Guy Fawkes & Fireworks: How to Manage Pet Anxiety in NZ

2026-03-11 · 8 min read · ZiggySitters Team

Every November in New Zealand, the skies light up to mark Guy Fawkes. While spectacular for humans, the loud bangs, sudden flashes, and distinct smells of fireworks can trigger severe anxiety and panic in our pets. For many dogs and cats across the country, Guy Fawkes isn't just a single night of stress—firework season can drag on for weeks. Understanding how to manage pet anxiety during this period is essential for their well-being and your peace of mind.

Understanding Firework Anxiety in Pets

Animals experience the world differently than we do. Their senses of hearing and smell are exponentially more acute. A firework explosion that sounds loud to us can be physically painful to a dog or cat. Furthermore, because these noises happen without warning and seemingly at random, animals cannot rationalise them. To a pet, fireworks feel like an unpredictable, invisible threat.

Signs of anxiety can range from subtle to severe. You might notice your pet pacing, panting, trembling, or hiding in unusual places. Some animals may exhibit destructive behaviour, excessive vocalisation, or inappropriate toileting indoors. In severe cases, the instinct to escape the noise can lead pets to bolt, resulting in a spike of lost animals reported to NZ shelters and clinics around early November.

Preparation: Before the Fireworks Begin

Effective anxiety management starts well before the first firework is lit. The goal is to create a safe, reassuring environment so your pet has a designated retreat when the noise starts.

First, ensure your pet's microchip details are up-to-date on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) and that they are wearing a collar with a clear ID tag. If they do manage to escape, this dramatically increases the chances of a safe return. Walk your dogs earlier in the day while it is still light to ensure they have expended their energy and done their business before dusk. For cats, keep them indoors from late afternoon onwards and lock cat flaps to prevent them from slipping out if they panic.

Create a "safe haven" in the quietest part of your home. This could be a walk-in wardrobe, an interior bathroom, or simply under a bed. Furnish this space with their favourite blankets, toys, and perhaps an item of your unwashed clothing so they are comforted by your scent. If your dog is crate trained, cover the crate with a thick blanket to muffle sound and block out flashes of light, leaving the door open so they don't feel trapped.

Strategies for the Night

When the fireworks begin, your demeanour plays a crucial role in how your pet reacts. Animals are highly adept at reading our emotions; if you are anxious or fussing over them excessively, you may inadvertently reinforce their fear. Stay calm, act normally, and provide quiet, steady reassurance.

Close all windows, draw the curtains, and pull down the blinds to block out the sudden flashes of light. Turn on the television or play some calming background music to help mask the sound of explosions outside. Classical music or specifically composed "pet relaxation" playlists can be surprisingly effective at smoothing out sharp acoustic spikes.

Avoid leaving your pet alone if they suffer from firework anxiety. If you must go out, consider hiring an in-home pet sitter who has experience with nervous animals. Having a calm, reassuring human presence can make a significant difference to a frightened pet. Under no circumstances should pets be taken to firework displays or left tied up outside.

Anxiety Aids and Veterinary Support

For some pets, environmental management isn't enough, and additional support is required. Pheromone diffusers, sprays, and collars (such as Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats) release synthetic versions of calming pheromones that can help take the edge off their anxiety. These should ideally be set up a week or two before Guy Fawkes to allow the pheromones to permeate the environment.

Anxiety wraps, like the Thundershirt, apply gentle, constant pressure to an animal's torso, mimicking the calming sensation of being swaddled. Many NZ pet owners find these incredibly helpful, though they work best when introduced positively before a stressful event occurs.

If your pet's phobia is severe, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Modern veterinary medicine offers a range of options, from natural supplements to prescription anti-anxiety medications. A vet can prescribe short-acting medication to help your pet cope with the worst nights. Never give your pet human medication, as many common drugs are highly toxic to animals.

Desensitisation Training

While you cannot train a pet in the days immediately before Guy Fawkes, long-term desensitisation is the most effective way to reduce noise phobias. This involves playing recordings of fireworks at a very low volume while your pet is engaged in something positive, like eating a meal or playing with a favourite toy. Over weeks or months, the volume is gradually increased. The goal is to change their emotional response to the sound from fear to anticipation of a reward. This process requires patience and is best undertaken with the guidance of a qualified animal behaviourist.

What Pet Sitters Need to Know

If you are a pet sitter working during firework season, proactive communication with the owner is vital. Ask specific questions during the meet-and-greet about the pet's history with loud noises and what calming strategies have worked in the past. Ensure you know where the safe haven is located, where cleaning supplies are kept (in case of stress-induced accidents), and have the emergency vet contact details readily available.

During the sit, send the owner updates reassuring them that their pet is safe and secure indoors. Your primary job during this time is to maintain a calm, secure environment, ensuring no doors or windows are left open and providing steady, unpanicked companionship.

Conclusion

Guy Fawkes and the surrounding firework season can be a challenging time for New Zealand pet owners, but with preparation and empathy, you can significantly reduce your pet's distress. By securing your home, creating a safe space, remaining calm, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can help your furry friends weather the noise safely. Remember, every pet is different; finding the right combination of strategies may take time, but their comfort and safety are well worth the effort.

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