How to keep your pets calm during New Year’s Eve fireworks

Fear of loud noises is incredibly common in dogs and cats; studies show that between a quarter and a half of the pet dog population is affected.  

If your pup or kitty are one of the many pets who struggle with noise sensitivity, here are our top tips to help them stay calm.  

1. Create a safe space   

Provide somewhere safe for your pet to relax. For example, you could cover their crate with a thick blanket and leave the door open, so they have the freedom to come and go. The blankets will absorb some of the noise and help them feel a little more secure.  

Some pets might hide behind sofas or under the bed when they’re scared of thunder and other loud noises, give them the space to do so and they will come back out in their own time.   

Cats who are scared of fireworks will be grateful for small hiding spots where they can hide away. Something as simple as a cardboard box lined with their blankets can make a cosy hiding-hole for an anxious kitty.   

You can also turn on the TV or radio to provide a distraction and drown out any scary outdoor sounds.   

2. Try a thunder jacket  

A thunder jacket, or thunder shirt is a piece of material that wraps tightly around your dog’s chest to provide a calming effect when they’re scared. Many dogs find this type of gentle pressure comforting and it can drastically calm an anxious pup.   

If you don’t have a thunder jacket, you can use a scarf or a bandage to create your own anxiety wrap. Don’t leave a dog unattended while wearing a wrap and don’t leave a makeshift thunder wrap on your dog for too long as it may become irritating and uncomfortable for them.   

3. Keep doors and windows closed   

Once you and your pets are all cosy and safe indoors, make sure to keep any doors and windows closed.   

This will not only help to dampen loud noises from outside, but some animals might bolt in fear, so this keeps them safe and sound.  

4. Secure collars and ID tags 

More than anything, our Education Officer, Eilidh, stresses the importance of using secure leads and collars with up-to-date name tags and micro-chips.   

Eilidh tells us: ‘I have been involved in multiple searches over the years for dogs who have bolted on their walks or from gardens due to sudden bangs and it is awful to think of them outside and terrified.’  

It’s best to try and prevent any great escapes in the first place by keeping your pets indoors or on the lead, but if the worst did happen and they got away, an up-to-date micro-chip or ID tag will help to reunite you both.  

5. Keep calm and stay together  

Don’t leave your pets home alone if you can avoid it during firework celebrations. Scared animals often try to escape and can end up hurting themselves.   

They might also come to you for comfort. If they are looking for a little reassurance, don’t ignore them but instead react calmly and give them cuddles and attention. They will thank you for it!  

Pets are very attuned to human emotions, you might have noticed them trying to comfort you when you’ve been sad.Talk to them as you normally would and try not to make any drastic changes to your behaviour. This will help them realise that there is nothing to fear.   

Never ever punish pets for being afraid. This can intensify their fear and create even bigger problems for you both down the line.  

6. Have fun!  

Keep your pet busy as you sit out the celebrations. Why not try out a fun enrichment activity like playing with their favourite toys or even try some reward-based training to distract them.   

However, if your pet is too scared of the noise to play, don’t force them. Give them the space they need to process their emotions in their own way.