Firework-Season Pet Preparedness Guide

Dogs

• Create a cosy den or calm retreat in a low-noise room — fill it with familiar blankets and toys.
• Practise short sessions with low-level recorded firework sounds (desensitisation), gradually increasing volume over several days.
• Ensure your dog is microchipped, the chip is registered, and ID tags are up to date.
• Speak to your vet about calming aids — pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or supplements.
• If your dog has severe noise phobia, book a vet appointment early — prescription-only medication can take time to source.

Cats

• Provide multiple hiding spots — cardboard boxes, open wardrobes, and under-bed access.
• Consider a pheromone diffuser (e.g. Feliway) in the room your cat prefers.
• Check that your cat is microchipped and registered in case they bolt outdoors.
• If your cat goes outdoors, practise keeping them in for short evening periods ahead of firework dates.

Horses & Livestock

• Survey your field — check fencing is secure and there are no sharp objects they could injure themselves on if startled.
• Speak to neighbouring landowners about planned displays and ask for advance notice.
• Plan whether your horse is calmer in a stable or in a familiar field — every horse is different.

Small Animals & Birds

• Move hutches and cages indoors or into a garage / shed (ensure ventilation).
• Cover cages partially with a thick blanket to muffle sound — leave ventilation gaps.
• Provide extra bedding for burrowing.

Around the Home

• Close all windows, doors, and cat flaps. Draw curtains or blinds to block flashes.
• Turn on the TV, radio, or a calming music playlist at moderate volume to mask bangs.
• Keep rooms well-lit to reduce the contrast of flashes through gaps in curtains.

With Your Pets

• Walk dogs well before dark. Keep them on a lead even in enclosed gardens.
• Bring outdoor cats inside before dusk.
• Allow your pet to hide wherever they feel most comfortable — do not force them out.
• Stay calm and behave normally. Pets pick up on your anxiety.
• Offer a favourite treat or a long-lasting chew to provide a positive distraction.
• Do not punish fearful behaviour — trembling, panting, and hiding are normal stress responses.

If Your Pet Panics

• Stay nearby but don’t crowd them. Gentle, quiet reassurance is fine.
• If they seek comfort, offer calm physical contact — stroking can lower heart rate.
• If they prefer to hide, let them. Ensure their hiding spot is safe (no loose wires, no risk of getting stuck).

• Check your garden for firework debris before letting pets out — spent cartridges, sparkler wires, and chemical residue can be harmful.
• Resume normal routines as soon as possible to help your pet settle.
• If your pet escaped, check local social media lost-and-found groups, contact your microchip database, and call local vets and shelters.
• If your pet was very distressed, note what helped and what didn’t — this is valuable information for next year or for a vet consultation.