The Ultimate Guide to At-Home Firework Displays - Pt 21 - Making it Less Stressful for Our Furry Friends

Fireworks might be the perfect way to celebrate a big occasion, but for our four-legged companions, the bangs and flashes can sometimes be more "apocalyptic horror movie" than "joyful celebration."

If you’re planning an at-home firework display, it’s crucial to consider how to make the experience less stressful for pets—yours and your neighbours. After all, no one wants a howling hound or a trembling tabby on their conscience.

Why Are Fireworks So Stressful for Animals?

Animals experience the world differently from humans, and fireworks can feel like an all-out sensory assault. Dogs and cats, for example, have far more sensitive hearing than humans, which means every crack, boom, and sizzle is amplified.

Moreover, the unpredictability of fireworks—their sudden bursts of noise and light—can make them particularly stressful. Animals rely on routine and predictability, so the chaos of a firework display disrupts their sense of security. Some pets may even perceive the noise as a threat, triggering a fight-or-flight response.

Preparing Your Pets Before the Big Night

Preparation is key to minimising stress. Start by creating a safe space where your pet can retreat. This might be their favourite room or a cosy den where they already feel comfortable. Add familiar items like blankets, toys, or even an unwashed T-shirt that smells like you—your scent can have a calming effect.

For particularly anxious pets, consider using calming products such as pheromone diffusers or sprays. These mimic the natural calming signals animals produce, helping to ease their anxiety. You can find more information on these products in our article: The Best Tips & Products to Help Keep Your Pet Calm During Fireworks.

It’s also worth desensitising your pet to firework sounds in the weeks leading up to your display. There are audio tracks available online specifically designed to help pets acclimate to firework noises. Start with the volume low and gradually increase it, rewarding your pet with treats and praise for staying calm.

Timing and Placement: Being a Considerate Pet Owner

When planning your display, timing and placement are everything. Avoid setting off fireworks too late in the evening when pets are more likely to be settled for the night. If you have neighbours, let them know about your plans in advance so they can prepare their own pets.

Choose a launch site that’s as far from animals as possible. If you have a large garden, use the furthest corner. This won’t completely eliminate the noise but will reduce its intensity.

During the Display

On the night itself, keep your pets indoors. Even if they seem unfazed, the last thing you want is a startled dog bolting out of the garden or a cat squeezing into an unreachable corner. Draw curtains to block out flashes of light and play calming music or white noise to help drown out the sounds.

Stay calm and act normally around your pets. If you fuss over them excessively, they may pick up on your anxiety and think that they should be worried too, which can make things worse.

Stay calm, be positive, offer them treats or engage them in a favourite activity. Tjis will help them to understand that fireworks aren't a danger and they may even start to enjoy the display themselves.

Don’t Forget Wildlife

While we often focus on household pets, it’s important to remember the impact fireworks have on local wildlife.

Birds, hedgehogs, and other creatures can be equally distressed by the noise and lights. If you’re setting off ground-level fireworks, check your garden for wildlife first. Hedgehogs, for instance, love to hide in bonfires or under piles of leaves, so give any potential hiding spots a thorough inspection.

Long-Term Solutions

If you regularly host firework displays, consider investing in low noise, quieter fireworks. These are designed to minimise noise while still offering the visual spectacle. Many brands now produce low-noise options, which are particularly useful in areas with lots of pets or livestock.

For some pets, fireworks will always be a source of significant stress, no matter how many precautions you take. In these cases, speak to your vet about possible treatments or strategies, such as anxiety medication, which can help in extreme situations.

Hosting an at-home firework display is a fantastic way to bring friends and family together, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of our furry companions’ wellbeing. By planning ahead and taking steps to reduce stress, you can ensure that everyone—human, canine, feline, and feathered—can enjoy a peaceful and safe evening.

And don't forget, for more tips and product recommendations to help keep your pet calm, check out our article: The Best Tips & Products to Help Keep Your Pet Calm During Fireworks.

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