16/10/2026
🎆🐾 Preparing your pets for fireworks: helping dogs and cats feel safe at home 🐶🐱
Firework season can be a frightening time for our pets. Loud bangs, flashing lights and unfamiliar sounds can cause anxiety, even in animals who are usually confident. The good news is that there are things you can do at home to help your pets feel safer. ❤️
🏡 1. Create a safe den
Give your pet somewhere quiet and cosy to retreat to when fireworks start.
🐶 For dogs, try a covered crate (if they already enjoy using one), a quiet corner or a cosy bed with familiar blankets.
🐱 For cats, provide a cardboard box, covered bed or a hiding place somewhere they feel secure. Cats may prefer to hide under a bed or in a wardrobe.
💡 Let your pet choose their safe space and never force them to come out. Add familiar bedding and favourite toys to make it extra comforting.
🪟 2. Reduce noise and flashing lights
• Close windows, curtains and blinds.
• Put the TV or radio on at a comfortable volume to help mask sudden bangs.
• Keep cats indoors and ensure all windows, doors and cat flaps are secure.
• Walk dogs before dark and keep them on a lead, even in familiar areas.
• Make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date.
🧸 3. Offer comfort and reassurance
It’s absolutely fine to comfort your pet if they’re frightened. Speak calmly, offer gentle fuss if they want it, and let them hide if that’s what makes them feel safe.
Try offering a favourite toy, a long-lasting chew for dogs, or a tasty treat to create positive associations with the sounds, provided your pet is comfortable enough to engage.
🌿 4. Consider calming products
There are several products that may help support pets during stressful periods:
🐶 Adaptil – dog-appeasing pheromone products designed to help dogs feel more secure.
🐱 Feliway – feline pheromone products that can help cats feel safer in their home environment.
🐾 Pet Remedy – a calming product range available in different formats for pets.
These products can be useful for some animals, but results vary and they may not be enough on their own for pets with significant firework fears. Ideally, introduce them before fireworks begin and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
🩺 5. Don’t wait until firework night to ask for help
If your dog or cat shows moderate to severe fear, such as trembling, panting, hiding for prolonged periods, trying to escape, destructive behaviour or being unable to settle, please contact us as soon as possible to book a veterinary appointment.
We can discuss your pet’s individual needs and whether prescription medication or other medical support may be appropriate. There are options available, and your pet doesn’t have to struggle through firework season.
❤️ At The Ivybridge Vet, we want every pet to feel as safe and comfortable as possible.
📞 Call us on 01752 748990 to discuss your pet’s needs and arrange an appointment.
Let’s help our furry family members feel safer this firework season. 🐾
