Keeping Your Pet Safe During Firework Season

- What are fireworks?
- How to help at home
- Top tips for pets
- After the fireworks
- What not to do
- The bigger picture
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- References

As the weather cools down and nights get darker, many pet owners are only too aware that this means firework season is approaching. Although a well-managed display can be a pleasure to watch, unfortunately for most of us fireworks mean unexpected loud noises, flashes of light, and weeks of worry.

“How can I support my pet during firework season?” is one of the questions most commonly asked to vets in Autumn. Thankfully, for most pets, changes at home are enough to settle their nerves and see them through. For a small number of pets, the fear is severe and is a genuine noise phobia. This can be harder to manage but treatment is possible.

What are fireworks?

Fireworks are low-explosive pyrotechnics used around the world to celebrate cultural and religious festivities. In the UK, they are traditionally used to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, on 5^th November. They are also commonly used to celebrate other winter festivities, such as Diwali, New Year's Eve, and Chinese New Year. Laws have been tightened in the UK since 2005, with fireworks only allowed to be sold between set dates, and to people over the age of 18. Unfortunately, this does not stop fireworks being let off outside of displays throughout the winter months. There is increasing popularity for “silent fireworks” as these are less noisy, but not completely silent.

In 2023, there were approximately 12 million dogs in the UK, living in just over 30% of households^[1]. Studies in both the UK and New Zealand have reported that approximately half of dogs show some behavioural signs of fear when exposed to fireworks or similar loud sounds^[2], suggesting up to 6 million dogs in the UK could be experiencing fear during firework season^[3]. This is a major concern, and one which has prompted the Dogs Trust to conduct a study in conjunction with the University of Salford, aiming to better understand dog behaviour in response to firework noise^[4]. Check out a summary of the study's findings so far.

One study asked over 1200 dog owners living around the world to complete a survey to explore the severity and progression of firework fears^[5]. As in previous studies, approximately half the dogs showed some signs of fear response. Of these, over 50% returned to normal behaviour within an hour or less of hearing the fireworks. Many more were back to normal the following day, with approximately 5% of dogs taking a week or more to fully return to normal. If we consider that fireworks may be heard on multiple consecutive nights, it is essential we do everything we can to lessen the impact on our canine friends.

How to help at home

When we know that fireworks are likely to occur, we can modify our pets’ environment and routine to reduce the impact. Some simple changes around the house can help reduce stress for both dogs, cats and small pets. All pets should be moved or kept inside the house from dusk until the following morning. Not only can bonfires and fireworks injure pets if they get too close, but sudden loud noises can cause them to panic, increasing the number of traffic accidents, escaped pets and fights between pets kept together. If your dog has to miss some walks for a few weeks don’t worry; safety is more important.

Try to keep a relatively stable routine in the lead-up, and once fireworks do start, try and act as normally as possible. Shut any curtains or blinds to block flashes of light. Having background noise such as the TV, radio or music won’t stop your dog hearing the fireworks but can help reduce the impact of a sudden, loud noise. Pets will look to you for reassurance, and seeing you carry on as usual can help them understand that there is nothing to worry about.

Not all pets will want to hide, but it is helpful to make a safe space that they can retreat in to if they choose. Ideally this will smell familiar and be in a room they would choose to spend time in. A dog crate is ideal; cover with a thick blanket and add a comfy bed and one or two favourite toys, or some treats. Cats may choose to hide under a bed or sofa, but cardboard boxes will often be gratefully received. If your pet has a hiding place they prefer, move food and water nearby so they don’t have to leave this area until they feel confident enough to come out.

