How to Minimise Pet Fireworks Fears in the Festive Season

For many of us, fireworks are a festive highlight. However, for our pets, these loud and unpredictable sounds can be overwhelming and frightening. With a bit of preparation and some simple strategies, you can help your pet stay calm and comfortable during fireworks season. Here’s how.

1. Create a Safe Space

Provide a cozy, quiet spot in your home where your pet can retreat if they feel anxious. This could be a room away from windows or a corner with soft bedding. Adding a few favourite toys or blankets with familiar scents can help create a comforting environment.

Tip: Consider using a covered crate if your dog is crate-trained, as it may make them feel more secure. For cats, a quiet room with hiding spots like a box or under-the-bed space can work well.

2. Close Windows, Curtains, and Doors

Minimise the noise and flashing lights from fireworks by closing windows and drawing curtains or blinds. This helps reduce both the sound and visual stimuli that may be alarming for your pet.

Tip: Turn on the TV or play calming music to mask the noise of fireworks. Classical music or pet-specific playlists can be particularly soothing.

3. Provide Plenty of Exercise Earlier in the Day

A tired pet is often a calmer pet. Take your dog for a long walk or engage in active play sessions with your cat earlier in the day. This extra exercise can help them feel more relaxed and may even tire them out enough to sleep through some of the fireworks.

Tip: Make sure to walk dogs well before dark to avoid unexpected firework sounds, which may begin early.

4. Stay Calm and Comforting

Your pet can pick up on your emotions, so try to stay calm and reassuring during fireworks. If your pet comes to you for comfort, it’s okay to cuddle or pet them, but avoid showing excessive anxiety, as it may reinforce their fear.

Tip: Speak to your pet in a low, soothing tone, and use gentle petting to help ease their nerves.

5. Distract with Toys and Treats

Keep your pet occupied during fireworks with engaging toys or long-lasting treats. Puzzle toys, lick mats with pet-safe peanut butter, or treat-dispensing toys can provide both distraction and comfort.

Tip: A frozen Kong toy with treats inside can keep your dog engaged for an extended time, while interactive toys can help distract anxious cats.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement for Calm Behaviour

Reward your pet for staying calm during fireworks, even if it’s just for a moment. Use small treats, gentle praise, or petting to reinforce relaxed behaviours, which can help them associate the fireworks with positive experiences.

Tip: Avoid punishing your pet for their fearful behaviour, as it can heighten their anxiety. Focus on encouraging any moments of calmness.

7. Keep Pets Indoors and Ensure Their Safety

Fireworks can cause pets to bolt in fear, so it’s essential to keep them securely indoors. Ensure that windows, doors, and any pet access points are closed to prevent them from escaping. Make sure they’re wearing updated ID tags and are microchipped in case they do manage to slip outside.

Tip: Keep cats indoors the day before and after the main firework events to avoid accidental escapes.

After the Fireworks: A Calm Recovery

Once the fireworks are over, allow your pet time to decompress. Keep their environment calm and return to your usual routine to help them settle back in. For particularly anxious pets, be patient—it may take a bit longer for them to feel comfortable again.

In Summary

With a little planning and care, you can minimize your pet’s anxiety around fireworks and make the festive season as stress-free as possible for them. By creating a calm space, using soothing products, and providing distraction, you’ll be well-prepared to support your furry friend through the fireworks.

Here’s to a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season for you and your pets!

Foods to Avoid for Dogs at Christmas

Christmas is a time for treats and big family meals, but many holiday foods can be dangerous for our pets. Here’s a guide to the foods you should keep away from your dog during the festive season, so you can ensure their Christmas is merry—and safe!

1. Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most common holiday hazards for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs, particularly dark chocolate or cocoa powder. Even small amounts can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures.

2. Grapes, Raisins, and Currants

These fruits may be in Christmas pudding, fruitcakes, and mince pies, but they are incredibly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure, which is life-threatening. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Leeks

These vegetables contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. They’re often used in holiday stuffings, gravies, and casseroles, so be cautious when sharing scraps with your dog.

4. Fatty Foods and Turkey Skin

Turkey is a festive staple, but turkey skin, gravy, and other high-fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis is a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

5. Bones

While it may seem natural to give a dog a bone, cooked bones can splinter easily and pose a choking hazard or even cause internal injuries. Turkey, chicken, and ham bones are particularly dangerous.

6. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

Xylitol is found in sugar-free gum, some candies, and even some baked goods. This sweetener is highly toxic to dogs, causing a rapid release of insulin that can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and, in severe cases, liver failure.

7. Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks and foods containing alcohol are dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause alcohol poisoning, leading to disorientation, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and even coma.

8. Nutmeg and Other Spices

Nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin, which can be toxic to dogs. It may cause tremors, seizures, and central nervous system issues. Cinnamon, while not as dangerous as nutmeg, can also irritate your dog’s digestive system.

9. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia. These nuts may be found in festive cookies, snacks, or mixed nut assortments.

10. Dough and Yeast

Raw dough containing yeast can expand in a dog’s stomach, potentially causing severe bloating and discomfort. Additionally, yeast ferments, producing alcohol, which is toxic to dogs.

What to Give Instead: Safe Treat Ideas

To make your dog feel part of the celebration, offer them pet-safe holiday treats. You can find dog-friendly treats at most pet stores, or make simple snacks like carrots, green beans, or small amounts of unseasoned, cooked sweet potato.

Emergency Action

If your dog does consume something toxic, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately, even if symptoms aren’t yet visible. Early intervention is often critical to a successful outcome.

By being cautious about what holiday treats are within your dog’s reach, you can prevent a festive mishap and ensure your pet stays healthy. Keep in mind that while sharing food with your dog can be tempting, it’s best to stick to pet-safe options to avoid any risks.

Happy Holidays to you and your furry family members!

No After Hours 7th November

From 6pm Thursday 7th November we will not have a vet on-call. If you have an emergency during this time please call Wellington Vet Hospital on 6845 2872.

We will be open from 8am Friday 8th November as normal.

Thank you.

Puppy Preschool Enrolments Open for September

📆 Program Start Date: Wednesday 6th September.
⏰ Time: 6 – 7pm
📍 Location: Church Street Veterinary Hospital

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to give your puppy the best start in life! Join our Polite Puppies Program and watch them thrive into a sociable, well-mannered, and happy companion.
For more information or to reserve your puppy’s spot, give the clinic a call on 6372 6780 ☎️