Fireworks and Pets

Fireworks have become a staple of this holiday and many others in the US.  In the United States our 4th of July holiday is the number 1 day, more than any other day of the year, where the most pets go missing.  It is really a sad thing for me to be saying.  This is just one reason why it is always a fantastic idea to have your pet microchipped with up to date contact information as well as ID tags with up to date information on your pets at all times.

So let's talk a bit about why fireworks are so scary for pets.

First and foremost they are loud! Dogs and cats' hearing is much more acute than ours and they can hear sounds from much further away.  Just like your dog may know before you do that a thunderstorm is coming, it is the same idea.  So when there are loud booms, crackles and whistles, it can be very alarming for your pet.

Fireworks are unpredictable.  As humans we know holidays such as new years, independence days and many more will have fireworks so we can be prepared.  To our pets it is just another day and those fireworks come with no warning. The loud noises and flashes of lights sound and look different each time, plus come at varying intervals, so dogs and cats cannot get used to them.

Fireworks can pose a threat. The noise and unpredictability of fireworks leads many dogs to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide. He may show other signs of anxiety, too, like restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.

Fireworks can make your pet feel trapped.  Fireworks are inescapable on holidays like Independence Day. So if the noises trigger your dog’s flight response, he will try to run from the threat. Unfortunately, there’s often nowhere to go, as you can still hear those loud booms indoors.  This is why some pets such as indoor cats may try to escape outside to find a place they cannot hear them or a dog in a fenced yard may break free.

As you can see, pets have good reasons to fear fireworks. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help your pet feel safe and secure.  

Keep your pets indoors, even outdoor pets.  Even if your dog spends most of his time outdoors or you have an indoor/outdoor cat, bring him inside during firework displays. This will prevent him from running away when he feels scared, which can put him in danger.

Give your pet a safe place to go to when they get scared.  If your dog is crate-trained, make his crate available, as that’s probably already a safe space for him. If not, put him in a bathroom or other small room with music or white noise to help drown out the boom of fireworks. Bringing his bed, blankets and toys into the room can make him feel more comfortable.

Try a calming wrap or thundershirt.  Calming wraps, vests and shirts apply light, constant pressure. Many dogs and cats find this soothing and calming. You may find such products help in other anxiety-inducing situations, like thunderstorms.  While this does not work for my dog, I do know people who have had great success with products like this.

You can try to desensitize your pet. Start working with your dog far enough in advance to desensitize him to fireworks and other loud noises. You can start this process by playing fireworks sounds on a low level while playing with your dog and giving him treats. Over time, slowly increase the sound of the fireworks during these play sessions. Eventually, your dog will associate the sound of fireworks with fun and play. You have to be very careful with this, and it takes a lot of time.  You cannot rush desensitizing your pet to loud noises as it could make things worse for both them and you.

Walk your pet early in the day.  If you know there will be fireworks on a particular day, they typically do not start until the sun begins to go down.  Take time earlier in the day and give your dog a good long walk, this can help tire them out before celebrations begin.

Not all pets are afraid of fireworks, but it’s important to remember your pet will take cues from you. If you make a big deal out of them when he’s not scared, he may eventually develop anxiety about fireworks. So make an effort to keep your pet calm, but remember to remain calm yourself.  When you understand why pets are scared of fireworks, you can better address your pet’s fears and help him stay calm.