Keeping Pets Safe During Fireworks - Tips for a Stress-Free New Year

Keeping Pets Safe During Fireworks

As we welcome the New Year, celebrations often include dazzling fireworks displays. While these bright bursts of colour are a spectacle for us, for our pets, they can be a nightmare.

Did you know that dogs and cats hear up to four times more clearly than humans? What might seem like a loud pop to us can sound like a deafening explosion to them. The unpredictable sounds and flashes trigger a fight-or-flight response, leaving many pets terrified and disoriented.

Every year, countless animals are lost, injured, or worse due to the chaos fireworks cause. This blog explores how to keep your pets safe, what to do if you find a stray animal, and why fireworks have a much larger impact—on wildlife and the environment as well.

The Hidden Dangers of Fireworks

Companion Animals

Fireworks create a perfect storm of stress for pets:

• Lost Pets: Animal welfare organizations report a significant spike in missing pets during fireworks. Dogs and cats often run away in a panic, sometimes ending up far from home.
• Traffic Accidents: Frightened animals running onto roads face a high risk of being hit by cars.
• Prolonged Stress: Even if they don’t escape, pets may experience lingering anxiety that affects their behaviour long after the fireworks end.

Wildlife

Fireworks are just as stressful for wildlife, disrupting ecosystems and behaviours:

• Birds may abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable.
• Small mammals, like possums and kangaroos, flee into unsafe areas or encounter predators.
• Reptiles and amphibians can become trapped or injured in their hiding spots.

Environmental Impact

Fireworks aren’t just loud—they’re harmful to the environment too:

• Air Pollution: Fireworks release toxic chemicals like heavy metals, nitrates, and carbon dioxide. These pollutants linger in the atmosphere, reducing air quality.
• Water Contamination: Firework debris often ends up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, affecting aquatic life.
• Waste: Leftover casings and debris litter natural habitats, posing risks to animals.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe

1. Plan Ahead

Preparation is key to keeping pets calm and secure:

• Update Identification: Ensure your pet’s microchip and ID tags are up to date in case they escape.
• Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, comfortable room with their favourite toys, bedding, and treats.

2. Use Calming Aids

• Weighted Blankets: These can help reduce anxiety by providing a sense of security.
• Natural Remedies: Products like Rescue Remedy or calming pheromone sprays can soothe stressed pets.
• Background Noise: Play soft music or use a white noise machine to mask the sound of fireworks.

3. Keep Pets Indoors

• Close windows, doors, and curtains to minimize noise and block out flashes of light.
• Never leave pets outside during fireworks, even in a secure yard—they can panic and escape.

4. Tire Them Out

Take your dog for a long walk or play an extended game of fetch earlier in the day. A tired pet is less likely to be agitated during fireworks.

5. Stay Calm Yourself

Animals are incredibly intuitive and pick up on their owner’s emotions. Keep your voice calm and your actions steady to reassure your pet.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t Punish Them: Scolding a frightened pet only increases their stress. Instead, comfort them calmly and positively.
• Don’t Sedate Without Veterinary Advice: Over-the-counter sedatives can be harmful if not used correctly. Always consult your vet first.
• Don’t Ignore the Problem: Anxiety during fireworks can worsen over time if not addressed, leading to more serious behavioral issues.

If You Find a Stray Animal

Fireworks often lead to lost pets wandering the streets. Here’s how you can help:

1. Secure the Animal: Approach cautiously and contain them safely.
2. Check for Identification: Look for collars or tags with contact details.
3. Visit a Vet: Vets can scan for microchips to help reunite the animal with their owner.
4. Contact Local Shelters: Report the stray to your local pound or animal rescue organization.

What to Do if You Find Injured Wildlife

Wildlife can suffer significant harm from fireworks. Here’s what to do if you find an injured animal:

1. Handle Carefully: Use gloves or a towel to gently place the animal in a ventilated box.
2. Keep It Quiet: Reduce noise and light exposure to minimize stress.
3. Take It to a Vet or Wildlife Carer: Most vets accept injured wildlife and can connect them with rehabilitation experts.

Celebrate Responsibly

While fireworks are a traditional part of New Year’s celebrations, we need to recognize their impact on animals and the environment. Consider alternatives like silent fireworks or light shows to reduce harm.

By planning ahead, keeping pets safe, and helping stray or injured animals, we can ensure that everyone—including our furry and feathered friends—enters the New Year on a positive note.

A Call to Action

As the New Year approaches, make a commitment to protect the animals around you. Whether it’s comforting your dog, securing a lost pet, or rescuing wildlife, every effort counts.

Let’s start the year with compassion, care, and responsibility. Together, we can ensure a safer, kinder world for all creatures.

Author: Majella Gee

Models: Main image - Scout the Pug, Benson, Trixie, Hope, and Pip the Party Dog. 

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