naturally relaxed as possible until the noise subsides.
Extensive practice to lower anxiety over fireworks
For pets with severe fireworks anxiety, long-term desensitization and counterconditioning may be warranted.
1. The Training For Sound Desensitization
Treats or play while listening to firework sounds at a super low volume, ✔
✔ Increase volume slowly over weeks, reward calmness
✓ Eventually your pet would connect sound with positive things
2. Positive Reinforcement Training
✔ Give Treats, Compliments or Petting for Calm Behavior
✔ Do not scold, this could make you more fearful and confused
3. See the Vet for Serious Cases
✔ Consult with your vet about using anti-anxiety medication if your pet is extremely anxious
✔ Natural remedies like CBD oil (check with your vet) for some pets
Repeat training leads to a lot of pets becoming less bomb-proof to fireworks.
Extra Utilities and Resources
So here are some helpful products and resources if fireworks make your pet anxious:
✔ Thundershirt – A compression wrap for anxiety relief
⭐ White Sound Devices — Help get rid of hiccups in the night
✔ Soothing Treats — Herbal chews using chamomile, valerian root or melatonin
✅Diffusers like Adaptil or Feliway – They release pheromones that help calm them down
✔ Fireworks sound training apps — For gradual desensitization
Finding a mix of these tools will really help your pup or kitty feel the most comfortable.
Conclusion
While fireworks anxiety is distressing for our furry friends, there are things you can do to keep your pet calm and secure. But with a little preparation, finding a peaceful place, and techniques to unwind, you can avoid too much tension and keep extreme fear responses at bay.
For those furbabies who have extreme fear, find a way to start long-term desensitization training or speak to your vet to see if any additional medications might help.