Fireworks and pets: 10 ways to help reduce their anxiety
Fireworks and pets rarely mix well, and keeping your furry friend calm on Bonfire Night can feel impossible. With fireworks season lasting for weeks, many cats and dogs face nights filled with noise, flashes and unfamiliar smells that can leave them anxious or unsettled.
The good news is that with the right preparation and a few tried and tested techniques, you can help your pet feel safe and secure this Bonfire Night and beyond.
Why Fireworks Scare Pets
Fireworks are loud, unpredictable and smell strange, which makes them frightening for most pets. Cats and dogs also have much more sensitive hearing than humans, so those big bangs can feel overwhelming and even painful.
Your pet may never love fireworks, but there are plenty of ways to ease their anxiety and help them stay comfortable at home.
If your pet has an extreme or worsening fear of fireworks, it’s best to speak to your vet. They can check for any medical issues and may refer you to an animal behaviourist for additional support.
How to Spot a Scared Pet on Bonfire Night
Every pet reacts differently, but common signs of fear or stress include:
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Trembling or shaking
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Hiding or refusing to go outside
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Excessive barking, meowing or panting
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Accidents indoors or loss of appetite
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Seeking extra attention or avoiding contact altogether
If you have an outdoor cat, introduce a litter tray indoors before fireworks season starts so they can stay safely inside when the noise begins.
10 Ways to Keep Pets Calm on Bonfire Night
1️⃣ Firework Desensitisation Training
If possible, start preparing months before fireworks season. Play recordings of firework sounds quietly while your cat or dog is relaxed or distracted with toys and treats. Gradually increase the volume over time so they learn that the sounds are nothing to worry about.
We like using this short firework desensitisation video, which is about ten minutes long and ideal for daily sessions.
The earlier you start, especially with kittens and puppies, the less likely your pet will be fearful as they grow up.
2️⃣ Feed Your Pet Slightly Earlier
Some pets lose their appetite when fireworks begin, so feed them a little earlier in the evening before the noise starts. You can also offer calming treats such as our Nibbles: Calming Dog Treats with lemon balm and chamomile, or our Calming Krunchies Cat Treats made with tasty chicken and valerian to help soothe your pet naturally.
3️⃣ Create a Safe, Cosy Space
Give your pet a quiet spot where they can hide and feel secure.
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For dogs: Use their crate or a quiet corner, lined with blankets and covered with a towel to soften the noise.
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For cats: Choose a space up high or under a bed or blanket where they feel safe.
Start encouraging them to use this space before fireworks season begins by rewarding them with treats and praise.
4️⃣ Tire Them Out During the Day
A tired pet is a calmer pet. Take your dog for a longer walk than usual, or add extra play sessions for your cat to help them release energy before the evening begins. The more relaxed and sleepy they feel, the better.
5️⃣ Keep Your Pet Indoors
Even if your pet seems calm, it’s best to keep them indoors when fireworks are being set off. Pets often hide their fear, and running away from noise is an instinctive reaction.
Close windows, doors and curtains to reduce both noise and flashes, and stay nearby to reassure them.
6️⃣ Apply Gentle Pressure
Some pets find comfort in gentle pressure, which helps reduce anxiety.
Products like the ThunderShirt use this principle to apply a constant, light pressure around your pet’s body. If you try one, introduce it gradually and reward calm behaviour with treats. Not every pet responds to this, but it’s worth testing to see if it helps yours feel more relaxed.
7️⃣ Play Soothing Music
There are tons of relaxing, soothing music available to buy to help keep your cat or dog calm. Lots of these are available on YouTube so you can find the right sound that works for your pet. Be warned – some of these tunes are incredibly catchy and you may find yourself humming along outside of fireworks season. Here’s one of Smudge’s favourites, “Squeaky Deaky” and I can’t lie we tend to bop along too. Yoga music tends to work wonders as well.
8️⃣ Try Calming Sprays or Pheromones
Pheromone-based sprays, tablets and diffusers can help some pets feel calmer.
We love Pet Remedy, a natural blend of valerian, vetiver, basil and sage that’s safe to use on pets, bedding and furniture. It’s made in the UK and available as sprays, diffusers and wipes.
We’ve found the calming wipes especially helpful for Smudge. Simply wipe gently around the muzzle, under the chin and across the chest for a soothing effect within minutes.
9️⃣ Stay Calm Yourself
Pets are incredibly perceptive and pick up on your emotions. If you act anxious, they’ll assume there’s a reason to be worried.
Stay calm, speak softly and behave as you normally would. Offer comfort if they come to you, but avoid over-fussing if they don’t. Simply being nearby is often enough.
🔟 Be There for Them
The most important thing you can do is stay home and keep your pets company.
Never leave them outside or alone during fireworks. More pets go missing on Bonfire Night than at any other time of year, so make sure they’re microchipped and wearing an up-to-date ID tag, just in case.
What Not to Do During Fireworks
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Don’t pick up or restrain your pet if they don’t want it.
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Don’t punish them for fearful behaviour.
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Don’t leave pets outside during fireworks.
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Don’t act overly worried or frantic, as this can reinforce their fear.
Keeping calm, staying close and letting your pet set the pace is the best approach.
Fun for All: Firework Alternatives
Fireworks don’t just affect pets. They can reach up to 120 decibels, which is above the World Health Organisation’s pain threshold for hearing. Many people and wildlife species are affected too.
Some towns, like Collechio in Italy, have switched to “quiet” fireworks to protect animals. If you’re hosting a celebration, why not try a laser light show instead? It’s colourful, eco-friendly and much kinder to the animal kingdom.
Fun for all?
Outside of cats and dogs, the loud bangs of fireworks can cause unease and disruption for many other animals including humans. Fireworks are much louder than the 120 decibels pain threshold listed by the World Health Organisation and can lead to hearing loss. Did you know that by law a town in Italy, Collechio, only has quiet fireworks display?
Are you planning on hosting a party during fireworks season? Why not up the ante and throw a laser light show and dazzle your guests with something that’s both an eco-friendly alternative and one the animal kingdom will thank you for.
🗓️ Key Firework Dates to Prepare For
Keep these common firework events in your diary so you can plan ahead:
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5 November – Bonfire Night
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14 November – Diwali
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24 December – Christmas Eve
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25 December – Christmas Day
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26 December – Boxing Day
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31 December – New Year’s Eve
Planning ahead is crucial and thankfully there are key dates for you to stay prepared. Outside of these dates, there may be other parties involving fireworks so continue to keep your survival kit at the ready.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments and if you’ve found any useful tips for keeping your pets happy during fireworks, please do share.
