Fireworks and loud boom-bang nights might be exciting for us… but for our pets, they can be stressful, confusing and even downright frightening. At Muttley’s Estate, we believe that every pet deserves a calm night when the skies get lit up. Here’s how you can help your dog or cat feel safe, relaxed and ready to snuggle in.
Why Fireworks Are Tough on Pets
While we often see fireworks as fun, for animals they’re unexpected, intense and out of their control:
- Pets have much keener hearing than humans, so those bangs and whistles often sound much louder and closer than we realise.
- Unlike natural events (like storms) where a pet might sense changes in barometric pressure, fireworks are sudden and unpredictable.
- The flashing lights, unfamiliar smells (from explosives) and new rhythms of sound can trigger anxiety, hiding behaviours or escape attempts.
Some signs your pet may be distressed include: hiding in odd places, ears flattened, tail tucked, sudden toileting accidents, increased vocalisation (whining, barking, meowing), or even trying to bolt away.
(These behaviours are described in other pet-safety guidance too.)
Prepare Your Space & Their Mind
Here are some practical steps to make your home a safe, soothing zone when the fireworks begin:
1. Create a “safe zone”
Pick a room or corner where your pet naturally likes to retreat. Make it cosy:
- Bring in their bed, favourite blanket, or crate.
- Add an item of your clothing so your scent comforts them.
- Close curtains, draw blinds, shut windows if possible to muffle sound.
- Consider a softly-lit lamp or diffused lighting for ambience.
2. Timing matters
- Do regular exercise or play with your pet earlier in the day — which helps expend energy and reduce restlessness.
- Offer dinner or a treat a little before the fireworks start, so they’re settled.
- Then lead them into the safe zone before the noise starts.
3. Noise-buffering tactics
- Play soothing music or white-noise to mask outside bangs.
- Use a fan or air-conditioner, if available, to create constant ambient sound.
- Close doors or block gaps under doors with towels to reduce echoes.
4. Enrichment & distraction
- Give your pet a long-lasting chew or treat puzzle in their safe zone.
- Let them hide if they want — don’t drag them out. Giving them control helps reduce stress.
- Offer gentle attention and reassurance, but avoid over-excitement or making the hiding behaviour more ‘eventful’— aim for calm.
5. Get them properly identified
- Make sure your dog is microchipped and your contact details are current.
- Check their collar and ID tag as well. In the event of a panic-bolt, proper identification exponentially improves the chance of safe return.
Extra Support: Calming for Those Who Need It
Some pets are especially sensitive — maybe they’ve had past experience, or they generally spook easily. For these pets:
- Talk to your vet about desensitisation training: playing low-volume firework sounds paired with positive reinforcement can help build tolerance over time.
- Consider calming aids (diffusers, sprays, safe chews) designed for pet anxiety.
- At Muttley’s Estate we love helping pet owners go one step further: our Catnip Pet Wine has been designed as a gentle addition to your dog’s calm-down routine (always under supervision, and in line with safety guidelines).
- Above all, monitor them closely — if they seem extremely distressed (drooling, tremors, panting heavily, or attempting self-harm through escape) contact your vet immediately.
Your Guy Fawkes Night Plan
Here’s a quick checklist you can screenshot and keep handy:
- Choose the safe-room & set it up with bedding/blankets
- Close windows/curtains & reduce outside light/noise
- Feed or play earlier in the day
- Provide chewing/enrichment in safe-zone
- Turn on soothing music or white-noise
- Ensure collar, ID tag & microchip + details are current
- Stay nearby, calm and reassuring
- Consider Catnip Pet Wine (or other calming aids) if your dog is prone to anxiety
- After fireworks: give extra cuddles, check for any signs of distress, and allow them to unwind at their pace
Download our tips for keeping pets safe and calm this Guy Fawkes.
Final Thoughts
Fireworks don’t need to ruin your pet’s night (or yours!). With a few thoughtful preparations and a peaceful place to retreat, your pet can feel safe, calm and part of the fun — minus the fear. At Muttley’s Estate, we’re all about helping you share joy (and a quiet moment) with your furry friend, even when the skies are lighting up.
Here’s to a calm, cosy and cuddly Guy Fawkes: may your drinks be chilled, tails be wagging, and paws be safe.
Click below to download our tips for keeping your pets safe and calm during fireworks:
