Across Australia annual celebrations may involve fireworks. Unfortunately, many animals are terrified by firework displays which can indirectly pose risks to animal safety by causing them to take fright and try to escape the loud noises. Dogs and horses in particular may be afraid of fireworks and many try to run away, sometimes injuring themselves in the process. We receive calls from distressed owners whose dogs have run away. Many of these dogs can end up several kilometres from home. Dogs have been known to jump through plate glass windows to escape loud noises, and easily jump over, or dig their way under fences that would normally contain them.

What can I do for my dog?

• Prepare early
• Talk to your vet about the treatment options available for managing noise phobias – ask them about any new treatment options
• Take your dog out for exercise before the fireworks start e.g. reasonably long walk, then after a couple of hours you can feed a meal. A tired and well-fed dog will be less anxious during the night. If you can, stay home to be with your pet.
• Let your dog be with you and try to be calm and normal. Avoid fussing over your pet excessively but try to engage them in normal activities such as playing. Reward your dog for their calm behaviour, rewards include giving them treats and giving them their favourite dog toy.
• Close the blinds/curtains, create a comfortable hiding place and allow your dog to go to there to feel safe, put on some music or the TV to help mask the noise outside, and distract your dog with games and food.
• Dogs who panic can choke themselves on a collar or lead, so never tether your dog during these times and never use a choker chain to restrain your dog.
• Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and that your contact details are up to date on the microchip register. Also ensure they are wearing an ID tag so they can be easily returned if they accidentally escape
• Direct supervision is important to help prevent injury or escape. If you cannot supervise your dog on the night consider making alternative arrangements so your dog will be supervised by a person directly or consider boarding your dog so they will be safe.

What about cats, rabbits and other pets?

Cats should be kept indoors during fireworks displays. Most cats will find somewhere dark to hide, and the best thing is to leave them alone until they come out of their own accord. Rabbits and other small animals like guinea pigs should be safely secured away from the sight and sound of the fireworks. Try putting the hutch/cage in your laundry to shield them from outside noise. Make sure your cat is microchipped and your details are up to date on the microchip register.

Horses are particularly vulnerable to bolting when exposed to fireworks. If possible they should be securely stabled, or removed to a different location away from the fireworks display, and the risk of physical harm minimised. Remove any sharp objects that might injure a panicking animal, cover stable windows to hide the sight of the fireworks and dim the noise, and make sure you supply plenty of food and water.

Can I stop my pet being afraid?

Not all pets are afraid of fireworks. Sometimes those that are can be desensitised by humane training, and the same method can be used to train puppies to tolerate fireworks from an early age. Desensitisation works by regularly exposing animals to the kind of sounds that frighten them. Start very quietly. Play a tape recording or sound effects CD just loud enough that you notice some irritation such as ear-twitching. Attract your dog’s attention. Act as if everything is normal, and reward calm behaviour with praise and attention. Keep this up for around 20 minutes at a time, and try to leave the sounds on for a few minutes after you leave the room. Repeat the process on a weekly basis, gradually increasing the volume over the course of a few months. Only reward your dog for calm behaviour. If your dog reacts reduce the volume and take a step back to the volume where your dog was calm and re-try after a time with a slightly louder volume. You will need to allow three to six months in advance to complete this kind of training. We recommend you talk to your veterinarian who can assist.

Phobias

Unfortunately for some pets the fear of fireworks is completely overwhelming. When pets have this kind of abnormal and excessive fear it may feel like there is nothing you can do to calm them down. If your pet suffers from an unmanageable phobia of fireworks and is at risk of injuring themselves or escaping in a panic, make an appointment with your vet well before the date of the fireworks display. Your vet can give you advice regarding humane behavioural therapy and other new treatment options.

Some dates to watch out for:

Australian Capital Territory

Queen’s birthday long weekend

Duration of the Canberra Show

Summernats Festival

New Year’s Eve

New South Wales

Duration of the Sydney Royal Easter Show

New Year’s Eve

Northern Territory

New Year’s Eve

Queensland

New Year’s Eve

South Australia

New Year’s Eve.

Tasmania

Regatta night

New Year’s Eve

Victoria

Australia Day Fireworks Display

The Moomba Festival

Duration of the Royal Melbourne Show

New Year’s Eve

Western Australia

New Year’s Eve