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October 2026 · 6 minute read
As autumn evenings draw in, many of us start looking forward to Bonfire Night and fireworks season. Unfortunately, for some pets, this time of year can be anything but enjoyable.
The sudden bangs, whistles and flashes of fireworks can be frightening for dogs, cats and smaller pets, particularly because they have no way of understanding where the noises are coming from or that they are not in danger. Firework season can also extend well beyond 5th November, with displays taking place throughout October, November and into the festive season.
If your pet struggles with fireworks, preparing early can make a real difference. At Lanes Vets, we can also offer additional support, including nurse-led confidence clinics for anxious patients.
Fireworks combine several things that animals can find particularly difficult: loud and unpredictable noises, vibrations, bright flashes and unfamiliar smells.
Some pets may show obvious signs of fear, while others become quieter or change their normal behaviour. Signs of anxiety can include:
Cats may disappear into hiding places for long periods, while rabbits and other small pets may freeze, become restless, hide more than usual, or eat less.
Firework fears should not simply be dismissed as a pet being “nervous”. Severe noise anxiety can have a significant impact on their welfare, and support is available.
Ideally, you should start thinking about your pet’s firework plan as early as possible rather than waiting for the first loud display to begin.
For some pets, gradual desensitisation can help reduce their fear of fireworks over time. This involves introducing firework-related sounds and visual effects at a very low level, when your pet is calm, and slowly building up their exposure. Pair the sounds with something positive, such as treats, play or relaxation, and increase the volume very gradually over a period of weeks or months.
Create a comfortable, secure area where your pet can retreat if they feel frightened. This could be a den made from blankets and bedding, a covered crate if your dog is already comfortable using one, or simply access to their favourite quiet room.
Cats often prefer to choose their own hiding place, whether that is underneath a bed, inside a wardrobe or somewhere high up. Avoid forcing them to come out if they would rather stay hidden.
Allow your pet to become familiar with their safe space before firework season is in full swing. It should always be somewhere they associate with feeling relaxed rather than somewhere they are only taken when they are frightened.
If you know fireworks are likely in your area, a few simple changes can help reduce their impact.
Walk dogs earlier in the day while it is still light, rather than waiting until fireworks may have started and always keep dogs on a lead when outside during firework season.
Bring cats indoors before dark and make sure windows, doors and cat flaps are secure. Closing curtains or blinds can help reduce flashes from outside, and leaving the television, radio or familiar music playing can help mask some of the noise. Some radio channels put on concerts of pet-friendly music on high-risk nights!
For rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets that live outdoors, consider moving their accommodation somewhere quieter and more sheltered where possible. Extra bedding and hiding areas can also provide reassurance. If covering part of a hutch to reduce light and noise, always make sure there is still plenty of ventilation.
It is also worth checking that your pet’s microchip details are up to date, in case they become frightened and escape.
Try to behave calmly and normally. Your pet should be allowed to choose what helps them feel safest.
If they want to hide, let them hide. If they come to you for reassurance, it is fine to comfort them. You do not need to ignore a frightened pet.
Avoid forcing them to play, bringing them out of their hiding place or punishing frightened behaviour. Punishment can increase fear and make future firework seasons even more difficult.
Some pets benefit from additional calming support alongside changes to their environment.
Our team can discuss options such as Pet Remedy and Nutracalm, and advise you on whether they may be suitable for your pet.
Calming products and supplements are generally most useful as part of a wider strategy rather than being relied upon on their own.
If your pet has experienced significant firework fear previously, please speak to us before the season becomes busy. In some cases, veterinary assessment and prescription medication may also be needed.
For some animals, anxiety is not limited to fireworks. New places, unfamiliar people, travelling and veterinary visits can all become stressful experiences.
Our veterinary nurses offer confidence clinics for anxious patients. These clinics are designed to help nervous pets become more comfortable and build positive associations at their own pace.
They can be particularly useful for pets who find veterinary visits worrying, as well as helping owners to understand their pet’s behaviour and recognise early signs of stress.
If your dog or cat is particularly anxious, speak to our team about whether a confidence clinic could be helpful.
Firework displays can also take place around Halloween, Christmas and New Year, as well as other celebrations.
Preparing now means you have a plan in place whenever unexpected fireworks happen.
If your pet has struggled with fireworks in previous years, please get in touch with us. We can help you prepare for the season, discuss which products might work for your pet, and tell you more about our nurse-led confidence clinics.
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