Events

Tips to keep your Pet safe; Dogs, Cats & Fireworks

Unlike a lot of humans, dogs & cats can be scared of fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights of fireworks can be very frightening for your pets, but there are things you can do to minimise their stress levels. Try to keep you cats & dogs indoors once it’s dark & before the fireworks begin.  

7 WAYS TO HELP YOUR DOG THROUGH FIREWORKS SEASON 

1. Avoid letting your dog outdoors at times when fireworks are likely to go off. 

Take your dog for a nice long walk well before dark. If your dog is particularly scared of fireworks, you may want to feed them early too. 

2. Create a ‘safe place’ inside your home for your dog to hide from fireworks. 

A table draped with a blanket is a great retreat, or if your dog is used to being in a crate, cover it and leave it open with blankets inside. Don’t lock your dog in the crate, as this can be even more stressful for them. Give your dog options so they can choose where to hide.

3. The sudden bang of fireworks can be masked by keeping a radio or TV on, which can reduce the impact noises. 

4. Always draw the curtains or cover the windows to minimise the lights from the fireworks.

It’s not only the sound of fireworks that can cause distress for dogs, but also the light and flashes across the sky. Leave lights on indoors to reduce the impact of the flashes too. 

5. Don’t confine your dog to one room as they may hurt themselves trying to get out, particularly if they become stressed. 

Dogs may also be most comfortable curled up in their usual spot with you rather than a designated 'safe place’, so allow them access to all safe areas of the house. 

6. If your dog can see that fireworks have no effect on you, this may help decrease their anxiety. 

Animals are highly perceptive and will notice if you’re behaving unusually. Following your dog around or being overly affectionate may cause them to feel nervous or confused. You can still reassure your pet, by playing with their favourite toy for example but try to behave as normally as possible. The more you change your behaviour, the more anxious your dog may become. 

7. Provide dogs with a long-lasting chew to help keep them distracted. 

You can try stuffing a  puzzle toy  such as a  KONG  with layers of food to keep your dog occupied. Lickimats are a fantastic way to help your dog de -stress. We sell a huge range of them at Pet Pit Stop. 

We also stock lots of natural products at Pet Pit Stop to help calm your Pets: 

Wash Bar - Stay Calm Pet Spritzer 

Silberhorn - Petcalm capsules 

Tagiwig - Homeopathic drops Fear Less 

Insanely Calm – Thunder Shirts