Dogs and cats have much more sensitive hearing than we do, so the loud, unpredictable noises associated with fireworks can be particularly overwhelming.

It’s perfectly natural for an animal to feel frightened by something unexpected. In fact, fear is a normal, protective response that helps keep them safe.

However, there’s a difference between fear, anxiety and a noise phobia.

• Fear is an immediate reaction to something your pet finds frightening, such as a sudden loud bang. They might run away, hide or seek reassurance.
• Anxiety happens when your pet starts anticipating something unpleasant. For example, a dog that has experienced frightening fireworks might begin to feel unsettled as the evenings get darker, even before any fireworks have started.
• Noise phobia is a more severe response that can significantly affect your pet’s wellbeing. Over time, they may become frightened of other everyday noises, such as car doors slamming or unexpected household sounds.

It’s important to remember that not all pets react in the same way. Some might shake, pant or become restless, while others disappear into their favourite hiding spot.

And if your pet chooses to hide somewhere safe and settles there, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It may be their way of coping.

Unfortunately, yes.

It’s easy to assume that pets will eventually get used to fireworks if they hear them often enough. But repeated exposure to frightening noises can actually have the opposite effect.

Some pets become increasingly sensitive, meaning their reactions get stronger over time. They may even start associating other sounds or situations with the fear they’ve experienced.

This is why it’s worth taking notice of even small changes in your pet’s behaviour.

Just because your pet was fine with fireworks last year doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll feel the same this year.

If you’ve noticed them becoming more nervous around loud noises, speaking to our team early can help prevent things from getting worse.

1. Create a cosy, safe space

One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is make sure your pet has somewhere they feel safe.

Rather than you choosing a location for their safe, pay attention to where they naturally choose to go when they’re feeling unsure.

For dogs, this might be underneath a bed, behind the sofa or in a quiet corner. Cats often prefer somewhere elevated, such as the top of a wardrobe or a favourite shelf.

Once you’ve identified their preferred spot, you can help make it extra comfortable with familiar bedding, blankets and favourite toys.

Try to make this a positive place well before firework season begins, so your pet already associates it with feeling relaxed and secure.

And remember, if your pet chooses to hide, let them. Avoid pulling them out or encouraging them to leave before they’re ready, and ensure children do not approach your dog when they are hiding in their safe space.

Knowing they have somewhere safe to retreat to can be incredibly reassuring.

2. Start preparing before the fireworks begin

When it comes to helping pets cope with fireworks, the earlier you start, the better.

If your pet is already frightened of loud noises, gradual training can help them build more positive associations over time.

This often involves two techniques:

Desensitisation means introducing firework sounds at a very low volume, where your pet can hear them but remains completely relaxed. The volume is then increased very gradually over time, always making sure your pet feels comfortable.

Counter-conditioning involves pairing those sounds with something your pet genuinely enjoys, such as a favourite treat, a game or affection.

The aim isn’t simply to distract your pet from something frightening. It’s to help change how they feel about the sound itself.

It’s important not to rush this process. If your pet starts showing signs of fear, the sound may be too loud or the training may be progressing too quickly.

Our team can offer advice on how to approach this safely and whether additional behavioural support would be helpful.

3. Help your pet feel comfortable at home

When fireworks are likely, a few small changes to your pet’s surroundings can help them feel more secure.

For dogs, try to make sure they’ve had their walk and an opportunity to go to the toilet before fireworks are expected. If possible, avoid leaving them home alone during periods when fireworks are likely.

For cats, keeping them safely indoors during firework periods is important. Make sure they have access to several comfortable hiding places, including somewhere up high if that’s what they prefer.

If your cat retreats to a hiding spot for a long period, consider moving their food, water and litter tray closer so they don’t have to venture too far from where they feel safe.

You can also close curtains to reduce flashes from outside and use familiar background sounds, such as the television or gentle music, to help soften unexpected noises.

Most importantly, allow your pet to choose where they feel most comfortable rather than forcing them to stay in a particular room or space.

4. Build positive experiences with everyday noises

Even if your pet has never been frightened of fireworks, it’s still worth taking preventative steps.

Young animals, particularly puppies, can benefit from carefully managed, positive experiences with everyday sounds as they grow and develop.

For example, if your puppy hears an unexpected noise and looks startled, try to remain calm and positive. Pairing the experience with something they enjoy, such as a treat, play or gentle affection, can help them develop a more positive association.

5. Remember that physical health can play a part

Firework anxiety isn’t always just about behaviour.

When pets are frightened, their bodies can become tense, and sudden startling movements may cause discomfort or pain.

Equally, pets that are already experiencing pain or other health problems may find it harder to cope with stressful situations.

There’s also an important connection between the gut and the brain, meaning digestive health and emotional wellbeing can influence one another.

This is one reason why it’s helpful to speak to our team if your pet is struggling. We can consider their overall health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on their behaviour alone.

6. Ask about additional calming support

For some pets, changes to their environment and gentle behavioural training may not be enough on their own.

There are additional products and approaches that may help support pets during stressful periods.

At The Pet Vet, our team can advise you about options including SereniCare, a supplement designed to support emotional wellbeing, and Zenidog and Zenifel, pheromone-based products designed to help dogs and cats feel more secure in their surroundings.

These products may be useful as part of a wider, individual plan that also considers your pet’s environment, behaviour and physical health.

Every pet is different, so it’s always best to speak to our team about which options may be suitable for your companion.

Here’s our RVN Anna providing some more information about SereniCare and how this can be used to help your pet throughout firework season – and beyond.

If your pet has struggled with fireworks before, please don’t feel you have to manage it on your own.

Severe noise anxiety can have a significant impact on a pet’s quality of life, and it’s not something that will necessarily improve without support.

Some pets become so anxious that they start worrying long before fireworks are heard. Others may develop fears of everyday sounds or situations that previously didn’t bother them.

The sooner we understand what’s happening, the sooner we can help.

Our team can discuss your pet’s individual needs and help you explore ways to make firework season more manageable.

For pets experiencing more significant anxiety or noise phobias, we can also offer consultations with our in-house Pet Behaviourist Rachel Green RVN AdvDipCanBeh, who can provide more tailored advice and support. If you’d like to speak to Rachel, please ask your local The Pet Vet team and they will be happy to arrange a consultation.

We know how much you want your pet to feel happy, safe and comfortable at home. Seeing them frightened can be difficult, especially when you’re not sure how best to help.

But you don’t need to wait until the first fireworks start to take action.

By creating a safe space, building positive experiences and recognising the early signs of anxiety, you can help your pet feel more secure and better prepared for the weeks ahead.

And remember, even if your pet has always coped well with fireworks, taking a few simple preventative steps now is still worthwhile.

If you’re worried about how your dog or cat might react to fireworks, or they’ve struggled in previous years, we’re here to help.

Speak to our friendly, knowledgeable teams at The Pet Vet for advice on preparing your pet for firework season, or book a pet behaviour consultation with Rachel for more personalised support.

Together, we can help make firework season a little less frightening for our pets.