Fireworks and Pets: How to Keep Them Calm on Guy Fawkes
For many Kiwis, fireworks are a symbol of celebration. But for our furry family members, those bright flashes and loud bangs can be overwhelming and stressful. If your dog or cat trembles, hides, or behaves out of character during fireworks season, you are not alone. At Petdirect, we get pet, which is why we have put together this guide to help you prepare your pets for fireworks and highlight calming products that can help soothe nervous pups and kitties.
Why Fireworks Trigger Stress In Pets
Pets have far more sensitive hearing than humans. Fireworks often catch them off guard with their sudden, unpredictable bursts of noise and light. This is especially true for rescue pets or those with a history of anxiety. Your pet might respond by pacing, panting, hiding, or attempting to escape. Understanding these behaviours is the first step to finding ways to lessen their fear.
Prepare Your Home For A Calm Night
Creating a safe, comforting environment can do wonders on fireworks night. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Choose a quiet room: Select a space away from windows where your pet already feels secure.
- Block the noise: Close curtains and play soft music or white noise to help muffle the sound of fireworks. Offer your pet a Trixie Junior Sloth with Heartbeat Dog Toy to mimic companionship and reduce anxiety.
- Add familiar items: Use their favourite dog bedding or cosy cat blankets for extra comfort and reassurance. Try the Brooklands Calming Cat and Dog Bed or Trixie Cat and Dog Cuddly Cave Bed to help them feel safe and snug.
- Keep them indoors: Secure all windows, doors, and pet doors to prevent escape during a panic response.
Use Calming Aids And Products
Many pets benefit from natural or clinically tested calming products. These can be especially helpful when used ahead of the fireworks season. Here are a few options you can find at Petdirect:
- Calming supplements for anxious dogs and cats with natural ingredients like L-theanine and chamomile.
- Feliway and Adaptil diffusers and sprays, designed to replicate calming pheromones.
- ThunderShirt Calming Dog Coat for gentle, constant pressure that helps reduce anxiety.
- Pet Remedy Cat & Dog Calming Spray and Beaphar CaniComfort Calming Spray for dogs and Beaphar CaniComfort Calming Spray for cats — natural options ideal for spraying in their safe space before fireworks begin.
- Blackmores PAW Complete Calm Chews for Dogs or Vetafarm Lovebites B-Calm Chews for dogs and Vetafarm Lovebites B-Calm Chews for cats for a tasty, treat-style way to support relaxation.
- Interactive toys or smart pet toys to act as soothing distractions during the noise.
It’s always a good idea to try any calming product in advance—so your pet is familiar and comfortable before the big night arrives.
Stick To A Soothing Routine
Pets thrive on routine, especially in moments of stress. Before the fireworks begin:
- Feed them early: That way they have a full tummy and less tummy trouble from stress.
- Exercise dogs earlier in the day: A good walk or play session helps burn off nervous energy before nightfall.
- Offer a chew or enrichment toy: Try a KONG Classic Dog Toy or All For Paws Heart Beat Sheep Dog Toy to keep your dog occupied while fireworks are going off. For cats, interactive toys like the M-PETS Cascado 3-Tire Cat Ball Tower with Spinning Butterfly or the Cheerble M2 Smart Cat Toy are great for channeling energy and providing comfort through play. You can also use a lick mat for slow-release stress relief through enrichment play.
Plan For Preventative Support
If your pet has a history of severe anxiety, it’s worth speaking to your vet before fireworks season. They may suggest a behavioural plan or calming aid like VetPlus Calmex for Dogs or Calmex for Cats to help manage ongoing stress. You can explore our full range of Calming Essentials to find the best fit for your pet.
We’re Here To Help You And Your Pet Feel Prepared
From calming aids to interactive pet toys and accessories that create cosy safe zones, we have everything you need for a firework-safe season. With our Pet Perks loyalty programme and Autodeliver options, it’s easy to keep your pet calm and your pantry stocked during stressful seasons.