Under no circumstances should you take your dog with you if you are attending a fireworks show. Even the most confident dogs can become overwhelmed by the sudden bangs, flashing lights, and crowded environments.

If your dog is still young and unfamiliar with loud noises or busy environments, it's the right time to gently introduce them to everyday sights and sounds. Gradual exposure to things like traffic, doorbells, and recorded firework sounds — always paired with positive reinforcement — can help build resilience and confidence. This will then help the adult animal better cope with the unusual sights and sounds of fireworks.³

Playing CDs/playlists that incorporate the sound of fireworks is a good approach to help get your dog used to the sound of them. The sounds are typically played quietly at first and then become louder over time. Make sure to closely monitor how your dog feels while listening. There are also special training programmes that work with music in which the sounds of fireworks are increasingly integrated. This music is played to the dogs for weeks. It may also make sense to play videos showing fireworks. Together, they help acclimatise the animals to the sounds and sights of fireworks. However, familiarisation must begin months in advance.⁴

Walks are recommended earlier in the day at times when it is still quiet. However, if your dog needs to be taken out again at a later time, you should be mindful of the timings for any local firework displays. Always keep your dog on a lead, preferably attached to two points, e.g. harness and collar, which works well if you have a lead with two carabiners. Alternatively, you can also use two leads to ensure that your four-legged friend is well secured in case of the unfortunate event of a panic attack. 

Always make sure that there is a tag on your dog’s collar or harness with your contact details or those of the pet registry. Alternatively, you can also have this information embroidered or printed visibly on the collar or harness. In the unlikely event that your dog escapes despite your precautions, a microchip or clearly displayed phone number can be vital in reuniting you quickly.

Make sure to keep your dog in the house during fireworks. To calm your pet, it is advisable to close the curtains to prevent light from entering the room. Calming music at an appropriate volume will also dampen the background noise of the fireworks and help alleviate your pet’s anxiety.³

These tight-fitting waistcoats have a calming effect on the animals. The design provides a consistent and gentle deep pressure, which helps reduce anxiety and increase the animal's sense of safety.⁵

Some sound devices offer calming noises, allowing users to choose from options like rain, waterfall, or wind sounds. Alternatively, you can also play relaxing sounds from the internet.⁶

The most suitable treatment to help your dog to cope with fireworks should always be clarified with a vet or alternative practitioner. If the sensitivity to noise is new in your otherwise fearless dog, then you should have the animal examined by a vet especially if there appears to be a link between fear of loud and sudden noises and pain or illness.^7,8

Animals that experience a deep fear of fireworks and loud noises can be treated for their fear with professional help. A carefully designed desensitisation and counter-conditioning programme which is specifically tailored to address the fear, can help the dog to reduce and, in the best case, overcome their fear.⁴

As a preventive measure, cat owners are advised to have their pet microchipped. If, despite all precautions, your cat manages to escape outside and run away, having a microchip increases the chances of being reunited with your pet. Your cat should stay indoors even after the fireworks have finished as on many occasions, firecrackers and flares continue to go off into the early hours of the morning.

Make sure to secure the cat flap so that your cat cannot escape the safety of the home.

Being able to find a safe, comfortable place to hide makes the stress of fireworks easier for anxious and shy cats.⁹ Offer your feline friend plenty of places to hide.

It’s important to also secure any potentially dangerous hiding places. Take the time to examine your living space for such areas and make sure they are safe. Common dangerous spots include the washing machine, tumble dryer, cupboards, and foldable furniture.

Cats, who primarily spend time outside, need plenty of space so that they don't feel confined and experience additional stress as a result.¹⁰ Allow your cat to spend time in many areas.

If they are exhibiting signs of stress, then your cat should not be left alone. Having their human nearby can be very comforting during this worrying time. However, do be aware that even if your intentions are good, excessive emotional attention and excitement can be unhelpful. If your cat does not want to be stroked, then you must accept this. Forcing affection on the animal can be counterproductive and cause further stress. Additionally, be lenient if your stressed pet urinates outside the litter tray.

You can consult your vet about possible medical care for your cat if they are likely to be stressed during fireworks.

Animals kept outside all year round should be brought indoors or into another quiet room at this time. If this is not possible, the cages must be designed so that the noise and lights do not frighten the animals. Thick blankets over the enclosure are helpful. However, sufficient ventilation/air circulation must be ensured.

Guinea pigs, rabbits and the like are very susceptible to stress. It is essential to keep the animals in a quiet room during the fireworks. Noise insulation is provided by blankets over the cages. Closed curtains or blinds also help to ensure that the small mammals cannot see the frightening light images. An extra layer of bedding allows them to hide better from unfamiliar events.