Fireworks can pose serious risks to animals, people, and the environment. While primarily used for recreation, there is overwhelming evidence that they negatively impact pets, wildlife, and natural surroundings.

Companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, often experience intense fear and anxiety from the unpredictable bursts of light and noise. Pet owners frequently report behaviors like escaping, vocalising, trembling, and destructive actions. Wildlife is also increasingly affected, with impacts reaching far beyond our homes and neighbourhoods. Surveys indicate that nearly half of pet dogs react fearfully to fireworks, with some taking days or even weeks to recover. Read our article for more in-depth information about the ways animals get impacts and research behind this.

At Companion Animals NZ we would support a ban on the sale of private fireworks use, while still allowing controlled public displays which mean people can be notified and be better prepared. We feel this would lessen the risk of physical injury and distress to companion animals

In the meantime, what can pet owners do to support their animals during times when fireworks are prominent in our skies.

Short-term tactics

Check your animal’s identification details are up to date

Whether this is their microchip details on our New Zealand Companion Animal Register, their ID tag or collar – ensure there is a way to identify your companion animal if they go missing. 

Create a safe space

Set up a comfort area in your home where your dog/cat can feel safe during fireworks. Making a cosy den using a blanket, putting the animal’s favourite toys and making use of an item of your clothing to create familiar scents will help to keep the animal feeling secure.  

Stay with your animal

Make sure that you are with your pet, and you keep your own emotions steady so they are not sensing anything from you and you’re able to help keep them feeling calm and safe.  

If you can, sound-proof an area of the house

Close windows and doors and use white noise machines, classical music or even air fans to help mask the sound. 

Other ways to reduce anxiety 

There are other options to explore which may or may not work for your animal.

• canine thundershirts (snug-fitting garments) can provide a sense of security for some anxious dogs, although you will need to test this before you use them during the firework period.

• Pheromonatherapy may also be useful – this refers to synthetic pheromones to influence the behavior and emotional state of animals, particularly pets. It is assumed to have an intrinsic effect on the emotional processing of animals. Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) plug-in diffusers available through vets, and placed around the house, resulted a reported improvement in dogs’ clinical signs during firework exposure⁶. There is also a feline version available that appears to be useful for reducing stress in cats. 

Move your animal temporarily if appropriate

Horse owners are usually better advised, if they can, to remove their horses to another property where they know fireworks cannot be heard, however if this is not possible there is some guidance on this site about how to prepare your horse. 

Consult your vet regarding medication

If you are extremely worried about how you pet’s will cope, and your animal’s fear and anxiety is severe, consult your vet who may recommend short term medication to help your pet manage during fireworks events. 

Desensitising through gradual exposure

Start by playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume when the animal is in a calm state, gradually increasing it as your dog becomes more comfortable, but never pushing the animal out of his comfort zone. 

Use of positive reinforcement

Pairing the gradual introduction (low volume) of the fireworks sounds with treats, toys, or playtime to create positive associations.