Keeping your pets calm and happy when there are fireworks outside

Some pets can struggle when there are loud noises outside. Noisy and unpredictable fireworks scare them and we wanted to gather ideas about how Co-op Colleagues keep their pets calm.

Toby

Clare has a middle-aged jack russell called Toby who loves his food, cuddles and long walks on the beach.

How Clare keeps Toby happy during fireworks:

• try not to over comfort them - dogs are sensitive and doing this can make them think that the noise is something they should be worried about
• take them for extra-long walks so they’re tired in the evening
• Toby loves playing with tug-toys so play when it’s noisy and they will associate the noise with playing and worry less

Oban

Jen has a labrador called Oban who was recently neutered. She recommends a Buster suit as that kept him calm after his surgery. The vet told her that the swaddling feeling of the suit or even a t-shirt can be calming for anxious dogs especially around bonfire night. You can make your own DIY thundershirt as detailed here.

They also play firework playlists in the build up to help with desensitisation to the noises, increasing volume and duration over time.

Thelma and Louise

My cats, Thelma and Louise (Weezy), handle the noise very differently from each other. Weezy hides under whatever she can and Thelma sits at the window trying to catch the fireworks. Cats Protection has helpful advice for cats like Weezy such as:

• keeping them indoors after it gets dark
• creating a safe place either enclosed or high up where they can feel safe
• putting music or the TV on for background noise
• using a pheromone plug in such as Feliway to help them feel calmer

Beyond bonfire night

If your pet's anxiety symptoms do not improve, talk to your vet. They will be able to address any other issues and talk you through some more ideas.