Watching fireworks can be a fun summer activity for some people, but for pets it can be a terrifying experience that can lead to tragedy and stress. Some municipalities are shifting to laser shows, but for those of us who live in areas that still have live fireworks or amateur firework enjoyers, pet safety during these events can be important to understand.
Your cat or dog won’t necessarily know where the noise is coming from, just that it is loud. Often their response may be running out of the house or yard, and displaying anxious behaviors such as refusing to eat or go to the bathroom outside. You can use a variety of methods and tools to try and alleviate stress depending on your pet’s preferences. Such methods can include sound training, as well as the use of playing music or other sounds during the fireworks to muffle the noise. Special weighted vests have also been helpful for some dogs to provide a sense of security during stressful times, and offering activities to keep them busy can help to distract from fireworks. Additionally, it can be beneficial to schedule dinner time for the day or bathroom breaks around the schedule of the prime time for fireworks, so that by the time they actually happen your pet’s needs will be taken care of.
If all else fails, ask your veterinarian for recommendations, and make sure your pet is microchipped so that if they do manage to escape your house they can hopefully find their way home to you. Be sure to bring all pets indoors while fireworks are going on to keep them safe from trauma or conflicts with cars, and reduce their anxiety as much as possible.
DISCLAIMER: This post has been reviewed by any pertinent staff members of JHACC. Artificial Intelligence has in no way been used to create this content, and it is considered correct to the best of our knowledge as of the date of publication.
