Fireworks, with their booming noise and flashing lights, are a perfect recipe for anxiety in your cat or dog. Even if your pet isn’t normally anxious, fireworks are startling enough to create stress. To keep pets calm during fireworks, follow these tips from the veterinarians at Wahiawa Pet Hospital in Hawaii.

How to Keep Pets Calm During Fireworks

1. Prepare A Safe Space

Make sure your pet has food and water before the fireworks start since they may not want to eat during the noise. Close windows and draw blinds and curtains. If your dog has a crate, leave it open with food and water nearby. Block pet doors for the evening, so they can’t get outside where they may become frightened and run away. If they want attention or to stay near you, accommodate them. Alternatively, if they want to hang out under the bed, don’t make them come out.

2. Play With Them

If you see signs of anxiety, such as panting, drooling, licking, circling, whining, or meowing, get out a favorite toy. Distract them with a game, and make sure to have treats handy to reward them for engaged play. Veterinarians suggest that this strategy works best when they’re just starting to get anxious. 

3. Make Your Own Noise

Turn on streaming music or a talk radio channel, or a TV program without a lot of loud, violent noise. Keep the volume at a regular level—too high  will defeat the purpose. White noise machines also help to mute loud outside noises. Talk to your pet normally, and act like the fireworks are no big deal.

4. Invest in Anti-Anxiety Gear

For anxious pets, you can purchase thundershirts, which are swaddling vests that ease stress. You can also use an ACE^™ bandage to wrap your pet snugly, but not too tightly. A small children’s t-shirt may work as well—put their tail through the neck hole. Just make sure that anything you place on them swaddles, but doesn’t cut off breathing or restrict movement.

5. Ask a Veterinarian for Help

If your pet doesn’t respond to any of these strategies, then consider a sedative. Keep in mind the veterinarian will need to examine your pet first and confirm they’re current with their heartworm tests.

For more help managing your pets during the excitement of fireworks, consult the veterinarians at Wahiawa Pet Hospital. In addition to personalized care for cats and dogs, this veterinary team provides pet boarding, dentistry, spaying, neutering, and more. Call (808) 621-7000 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to see a full list of services.