Top Tips for Pets

Dogs

Walk them before dark so they are home before any fireworks start
If there is any possibility of fireworks going off make sure collars/harnesses are tight enough and don’t allow them off-lead
Make sure identity tags and microchip details are up to date so that if pets do run off, they are able to be reunited with you
Use food-stuffed toys like a Kong to distract from the noise

Cats

If cats normally toilet outside, introduce a litter tray a few weeks before fireworks so they are used to this option
Make sure litter trays are easily accessible from their chosen hiding place; covered trays are preferable to open ones
In multi-cat households consider whether cats are better kept in separate rooms, as close confinement can be more stressful
Make sure identity tags and microchip details are up to date so that if pets do escape, they can be reunited with you

Small Pets

There is no need to ignore a scared pet, and this can make anxiety worse. It is important that you stay calm and, if possible, continue with a normal routine. Try not to encourage or praise the behaviour, but provide reassurance through talking or touching your pet. Rather than just cuddling or stroking, try to provide distraction such as playing or working for treats if they are willing. Puzzle feeders or slow-release toys can work well to distract food-orientated dogs. Providing high-value treats or play after a loud noise is known as counter-conditioning and can be very effective to reduce firework phobias.

After the fireworks

Once the fireworks finish, give your pet time and space to settle. They are likely to remain on “high alert” for some time, so keep the environment calm to encourage them to relax. Offer food and water, but do not pressure them to eat. Dogs that have been inside for several hours may need the toilet – make sure the fireworks have finished before taking them out, and use a secure lead and collar so they cannot bolt if startled. It may be tempting to stay with your dog all night; this is not wrong, but be mindful that if this is not their normal routine and it could add to the anxiety for some dogs.

Most pets will return to normal within an hour of the fireworks stopping, or by the next morning. If your dog is demonstrating a prolonged reaction to fireworks, it is better to seek advice from your vet sooner rather than later.

What not to do during fireworks

Pets do not understand what fireworks are, and seeing them from a distance or up close will not help reduce a fear response. Never force your dog to watch fireworks through a window, take them to a display, or leave them outside. This would not only be traumatic as they cannot get away from the source of the fear, but carries a huge risk of injury or escape.

Never punish your dog for showing signs of fear, even if the symptoms are things they “should know better”, such as being destructive or toileting in the house. During a time of extreme fear, the brain can bypass logical thinking or known rules, and instead is focussed purely on survival. Your dog has not suddenly decided to ignore or unlearn rules they once knew, and punishing them will not prevent the same behaviours if they are exposed to an extreme fear again. Instead, we need to work on reducing their fear so that they remain calm and in control, and fully aware of their training. It is also important that you are seen as a safe space, and a person they can trust; becoming angry can damage this bond.

The Bigger Picture: Advocacy and Awareness

Fireworks do not just cause fear in dogs. Cats, horses, wildlife and even people can be severely traumatised by the sounds of fireworks, and animals kept outside are at very high risk of panicking, escaping, and becoming injured.

In 2019, the RSPCA launched their #BangOutOfOrder campaign to increase awareness and try and increase legal restrictions about when and where fireworks can be sold and used. You can read more about the campaign, download resources, complete their survey, and contact your local MP through their website.

Conclusion

Fireworks can be stressful and potentially dangerous for pets. Changes to your routine and their environment can make a big difference, and should ideally be considered well in advance of firework season starting. For severely affected dogs, see our separate article about noise phobias for more advice.

Ultimately, making it harder to get hold of fireworks and limiting when their use is permitted is the only way to limit the effect on our pets. The RSPCA are campaigning for change, and you can contact your local MP through their website to add your voice to their campaign.

FAQs

Should I leave my dog alone during fireworks?

Should I hug my dog during fireworks?

If your dog is seeking physical contact for reassurance, there is no reason not to give them a cuddle. If possible, try to distract them with a treat, toy, or game as this will be more effective in reducing their fear response. If your dog is very anxious and avoiding physical contact, do not force them to be hugged.

How long does it take for a dog to recover from fireworks?

References and Further Reading

^{[1] - UK Pet Population | UK Pet Food}

^{[2]- Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs: Prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear related behaviour | ScienceDirect}

^{[3]- Full article: A survey of owners' perceptions of fear of fireworks in a sample of dogs and cats in New Zealand (tandfonline.com)}

^{[4] -}^{Fireworks: Research. Our research to date on fireworks | Dogs Trust}

^{[5] - Not a one-way road—Severity, progression and prevention of firework fears in dogs | PLOS ONE}

Disclaimer

Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.