Fireworks hurt.
​Here's how to help keep your companion animals safe.

Fireworks can be terrifying to companion animals (dogs, cats, horses, caged pets). The best approach is to BE PREPARED! This is only possible for scheduled events like Canada Day or New Year’s festivities. It’s almost impossible for the unannounced backyard events that are happening with increasing frequency across the province.

DOGS

• avoid taking your dog to fireworks displays and don’t leave them home alone if possible
• take your dog for a walk BEFORE the event so they’re more relaxed. Keep them leashed.
• keep your dog indoors, bring outdoor dogs inside if possible
• provide a safe space in your home (e.g. basement, closet, dog crate)
• close windows and curtains to block out the flashes and noise
• play soothing music to help mask the noise
• provide plenty of water as stress can make dogs thirsty
• food puzzle toys can help distract them
• speak to your dog in a calm, soothing voice. If you get stressed and hyper, they will too
• petting can be soothing.
• NEVER punish your dog when they're scared, as this will only make things worse in the long run.
• calming products such as supplements, pheromones, special pressure garments can be considered
• medications (speak to your veterinarian)
• make sure your dog has proper ID in case they manage to escape (e.g. a collar + tag, a microchip). Make sure the microchip information is up to date!
• take photos of your dog in case they escape and become lost

Firework phobia is a treatable condition and dogs don't have to suffer every year. Techniques such as desensitization and counter-conditioning can be very beneficial for stress prone animals. Speak to a Fear Free certified veterinarian or trainer to develop a protocol for your pet.

Helpful Links:
American Kennel Club - How to keep your dog calm during fireworks
RSPCA-UK Advice and Welfare - Fireworks
VeterinaryPartner - Fireworks fear in pets
Fear Free Happy Homes - 9 ways to help pets with fireworks fears
PetMD - 8 tips for helping a dog that's scared of fireworks

CATS

• don’t leave them home alone if possible
• provide hiding places such as a cardboard box, under some furniture or in a closet
• consider placing an extra litter box close to their hiding spot
• don't try and tempt your cat out, as this will cause them to become more stressed
• keep your cat indoors during the event, bring outdoor cats indoors if possible, lock the cat flap
• close windows and curtains to block out the flashes and noise
• play soothing music to help mask the noise or consider playing videos of birds or lizards to distract them
• speak to your cat in a calm, soothing voice. If you get stressed and hyper, they will too
• petting can be soothing for some cats, others may prefer to be left alone
• calming products such as supplements & pheromones can be considered
• medications (speak to your veterinarian)
• make sure your cat has proper ID in case they manage to escape (e.g. a collar + tag, a microchip). Make sure the microchip information is up to date!
• take photos of your cat in case they escape and become lost
• if you have outdoor cats or strays in your area, consider leaving a shed door open overnight so they have somewhere to take shelter

Professional behaviour modification can be considered to help with future events. Techniques such as desensitization and counter-conditioning can be very beneficial for stress prone animals. Speak to a Fear Free certified veterinarian or trainer to develop a protocol for your cat.

​Helpful links:
​Keep your animal family sane during fireworks
Music for cats to help with fireworks
Cats.org UK - Cats and fireworks
RSPCA Pets and fireworks

CAGED PETS

www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7KRltOwVU8

• partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out
• provide bedding for small animals to burrow in
• close windows and curtains to block out the sound and noise
• play soothing music to help mask the noise
• cover bird cages to hide the flashes and muffle the noise

Helpful Links:
RSPCA Pets and fireworks
Trust Technique - How to make guinea pigs feel safe


​

HORSES

If your horse is comfortable in a stall and you have that option, they may be safer indoors. If your horse is not comfortable indoors, being outside in their familiar paddock may work best for them. 

In the Stable:

• try to have them in before the fireworks begin to get them settled
• make sure they have a thick bed with high banks
• close up all doors and windows to help muffle the sound
• keep lights on to help minimize the effect of the flashing lights
• turn on a radio - calm soothing music is better than talk radio
• give them plenty of hay (enough so they won’t run out) to help keep them occupied

In the Paddock or Field:

• ensure all gates are secured and fencing is strong and in good repair
• remove anything that could cause injury if your horse comes into contact with it
• provide hay and water in an area as far away from the fireworks as possible

Whether your horse is staying in or out:

• stay with them or have a knowledgeable person nearby
• remain calm yourself - they will take their cues from you
• do not separate them from other horses unless absolutely necessary; horses are herd animals and will take comfort in being able to see or even touch other horses
• use an ear bonnet or put ear plugs or cotton wool in their ears to help muffle the sounds
• talk to your vet ahead of time to see if a mild sedative is a good idea for your horse

Desensitization or familiarization training can help with future events: 

• purchase recordings of fireworks used for desensitizing dogs
• use a shaping plan with very small steps - start the sound extremely low and only move to the next level when your horse is comfortable
• pair the noises with enjoyable activities like eating or grooming

Devise a plan for the next fireworks event:

• figure out the safest way of getting your horses from the paddock to the barn and practice this in a safe manner under less-than-optimal conditions (ie with loud noises in the background, etc)
• think about changes you can make to your barn or paddock to increase their safety
• talk to your neighbours (if you feel you can do so in a safe and respectful manner) to ask them to inform you of upcoming fireworks events so you can safely bring your horses inside beforehand. Ask if they would consider pointing fireworks away from your barn & paddocks
• ensure you have proper 3rd party liability insurance. If your horse gets loose and causes damage to someone else’s property, you could be held liable for those damages

Helpful Links:
WorldHorseWelfare Keeping Your Horse Safe During Fireworks
Horse and Hound UK - Horses and fireworks
​How to put in horse earplugs

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