Dogs & Fireworks – How To Keep Pets Calm
Fireworks season can be a worrying time for pets and their owners. The sudden bangs and flashes can leave dogs, cats and other animals frightened and unsettled. In this feature, we round up practical tips to help you prepare your pets, recognise signs of stress and support them before, during and after the bangs begin.
By Julia Roy
Planning for fireworks season? Find local displays and events in our 2026 Bonfire & Fireworks Night in Kent guide so you know when fireworks are taking place near you.
PREPARE YOUR PET FOR FIREWORKS
If you have a new puppy or kitten, getting them used to everyday sounds from an early age can help. This can include introducing firework sounds gradually, at a very low volume, while checking that your pet remains relaxed. Never force them to listen if they seem frightened.
See Kent’s editor experienced first-hand how difficult fireworks can be for a nervous pet. “We rescued an older dog who was so scared of fireworks that we would have to drive around to find somewhere quiet on fireworks night, as she was so stressed out.”
When we welcomed a younger rescue puppy into the family, we decided to try a different approach. See Kent’s editor explains: “My daughter was so brilliant and spent a lot of time building up on the sounds with our rescue puppy. I was a little sceptical as our previous dog had been so reactive that I couldn’t imagine how it could work, but it did the trick.”
Introducing sounds gradually can help some dogs become more comfortable with them, although every animal is different. If your pet is already frightened by fireworks, speak to your vet about the best way to help them.
TREATS, TOYS AND DISTRACTIONS
Your pet may already enjoy games, playing or hunting for treats. When fireworks start, these activities may help distract them. If toys are new to them, you could introduce playtime before fireworks season to get them interested. These activities may help keep them occupied when fireworks begin.
Don’t worry if your pet isn’t interested in food or play on the night. A frightened animal may prefer to hide or stay close to you instead. It’s always best to let them choose what feels most comfortable.
PLAN AHEAD
A little preparation can make fireworks season easier for pets.
Create a quiet, safe space: Choose a comfortable area of your home away from windows and busy doorways, where your pet can retreat if the noise becomes overwhelming. Set it up in advance with familiar bedding, blankets and favourite toys. Let your pet explore the space in their own time and never force them to stay there.
The Blue Cross recommends preparing a safe space and reducing the noise and flashes as much as possible. If you know your pet is particularly frightened, speak to your vet well before fireworks season to discuss further support.
Dogs: Keep to your usual routine. Familiar surroundings and regular routines can help pets feel more secure. If you know fireworks are likely, walk your dog earlier in the day and aim to be home before they start. Keep dogs on a lead if fireworks may be let off nearby. You could rotate a variety of chew toys to keep them interested.
Cats: If fireworks are expected, keep cats indoors and close cat flaps to keep them in. If your cat normally toilets outside, introduce an indoor litter tray ahead of time if possible. Make sure windows, doors and garden gates are secure, and check your pet’s identification and microchip details are up to date.
SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF STRESS
Each pet is different, and with some, it can be difficult to see when they are distressed. It may be that they become unusually quiet or clingy.
When stressed, dogs may bark, pant excessively, drool or lip-lick, says the Dogs Trust. In some cases, they may try to hide or escape, and some tremble and shake, or pace. Cats may hide, become restless or behave differently from normal. Small pets and other animals can also show changes in their usual behaviour.
If your pet shows signs of fear around fireworks or other loud noises, speak to your vet for advice. They can check for any underlying health problems and recommend further support if needed.
WHEN THE FIREWORKS START
Keep Inside: Keep pets inside where possible, including horses in stables.
Hide Sights & Sounds: Close windows and doors, shut dog and cat flaps, and draw the curtains. Use TV or music to block out the noise.
Stay Normal: Keep your usual routine and try to behave as you normally would.
Pet Choice: Let them settle in their safe space, play if they want to, or find somewhere safe to hide.
Comfort & Care: Pet them if they want it, reassure them if they need it – but don’t force them. Let them lead the way.
Keep Cool: Don’t punish them for barking or having an accident indoors. They may be frightened, so try to remain calm and patient.
Home Company: If possible, avoid leaving your pet alone when fireworks are expected.
KEEP CALM & CARRY ON
It can be very hard to see a pet scared and upset. Sarah, owner of Belle, remembers how difficult it was when her cat first encountered fireworks.
“My cat screamed, not meowed, when she first heard fireworks, and it was so hard,” says Sarah, “I found I was freaking out, and we were both getting stressed.” Belle is now four years old and gets a lot less upset. “I read that she could pick up on my stress, so I don’t react to the sounds, and I put the TV on and sit with her. She is a lot less nervous now,” says Sarah.
Every animal responds differently, but a familiar routine and a reassuring presence can help. You don’t need to ignore your pet if they are frightened; let them show you whether they want comfort, company or a quiet place to hide.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Keep the family involved. Children can help prepare a cosy space or get out their favourite toys. However, explain that some pets may prefer being alone when frightened, so they shouldn’t force play or petting.
Bear in mind that some children may be upset when they see their pet distressed, so have a few activities ready to keep them occupied too!
NOT JUST CATS AND DOGS
Fireworks can frighten many animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets, birds and horses.
Small Pets: Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets and birds can all be affected. If possible, move hutches, cages and enclosures into a quiet, secure indoor space, garage or shed, with extra bedding. If you cannot bring them inside, turn their enclosure towards a wall or fence to reduce the view of the fireworks.
Cover & Air: Covering aviaries or hutches with suitable thick blankets can help block out flashes and reduce loud sounds. Make sure there is always enough ventilation and that your animals have adequate air.
Horses & Ponies: Plan if fireworks are expected nearby. Keep horses in their usual safe environment wherever possible, whether that’s their field or stable, and seek advice from your vet if your horse is particularly anxious. If they are stabled, prepare the stable in advance and remove equipment such as hay nets or buckets that could cause injury if they become startled. A deep, safe bed can help reduce the risk of slipping.
GIVE YOUR PET TIME TO RECOVER
It’s not all over when the fireworks stop. Pets need time to recover and de-stress. Stay with them, and give them time to settle and return to their normal behaviour.
Some may feel calmer quite quickly, while others may take longer. If your pet remains anxious or behaves out of the ordinary, seek advice from a vet.
THINK BEFORE YOU LIGHT THE ROCKETS
If you are planning a display, consider whether quieter fireworks might be a suitable alternative. If possible, let neighbours know in advance, particularly if they have pets, horses or livestock, so they have time to prepare.
Animal welfare organisations provide advice on the impact of fireworks on animals and campaign for measures to reduce the distress they can cause. Visit their websites for the latest advice and information – details below.
Further advice on pets and fireworks
Blue Cross – Fireworks and Pets
Dogs Trust – Supporting Your Dog During Fireworks
RSPCA – Pets and Fireworks and Horses, farm animals, wildlife and fireworks
Fireworks: Know the Law
Planning your own fireworks display? Check the official government guidance on fireworks laws and regulations for information on when fireworks can be bought, used, and the rules on setting them off.
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Picture Credit: Top to bottom: Main image Jefferson Sees, cat hiding: Mikhail Vasilyev, dog playing with toy: Jesper Brouwers all at unsplash.com, rabbit by Tima Miroshnichenko at Pexels.com, horse in stable by Olio Creative at unsplash.com
Razvan Sassu, Thomas Bormans and Darinka Kievskaya at unsplash.com, Samson Katt, PNW Production Tima Miroshnichenko, Tatiana Zatskaya and Samson Katt at Pexels.com
We do our best to endeavour to be as accurate and comprehensive as possible from the information we have at the time of publication.
