How to calm your pets during a fireworks show

Fireworks are stressful for pets because they don't understand where the sudden loud noises are coming from.

While fireworks can be exciting and celebratory for us, they’re far from it for our pets.

As Canada Day approaches and many communities plan to celebrate with a fireworks display, experts are offering tips for how to minimize the stress our pets feel during that time.

“I think fireworks are one of the top fears because they’re very infrequent, so our dogs and cats don’t get a chance to get used to them,” says Barbara Bryer, hospital director for Veg Etobicoke. “We hear them maybe two or three times a year. And they are loud and they are scary.”

Bryer says the response animals have to fireworks is built-in and natural.

“You can imagine if you had no perception or ability to understand what’s causing them or what the consequences of those noises are and your hearing is so much more accentuated because of the species, it’s really quite a terrifying thing.”

So what can pet owners do to help?

Bryer says planning ahead is key, like making sure your pet is fed beforehand and that they’ve had some exercise. Having done these steps, your pet is more likely to relax and settle.

Bryer recommends ensuring your home is as calm as possible. She also advises being aware of where your pet’s favourite place is and to make sure that spot is accessible, whether it’s a crate with blankets to muffle the sound or the bathtub.

It’s also important that pet owners are calm, as dogs and cats are sensitive to our anxiety, so sitting with them quietly can help, according to Bryer.

She suggests adding some background noise to allow that to muffle the sound of the fireworks.

“It’s hard to mitigate all the anxiety, but minimize the number of things that can make a bad experience,” Bryer says.

She says when a fireworks show is going on, it’s not the time to go out for a walk or have any doors or windows open.

“The most dangerous thing we see is the escaping pet,” Bryer says.

Finally, if you’re aware this is a particular fearful time for your pet, Bryer recommends speaking with your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications as they can be helpful for your pet to get through a fireworks show.