Both dogs and cats can be extremely sensitive to the loud sounds and bright flashes caused by fireworks, often leading to heightened fear, anxiety and behavioural changes. Due to their superior hearing abilities, our beloved furry friends perceive these stimuli much more intensely than we humans do, making fireworks – even those at a distance – disturbing for pets both indoors and outdoors within a 5km radius.
The EKKA is just around the corner with nine consecutive nights of fireworks starting on Saturday 9 August. Repeated fireworks over multiple nights can be even more stressful for pets who suffer from anxiety and their distress has the potential to compound if they don’t have time to recover between the events. Ongoing stress can lead to more severe and lasting behavioural problems, such as increased aggression, withdrawal, or ongoing fearfulness.
As a pet parent, you can take proactive steps to protect your animals in the lead up to the fireworks season:
- Bring pets indoors well before fireworks start
- Prepare a safe, quiet, comfortable room or crate
- Close windows, doors, curtains and blinds to block boise and flashes
- Play calming music, white noise or TV to mask sounds
- Walk dogs and allow toilet breaks before dusk, ahead of fireworks
- Use food puzzles, special treats, or toys for distraction
Book an appointment with your vet now to discuss pharmaceutical options that can alleviate acute stress in your dog or cat. Having anti-anxiety solutions on hand can help soothe your pet and give you peace of mind.
Author: Kirsten Schlyder, Fido’s
