Yes it’s that time of year.. Again! Some places I know now ban them but not everywhere. Any advice on what best to do to soften the blow? I have a nervous, anxious rescue dog and two cats here. Classical music? What calming ideas can you share?
Mostly just stay in if possible, make sure doors and windows are all shut tightly, lower blinds as soon as it’s dark out, music or TVs on in various rooms. If they have a favorite hiding spot make sure it’s clear and available for them.
They make thunder shirts that help some dogs with noise, you can ask if HO has one. Also Feliway makes a pheromone diffuser that helps cats relax.
You can start a few days or even weeks before the holiday and find YouTube videos of fireworks. Start at a low volume while playing with the dog, distracting them with treats. Gradually increase the volume when they get to the point of ignoring the current volume.
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Brilliant thanks so much that’s really helpful!
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Fireworks can be tough for pets, especially for anxious ones. A few things that might help:
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Create a safe space: Set up a quiet room with their favorite bed or blankets, away from windows.
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Sound masking: Classical music or white noise can help drown out the fireworks. There are apps that play calming sounds for pets too.
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Comfort: Stay close if possible, offering pets gentle reassurance, but try not to react to their anxiety—this can sometimes reinforce it.
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Thundershirt or calming collar: These are designed to reduce stress and may help soothe your dog.
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Pheromone diffusers: Products like Adaptil can mimic calming scents that help relax pets.
Hope this helps make the season a bit easier for everyone!
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Also make sure the dog has had a nice walk before sunset so they are tired, and go out with them on leash for any other potties after dark.
For cats, if they have some flirt pokes or toys around, a good play session with them just before the fireworks start is also helpful.
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If we’re not traveling with our dog during fireworks holidays, we usually use a large walk-in closet with no windows — the clothes also help muffle sound. I set myself a portable outdoor lounge chair in there so I can stay with our dog and I read and surf during fireworks, and we put his little padded dog house in there, so it further muffles noises and gives him somewhere cozy to rest and hide. We also bring in his treats, some of his toys and a couple of his blankets.
We’ve had such a closet in the homes we’ve owned since we adopted him, so they’ve always provided refuge. Otherwise, if he’s loose and scared, he runs all over the house, which we don’t want him to be, frantic.
The toughest part is, we’ve lived in multiple states since we’ve had him, where people can buy fireworks and set them off whenever. So during fireworks holidays, some people set them off randomly a few days in a row and that can scare our dog while we’re walking him for say an evening or nighttime pee or poop. Then, he just wants to rush home, maybe not having done his business yet.
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Thanks so much ! It’s certainly calming me down!!
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Yes more great ideas! How lucky your dog is to have such caring owners!
Thanks for sharing! Lots of food for thought and action!
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Dear readers and contributors
A fellow of THS, for whom I plan to pet and housesit in the future, has sent me this and I’m so very relieved for myself and my charges.
For those who don’t understand Spanish this lays out reasons for No Fireworks
Messy
Fire risk
Upsets people and pets
Spoils the enjoyments of the season for some
Carries a fine of 750 euros if caught!
Celebrations shouldn’t put others at risk.
Game Over! I hope.
Have a great time where you are with your darling pets whether yours or on loan.
Not sure how true this is ? Give the money to charity!
Be careful with Feliway and similar products for cats. Some cats have very unexpected, negative reactions to it
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We’re getting ourselves comfortable in the closet, because some neighbors have already been setting off fireworks. It’s very quiet in here. We even put down an old rug for extra noise absorption.
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What a lovely calm dog you have there! Hope you both survived the ordeal (paw deal; poor deal?)
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About 1.5 hours till midnight here.
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My wife stayed up with the pets who seem bullet proof to fireworks, partying and church bells
(we are very near the town church here! )
I went to bed early and slept through the lot! Leaving my hearing aids on the bedside table. Being deaf has some glorious advantages at times like these!
I do the early shift, pet feeding, first cup of tea for my team member etc the important stuff! Ha ha!
Happy New Year with no hangover!
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Interesting to read that Holland, after two dead, a 19th century burnt out church, has decided to ban fireworks in the whole country! Unholy Smoke! Lucky animals!
Then there’s Switzerland sparklers in Champagne bottles kill 41 - 115!injured’
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Some cities seem to be switching to drone light shows instead. That technology has continued to improve and become cheaper, so it might become an increasing alternative.
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It was so sad to hear of the 2 lives lost, and destruction of the church. This ban could not have come soon enough. I have been in Amsterdam for 2 new year’s now, and this year was the same. It is literally like a war zone! People setting fireworks everywhere and anywhere. Trams stop at 9 pm for safety. Some people even throw them out their windows for fun. It often starts days before as well as after new year. It is just crazy stuff, so I really hope they do enforce this ban. The cat I am looking after, was very happy to have me home. 
Very sad to see the Swiss disaster too.
I think drone light shows are a much nicer and better option.
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