As we approach firework season and Halloween, it’s important to ensure your pets feel safe and secure. Loud noises and unexpected activity can cause stress and anxiety in pets, but with the right preparation, you can help them cope during these festive but noisy times.

General Tips for Cats and Dogs

• Keep pets indoors: Both cats and dogs should be kept indoors during firework season. This helps to reduce their exposure to loud noises and bright flashes, keeping them calm and safe.
• Create a quiet space: Whether it’s a quiet room, a crate for your dog, or a cozy corner for your cat, make sure your pets have a safe spot where they can retreat if they feel scared.
• Provide background noise: Use the TV or play soothing music to drown out the noise of fireworks. The familiar sound will help reduce your pet’s anxiety.

Specific Tips for Cats

1. Lock the Cat Flap Early

• As fireworks or Halloween festivities approach, lock the cat flap before dark. This ensures your cat stays safely indoors and isn’t spooked by unexpected noises.
• If you have a SureFlap® Microchip Cat Flap, use its curfew mode to automatically lock the door at a set time. Check out SureFlap cat flaps here.

2. Provide Hiding Spots

• Make sure your cat has access to safe hiding places. Cats often feel more secure when they have a dark, enclosed area to retreat to during stressful situations.
• If they do hide, don’t force them to come out. Let them emerge in their own time when they feel safe again.

3. Close Curtains and Blinds

• Cats can also be scared by the flashes of fireworks. Keeping the blinds and curtains closed will reduce their exposure to the bright lights and help keep them calm.

4. Feed Early

• To encourage your cat to come home before dark, try feeding them earlier than usual. This will help ensure they’re safely inside before the fireworks start.

5. Use Calming Medications or Supplements

• If your cat becomes particularly anxious during fireworks, consider using calming aids such as Feliway or similar calming sprays and supplements.
• These products release pheromones that help to soothe your cat and reduce anxiety during stressful events like firework season.

Specific Tips for Dogs

1. Never Take Your Dog to a Firework Display

• Even if your dog doesn’t seem outwardly scared of fireworks, it’s best to avoid taking them to firework displays. The noise, crowds, and bright lights can cause hidden stress, so keep them at home where it’s quieter.

2. Walk Your Dog Before Dark

• Take your dog for a walk earlier in the day, well before the fireworks or Halloween trick-or-treating begins. This ensures they get the exercise they need without being exposed to sudden loud noises.

3. Distract with Toys and Treats

• Provide your dog with interactive toys or treat dispensers to keep them occupied. This can help divert their attention away from the noise and keep them calm.
• Consider a puzzle toy or a toy filled with their favourite treats to keep them entertained for longer periods.

4. Use a Crate for Comfort

• If your dog is crate-trained, make the crate a cozy den during firework season. Place blankets and toys inside, and keep the crate in a quiet part of the house to create a safe space for them to retreat to.

Additional Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween can be especially tricky for pets with people coming to the door in costumes. Follow these extra tips to keep both cats and dogs safe:

• Keep decorations out of reach: Cats and dogs are curious by nature. Keep any potentially dangerous decorations, such as candles or small objects, out of their reach.
• Don’t let pets near the front door: With trick-or-treaters constantly arriving, the front door will be opening and closing frequently. This creates a risk of your pet slipping out unnoticed. Set up a barrier or keep them in another room to prevent this.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your pets feel safe and secure during firework season and Halloween. Shop for pet-friendly gifts here to make the season even more enjoyable for your furry friends.