Nearly every year, on New Year’s Eve, a post on In The Cove’s Facebook page will ask for help locating a pet spooked during the NYE Fireworks (tips on where to watch the Fireworks around Lane Cove,  Greenwich and Longueville here)

Like thunderstorms, fireworks’ loud, unexpected noise can cause extreme distress for our pets. This is why creating a safe, calm environment is crucial to prevent our loyal companions from hurting themselves or becoming lost in panic.

RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Dr Liz Arnott has some advice on ensuring your pet does not panic during the fireworks.

“Dogs, like several other animal species, have sensitive hearing. Fireworks can be terrifyingly loud and relatively prolonged, which can cause some individuals to have overwhelming fear,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Liz Arnott.

“Noise phobias are not uncommon in dogs, but there are things we can do in the lead-up and during, fireworks displays to help them feel safe and secure.

Some practical tips

• If you can, stay home to be with your pet and try to keep them secured indoors. Alternatively, you could ask a friend, family member, or pet sitter to be around if your animal has a tough time with fireworks. Dogs have been known to damage property or themselves in frantic attempts to escape the noise. They may jump or dig under fences, and cats, birds, and pocket pets should be safely housed with somewhere safe to hide until the noise stops.
• Ensure you have provided your dogs and cats with everything they need during the day in the lead-up to any fireworks. They should have their regular routine of play, exercise, and enrichment, as well as rest and sleep.
• Provide access to any areas your dog or cat will want to hide. This might include a bathroom, bedroom, or even leaving the doors to a cupboard open if that is where they feel most secure. You can set up hiding areas that might provide them comfort, such as crates covered with blankets.
• Take measures to reduce the impact of flashing lights and noise, such as closing curtains and blinds and providing some background noise.
• Play canine or feline-specific calming soundtracks that can be found on music streaming platforms or leave the television or radio on to distract from the sound of the fireworks (check you are not on the official channel broadcasting the fireworks.
• Use canine or feline synthetic pheromone products in their resting area to provide reassurance and encourage a sense of calm.

“If you are at home and your pet is frightened, it’s important to let them seek comfort as they choose. If they want to be with you it is appropriate to provide them calm reassurance rather than ignoring their stress,” adds Dr Arnott.

“If your pet is not overwhelmed by the fireworks, you could try engaging them in normal activities, such as play and reinforce any calm behaviour with treats or their favourite toy. If you notice that your pet is showing extreme signs of stress during fireworks, or their behaviour is getting more intense over time, you should speak to your veterinarian to get assistance.”

Check Microchip Details Are Up To Date

The easier way for someone to reunite you with your pet is to have your phone number on their collar (metallic tags can get caught on fences and bushes), so if you can, have your number embroidered on their collar.

Make sure their microchip details are up to date. If you have changed your phone number, ensure it is up to date.

What to do if your pet goes missing

Lost Pet

If you have lost a pet, the first thing to do is contact all the local vets to see if your pet has been handed in.

You can put a post on Lane Cove Chat by ITC – send ITC a message via messenger, as we may not get the notification that a post is pending. When submitting a post, if you can include a picture of the pet and also the area where it went missing.

Finding a Pet

If you find a pet, take it to the nearest Vet to ask them to read the microchip.

If there are no details on the microchip, you can put a post on Lane Cove Chat by ITC – send ITC a message via messenger, as we may not get the notification that a post is pending. When submitting a post,  include a picture of the pet and the area where it was found.