For many pet owners, this weekend’s fireworks will have brought a worrying realisation that their pet is frightened of the bangs. Shaking, panting, pacing or hiding behind the sofa may have revealed a problem for the first time, leaving families wondering how to help.
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, Manchester-based vet May Yean is urging owners to use the coming weeks to prepare. May, who shares insights into veterinary life with her social media following, says a plan made now can help families support their pets when the next round of celebrations arrives.
“The best time to think about fireworks is before they start,” she says. For owners whose pets struggled during Bonfire Night celebrations, that means seeking advice now, preparing a safe retreat and allowing time for any training or veterinary support.
Here are her seven tips.
- Recognise the signs of fear
Think back to how your dog behaved during this weekend’s fireworks. Shaking and hiding are obvious signs, but distress can also appear as pacing, panting, restlessness or refusing food.
Cats may withdraw, while quieter behaviour in rabbits and other small pets can be easy to miss.
Knowing what is normal for your animal makes changes easier to spot. Discuss concerns with your vet, especially if your pet’s behaviour has changed suddenly.
- Create a safe retreat before the next celebrations
Prepare a comfortable hiding place in a quiet part of the home, using familiar bedding.
Allow your pet to choose whether to use it, and help them become familiar with it in the weeks before Christmas and New Year.
“Give them somewhere they can retreat without being disturbed,” May says. “Avoid pulling them out of a hiding place because you want them to join you.”
May Yean is giving this advice to dog lovers
May Yean is giving this advice to dog lovers
- Keep sound training gentle
For dogs, carefully planned sound training can help build confidence over time.
Start recordings at a barely audible level while your dog is relaxed, pairing them with something enjoyable. Increase the volume only gradually, while they remain comfortable.
If your dog becomes worried, stop and seek advice. Playing loud firework recordings to make them “get used to it” can worsen fear.
Dogs with an established noise phobia may need professional support, and training should not be rushed to meet a Christmas or New Year deadline.
- Prepare calming support
May includes Pet Remedy among the supportive tools owners can consider as part of a wider fireworks plan.
Its calming kits can be prepared ahead of expected displays, with each product used according to its instructions.
“Think about the whole picture: the environment, your pet’s routine and the level of fear they experience,” she says. “An animal who is severely frightened may need veterinary treatment as well.”
- Plan walks and check security
Walk dogs before dark when fireworks are expected, and avoid taking them to displays.
Check gates, doors and fences, and make sure microchip details are current.
Keep cats safely indoors before displays begin, with access to litter trays, water and hiding places. Ask your vet about suitable arrangements for outdoor rabbits and other small pets.
- Reduce the impact indoors
Close curtains to soften flashes and keep windows shut where appropriate.
Familiar television or music at a comfortable volume may help soften outside noise.
Stay nearby if your pet benefits from company. Offer gentle reassurance if they seek it, while allowing them space if they prefer to hide.
- Ask about medication in advance
If this weekend showed that your pet is severely frightened of fireworks, contact your vet ahead of the festive celebrations.
Pets with severe firework fear may benefit from prescription medication alongside a longer-term behaviour plan.
Allow enough time to discuss options and follow your vet’s instructions about when treatment should be given.
“Don’t wait until your pet is panicking to ask what might help,” May says. “Preparation gives us the best opportunity to support them.”
Follow May on Instagram: @mayyeanc
