Fireworks

Fireworks displays can be magical for humans, but for our beloved pets, they’re often a source of overwhelming fear and anxiety. The loud bangs, bright flashes, and unfamiliar smells can send even the calmest dog or cat into a panic. As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to understand how to protect and comfort our furry friends during fireworks season.

Understanding Your Pet’s Fear

Dogs and cats have significantly more sensitive hearing than humans. What sounds loud to us is absolutely thunderous to them. The unpredictable nature of fireworks—sudden booms without warning—triggers their natural flight response. Many pets experience genuine terror, leading to increased heart rate, trembling, hiding, destructive behaviour, or attempts to escape.

Safety First: Preventing Escapes and Injuries

Before Fireworks Begin:

• • Update identification details – Ensure your pet’s microchip information and ID tags are current with your phone number and address. Our listings can provide you with a new tag if you need one. Register the microchip with NZCAR. If your pet does escape in panic, proper identification is their ticket home.

• • Secure your property – Check all fences, gates, and potential escape routes. Terrified pets have been known to squeeze through surprisingly small gaps or jump higher than normal.

• • Create a safe haven – Designate a quiet, interior room away from windows where your pet can retreat. A bathroom, laundry, or walk-in wardrobe works well. Make it comfortable with their bed, favourite toys, and familiar-smelling items.

During Fireworks:

• • Never leave pets outside – This is non-negotiable. Keep all pets indoors during fireworks displays, even if they normally live outside.

• • Keep pets away from fireworks debris – The morning after displays, check your property for spent fireworks before letting pets out. These can contain harmful chemicals.

• • Stay home if possible – Your calm presence is one of the best comforts you can offer. If you must go out, consider whether your pet would be better with a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet sitter.

Calming Strategies That Work

Environmental Management:

• • Block out sights and sounds – Close curtains and blinds to minimise flashes. Play calming music, white noise, or leave the TV on to help mask the sounds. Classical music or pet-specific playlists can be particularly soothing.

• • Use aromatherapy carefully – Some pets respond well to lavender or chamomile scents, but always ensure these are pet-safe formulations and used in moderation. Check with our natural remedies.

Behavioural Techniques:

• • Act normally – Your pet takes emotional cues from you. If you act worried or overly attentive, it confirms their fear is warranted. Maintain your normal demeanour.

• • Don’t force interaction – If your pet wants to hide under the bed, let them. This is their coping mechanism. Make sure they can access their hiding spot easily.

• • Provide distraction – Long-lasting treats, puzzle feeders, or a frozen Kong stuffed with pet safe peanut butter (no artificial sugars) can help occupy anxious minds.

• • Try pressure wraps – Thundershirts or similar anxiety wraps apply gentle, constant pressure that can have a calming effect on some pets.

Professional Solutions:

If your pet experiences severe anxiety, consult with professionals who can help:

• • Veterinary advice – Your vet may recommend anti-anxiety medications or natural calming supplements for particularly fearful pets. Many veterinarians and holistic animal health professionals are listed on K9andKats.co.nz, including mobile holistic veterinary services that offer acupuncture and natural therapies.

• • Behavioural training – Working with a qualified dog trainer between fireworks seasons can help desensitise your pet to loud noises. Check the K9andKats.co.nz dog trainers section for behaviour experts who specialise in anxiety and socialisation.

Specialised Care Options

If you need to be away during peak fireworks periods, consider professional care:

• • Pet boarding facilities – Many boarding facilities listed on K9andKats.co.nz offer climate-controlled, secure environments with 24/7 supervision. These settings can actually be less stressful than being home alone during fireworks.

• • In-home pet sitting – Some pets do better in their familiar environment. The pet and house sitting section on K9andKats.co.nz connects you with experienced sitters who can stay with your pet during stressful periods.

Preparation Timeline

Weeks Before:

• • Start desensitisation training with recorded fireworks sounds at low volumes

• • Ensure microchip and tags are updated

• • Discuss medication options with your vet if needed

• • Set up your pet’s safe room

Days Before:

• • Stock up on favourite treats and long-lasting chews

• • Test your white noise or music setup

• • Double-check all fencing and gates

• • Arrange care if you’ll be away

On the Day:

• • Exercise your pet early in the day before fireworks start

• • Feed them earlier than usual (anxious pets often refuse food)

• • Set up the safe room

• • Keep pets indoors well before displays begin

Special Considerations for Cats

Cats often hide their stress better than dogs, but they’re equally affected:

• • Provide multiple hiding spots at different heights

• • Ensure litter boxes and water are accessible in their safe area

• • Consider feline pheromone diffusers (like Feliway)

• • Don’t force a hiding cat to come out

Recovery After Fireworks

Some pets remain stressed for hours or even days after fireworks end:

• • Maintain normal routines to provide reassurance

• • Continue providing access to safe spaces

• • Watch for signs of ongoing stress (changes in appetite, excessive grooming, lethargy)

• • If anxiety persists beyond a few days, consult your vet

Building Long-Term Resilience

Between fireworks seasons, work on building your pet’s confidence and reducing noise sensitivity:

• • Gradual desensitisation with recorded sounds

• • Positive reinforcement training

• • Regular socialisation in controlled environments

• • Consider working with professional trainers who understand anxiety management

Community Responsibility

As pet lovers, we can also advocate for our animals:

• • Support quiet or low-noise fireworks alternatives in your community

• • Inform neighbours about your pet’s anxiety so they can consider timing

• • Be understanding that this is a challenging time for many pet owners

Finding Local Support

The K9andKats.co.nz directory brings together New Zealand’s pet-loving community, making it easier to find the right support for your furry friend. Whether you need:

• • A groomer who understands anxious pets

• • A trainer to work on noise desensitisation

• • Premium natural supplements to support calm behaviour (check the pet food and treats section)

• • Boarding facilities that are isolated or with experience managing fireworks anxiety

• • Emergency pet sitting services

This comprehensive directory connects you with trusted, local professionals who genuinely care about animal welfare.

Final Thoughts

Fireworks don’t have to be a nightmare for your pets. With proper preparation, a calm approach, and the right support network, you can help your furry friends feel safe and secure during even the loudest celebrations. Remember, every pet is different—what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed.

Your pet depends on you to be their advocate and protector. By taking these precautions and planning ahead, you’re ensuring that everyone in your family—two-legged and four-legged alike—can get through fireworks season safe.

If you wish to read another article, here is one from a blog circle we bleong to https://pawsclawsneston.co.uk/love-your-pets/calm-dog-bonfire-night-fireworks/

For more resources and to connect with pet professionals throughout New Zealand, visit K9andKats.co.nz – your ultimate pet directory proudly connecting pet lovers with quality products and services nationwide.