​Fireworks and pets: How to keep your furry friends safe

Fireworks and pets: How to keep your furry friends safe

Fireworks can be a fun and exciting time for humans, but they can be stressful and frightening for pets. The loud noises and bright lights can cause pets to bolt, hide, or even injure themselves.

Here are some tips on how to keep your pets safe during fireworks:

• Microchip your pet and make sure their contact information is up to date. This way, if your pet does run away, they can be returned to you.
• Create a safe space for your pet where they can retreat to during the fireworks. This could be a crate, a closet, or under the bed. Provide them with their favourite toys and bedding, and close the curtains or blinds to muffle the noise and light.
• Distract your pet with calming activities and toys. Give them a puzzle feeder filled with their favourite treats, or play a calming game of fetch. You can also try putting on some soft music or TV to help mask the noise of the fireworks.
• If possible, avoid leaving your pet alone during fireworks. Pets are more likely to feel anxious and stressed if they are alone. If you must leave your pet alone, make sure they are in a safe space and have everything they need, including food, water, and a place to go to the bathroom.

Here are some additional tips that may help:

• Talk to your vet about desensitizing your pet to fireworks noises. This can be done by slowly exposing them to the sounds of fireworks at a low volume and gradually increasing the volume over time.
• Consider using a pheromone diffuser or spray. Pheromones are natural chemicals that can help to calm and soothe animals.
• If your pet does become anxious or distressed during fireworks, try to stay calm and reassure them. Avoid coddling them or making a big fuss, as this can make them more anxious. Instead, try to distract them with their favourite activities or toys.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your pets safe and comfortable during fireworks.