Diwali special: How to help your pets cope with fireworks

Fireworks are a common part of celebrations in India, especially around Diwali, but for many pets, they can be a source of extreme anxiety and fear. The sudden loud noises, bright lights, and vibrations are often overwhelming for them, especially dogs and cats, and cause acute stress. As their guardian, it is crucial for you to understand how fireworks affect animals and what steps to take to help them cope with the stress.

Why pets fear fireworks

To understand how to help your pet cope with fireworks, it’s important to know why fireworks cause such strong reactions in them. The common reasons are:

• Loud, unpredictable noises: Fireworks often result in sudden, extremely loud noises, which can frighten pets, as their hearing is far more sensitive than that of humans. Dogs, for instance, can hear up to four times better than humans. The unpredictability of fireworks—unlike a doorbell or other common sounds at home—can leave pets feeling confused and trapped. Some of the older fireworks, now banned by the government, were so loud they would startle many humans, too.
• Flashing lights and vibrations: The flashes of light and ground vibrations associated with fireworks are unfamiliar stimuli to most pets. These visual and sensory elements can startle them even more than the noise, as they do not understand what is causing these sensations.
• Lack of understanding: Animals, unlike humans, don’t comprehend the reason for fireworks. They don’t associate them with celebration or fun. To them, it’s a terrifying experience with no apparent explanation or escape.

Signs your pet is stressed

Pets exhibit stress in different ways, and it’s important to recognize the signs of anxiety caused by fireworks. Here are some common signals:

• Hiding: Many pets seek out small, dark spaces to feel safer.
• Shaking or trembling: This is a physical manifestation of fear in dogs, cats, and some birds too.
• Barking, howling, or whining: Vocalization can indicate stress, especially in dogs.
• Panting and pacing: Dogs might pant excessively and pace nervously as a way to cope with their anxiety.
• Excessive grooming: Cats and birds in particular may resort to excessive grooming to soothe themselves.
• Panicky behaviour: In extreme cases, pets may try to claw through doors, dig, or chew furniture as a reaction to panic.
• Emotional shutdown: The pet may refuse food/drink, or refuse to move from a particular spot.

Options to help your pet

There are several techniques and strategies you can use to help your pet feel more secure during firework displays. These tips can be adapted to your pet’s specific needs, depending on whether you have a dog, cat, or other species.

• Comforting space: Set up a cozy, enclosed area to which your pet can retreat when scared. This could be a pillow fort with a blanket over it, or a quiet room. Ensure that it’s a familiar space where your pet feels comfortable.
• Soundproofing: Add layers of blankets, cushions, or curtains to help muffle the sound. If possible, move your pet’s safe space to a room where outside noise is least audible.
• Use background noise: Play soft music or turn on the TV to create a calming background noise. The continuous sound can help to drown out the noise of fireworks. Classical music is often recommended for its soothing qualities, but any consistent, gentle sound can work.
• Stay calm and reassure your pets: Pets are highly attuned to their human companion’s emotions. If you appear stressed or anxious, your pet is likely to mirror those feelings. Maintain a calm, reassuring demeanour, and speak to your pet in a soft, soothing voice. Do not ignore their anxiety.
• Provide distractions: Give your pet something else to focus on, not just during but also a couple of hours before you expect the fireworks to begin, such as a favourite toy or long-lasting chew. Puzzle toys that dispense treats can also help to keep them engaged and distracted from the noise.
• Desensitization training: If your pet has recurring issues with fireworks, consider training them to become less sensitive to the noise. This involves playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume and gradually increasing the sound over time while rewarding calm behaviour. It’s important to start this process well in advance of any fireworks events, as it takes time for pets to adapt.
• Thunder shirts and calming wraps: Thunder shirts or anxiety wraps apply gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. This pressure can help some pets to feel more secure during stressful situations like fireworks. However, this may not work for all pets and can be uncomfortable or cause a “shutdown”.
• Calming supplements and pheromones: Natural calming aids, such as pheromone sprays, diffusers, or supplements like chamomile, can help ease your pet’s anxiety. Consult your veterinarian before administering any new supplements or treatments to ensure they are safe for your pet.
• Bach flower remedies: These are flower essences that address emotions and can be given mixed in food/water and in combination with any other medications without worrying about side effects. So, a custom remedy that addresses the emotion of “fear of loud sounds” will help the pet cope in a relatively calm way when exposed with stressful stimuli.
• Consult your veterinarian: For pets with extreme anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend anti-anxiety medications. These are usually only necessary in severe cases, but they can be useful when combined with behavioural techniques. Your vet can help you to determine whether medication is appropriate and, if so, prescribe the correct dosage and type for your pet.
• Vacation: Sometimes going away for a couple of days to a quieter place is kinder for your pet if it is an option you can avail of.

Long-term solutions

If your pet consistently struggles with fireworks or other loud noises, consider long-term solutions to help them cope:

• Behavioural therapy: Working with a professional pet behaviourist can help to address underlying anxiety issues and teach your pet coping mechanisms.
• Desensitization and counter-conditioning: These techniques, as mentioned earlier, can be part of a long-term plan to help your pet gradually overcome their fear of fireworks.
• Socialization: Proper socialization from an early age can help pets become more resilient to new or unexpected stimuli. Regular exposure to different sounds, environments, and experiences can make pets less reactive to sudden changes. Future columns will discuss socialization in greater detail.

Fireworks can be a daunting experience for many pets, but with preparation and patience, you can help them feel safe and secure. Whether through creating a peaceful environment, using calming techniques, or seeking professional advice, there are many ways to support your pet during fireworks displays. By understanding their needs and acting proactively, you can minimize their stress and ensure they remain calm during celebrations.

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