Pets

Our Top 10 Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe And Happy During Fireworks

Firework displays are exciting events for most people, but it can be a very stressful night for our furry friends. Cats and dogs have ultra-sensitive hearing, so all those flashes, bangs and shouts can be terrifying for them. Therefore it’s important to take some simple steps to keep them safe and secure.

Here are our top tips to help your pets have a stress-free night:

    • Pets should never be taken to a public fireworks display. They should not be tied up or left alone in the garden or car while fireworks are underway.
    • Make sure all pets are locked inside, and that all doors, windows and cat flaps are closed. Keep the blinds or curtains drawn.
    • Make sure your pets are micro-chipped and have a collar and tag with your contact details. This means that you can be easily reunited with your pet if it escapes.
    • Give your dog plenty of exercise and a good meal before the fireworks start.
    • Create a comfortable space for your pet in a secure, familiar room with their favourite toys, snacks and water.
    • Place a blanket over the cages of rabbits and guinea pigs.
    • Leave a light on in the room so flashes don’t seem so startling to your pet. You may want to leave a radio or TV on to drown out the noise of fireworks (a channel not showing the fireworks, of course).
    • If you’re at home with your pet, try and pacify them with gentle games, food and music. Encourage calm behaviour with praise and attention.
    • If you have a particularly nervous or elderly pet, you could speak to your vet about the best way to keep them calm.
    • Consider buying ear muffs and hearing protection devices for your dog. These are available from pet stores or online.

Source: 2014, Pets |2014 Sydney New Year’s Eve, Sydney New Year’s Eve 2014 – ‘Inspire’, viewed 15 October 2015, <http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/pets/

Check our ‘Next Fireworks Display’ countdown regularly to know when the next Sydney Harbour fireworks display is – there usually is at least 1 every 3 weeks on Sydney Harbour (more frequent in December/January) and 1 every Saturday at Darling Harbour.