Why Playing Calming Music For Pets During Fireworks Helps Stress

As Autumn arrives and the nights draw in, we approach a difficult time of year for some pet owners – firework season. Keeping pets calm can be tough, however, playing calming music for pets during fireworks displays can help to reduce their stress levels.

Pets & Fireworks Season

Around 40% of cats and dogs are thought to be anxious or frightened of fireworks. While that means 60% of cats and dogs are unaffected by the sight and sound of fireworks it still leaves around 8 million of our four-legged friends who display signs of fear when they see or hear fireworks.

The loud bangs and bright lights in the sky can be overwhelming for pets the first time they experience them, and older dogs are likely to remember the stress from the same events in previous years.

Firework displays used to be limited to November 5th, the night when people around the country would gather to remember the Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes. Nowadays, while fireworks can be a year-round event, the darker nights from October through into the New Year are the most common time to see large firework displays.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Cat Or Dog That's Frightened By Fireworks?

Cats and dogs suffering from stress or anxiety can display many different symptoms. If your pet has one or more of the following symptoms when they hear or see fireworks, they may be finding firework season stressful:

• Hiding behind furniture or cowering
• Attempting to run away
• Abnormal toileting, including defecating indoors
• Refusal to eat
• Destructive behaviour
• Seeking more attention than usual
• Excessive panting in dogs

The list above is by no means exhaustive and your pet may show symptoms not listed here if they are feeling stressed. Any unusual or excessive behaviour which they do not normally display can be viewed as a symptom of stress.

How Can Dog Owners & Cat Owners Prepare In Advance?

While firework season can be an unsettling time for pets and owners alike there are lots of things you can do to help your pet deal with fireworks.

If your puppy or kitten has never experienced fireworks before then the best thing you can do is to socialise them, starting now! Using an audio track like thesefree downloads from The Dogs Trust to get your pets used to the sounds of fireworks gradually from a young age can be very effective.

Older cats and dogs can also benefit from a gradual introduction to firework noise in the build-up to bonfire night. Introducing your pet to these sounds slowly in a safe and calm environment will make them more likely to be calm and unafraid when they hear real fireworks.

When introducing your pets to the noise of fireworks, start slowly at the lowest volume possible. The volume and duration of the noise should be increased very gradually over the course of a few weeks. Make sure to reward the behaviour you are trying to encourage – calmness. If your pet starts to appear anxious then stop training immediately and take it back to the previous volume the next time you train with them.

Other actions you can take in advance of firework season include:

• Create a den or other safe environment which your cat or dog can retreat to if they feel they need to escape the noise. You could use thick blankets over the top of a crate to help block noise and make a quiet, cosy den. Cats often feel safest when up high, so the best den could be on the top of a wardrobe or cupboard.
• Play music during the evenings, especially classical music, as this can help calm your pets and drown out any noise from outside.
• Try walking your dog earlier during the day to avoid being outside when the fireworks start. However, be careful changing your dog’s routine as this can sometimes aggravate their anxiety.
• Use calming aids - available as tablets, collars, sprays and more; both in the build-up to and during firework season. Some supplements need to be given to your pet in advance to be effective so it pays to be prepared in good time.

What should I do on the day?

Different pets have different personalities just like humans. Your pet may react in a totally different way to your neighbour or friend’s pet, for example. Now is the time to follow your pets’ lead. If you provide them with a safe place to go to but make yourself available to them for affection if they want it, they will choose whatever they feel most comfortable with.

Here are some other helpful things you can do:

• Keep windows, doors and curtains closed
• Give your pets affection if they come looking for it, but try not to check on them excessively
• Maintain their routine where you can, including feeding times
• Reward the behaviour you want, such as being calm, with treats or affection
• Never punish your pets. They can’t help being scared and punishing them will only increase their fearfulness

Remember to keep calm and carry on as normal. Your pets will pick up on your emotions so it is important to set a good example to them. Hopefully, by preparing in advance and knowing what to do on the day, you can help your pets through the firework season.

Nights when fireworks start should become no different to any other night. However, if your pets still show signs of anxiety or stress when the fireworks start, please speak to your vet as their anxiety may be a symptom of a deeper problem.

Finally, How Does Playing Calming Music For Pets During Fireworks Help?

Playing calming music for pets during fireworks helps because it can mask the sound of the fireworks and make it less scary for them. It can also help to keep their routine as normal as possible, which will help to reduce their anxiety. Classical music or soft rock is often recommended for this purpose as it is known to be calming.

Loud noises from fireworks can be very frightening for most pets. By following these tips, you can help to make the experience a bit less scary for them until it's all over.