Fireworks And Pets: How to Prepare Now
Bonfire Night and fireworks season can be one of the most stressful times of year for pets. Many dogs and cats react with panic, trembling, hiding, or destructive behaviour — and the effects can last for days or weeks. The good news: with the right preparation starting now, you can dramatically reduce your pet’s fear and make November 5 far more manageable.
1. Why fireworks cause such severe reactions
Fireworks are loud, unpredictable, and create unusual visual stimuli — everything that triggers a strong stress response in animals. Their acute hearing makes explosions far louder to them than to us, and the suddenness of the noises makes it hard to predict or cope. Many pets also associate the night (darkness) with fewer escape routes, increasing fear.
2. Start prepping now — timeline & practical steps
4+ Weeks Before
- Begin daily calming support now. Powders or treats take time to build effect, so consistency over weeks makes a real difference by November.
- Desensitisation training: play short recordings of distant firework sounds at very low volume while giving treats or play; gradually increase only if your pet stays calm.
- Create a safe zone: choose a quiet room, add bedding, toys, and an item with your scent. Encourage your pet to use it daily so it becomes familiar.
- Introduce enrichment: get your pet used to snuffle mats or forage feeders now — so on fireworks night, they already see them as fun and calming tools.
1–2 Weeks Before
- Continue desensitisation sessions daily for short periods.
- Keep calming supplements part of your pet’s routine — by now, you should see steadier behaviour.
- Trial environmental aids (pheromone diffusers, background music, or white noise) so you know what works ahead of the event.
- Rotate enrichment toys or feeders so they stay exciting and novel when you really need them.
Night of Fireworks (Day-of Checklist)
- Keep your pet in their safe zone, with the door closed and curtains shut to muffle flashes and sound.
- Play calming music or white noise at a steady volume to mask bangs.
- Offer long-lasting enrichment (snuffle mats, forage feeders, stuffed toys) to distract and soothe.
- Use calming treats or powder you’ve already been giving — never try something new for the first time on fireworks night.
- Ensure microchip details and collars/ID are up to date in case of escape.
3. Calming tools & products that really help
Different pets respond to different aids — here’s a practical list to consider, with when to use each one:
- Desensitisation + counter-conditioning: the single most effective behavioural approach — start weeks before, not days.
- Enrichment: snuffle mats, lick mats, and forage feeders help reduce anxiety by engaging natural foraging behaviours.
- Safe space: den-like area with familiar scents and comfortable bedding.
- Calming powders & treats: best started weeks in advance for consistent effect.
- Gut health support: probiotics and postbiotics help balance stress responses over time.
- Prescription meds: discuss with your vet if your pet’s fear is extreme.
- Behaviourists: for dogs with severe phobias, professional guidance can be life-changing.
4. Quick checklist — Start today
- Introduce calming powders/treats now, not on the day.
- Download firework sound recordings and do 5–10 minute desensitisation sessions.
- Set up a designated safe room with blankets, toys, and pheromone diffusers.
- Order and trial a snuffle mat or forage feeder well before November.
- Check ID tags, microchip details, and recent photos of your pet.
Preparing early gives your pet the best chance of staying calm. Start calming supplements at least 3–4 weeks ahead, get them used to enrichment feeders, and create positive associations with their safe space. Come November 5, your pet will already have the tools to cope better.
P.S. The earlier you start, the calmer your pet will be — don’t wait until fireworks night to act.
