Dubai loves a celebration. Fireworks light up the sky at New Year, at Eid, on UAE National Day and at many other events. For people, this is fun. For many pets, it is frightening.
The good news: you can help your pet. With some preparation, most pets can get through the night with less fear.
Why fireworks frighten pets
Dogs and cats hear much better than people. A firework that is loud to you is much louder to your pet. The bangs are sudden. The flashes are bright. The smell of smoke is strange. Your pet does not know what these things are, or where they come from.
In Dubai, many people live in high buildings. From a high floor, you can see and hear fireworks from many places at the same time. The noise can also echo between the buildings.
Signs of fear
Signs in dogs
- shaking or trembling
- panting, also when the dog is not hot
- hiding, for example under a bed or behind furniture
- barking, whining or howling
- walking up and down, or the dog cannot settle
- drool
- the dog tries to escape, or digs at doors
- the dog does not eat
- toilet accidents in the home
Signs in cats
- hiding, often in a high or dark place
- the cat stays very still, or tries to run away
- ears flat against the head
- large pupils
- the cat does not eat or does not use the litter tray
- more grooming than usual
Every pet is different. Some pets show fear clearly. Others hide it.
Prepare some weeks before
Fear of loud noises often gets worse each year without help. Start early.
Talk to the vet
If your pet was very afraid last year, book a visit some weeks before the next big event. The vet can check the health of your pet. Pain or illness can make fear worse.
The vet can talk about options. Some pets need medicine for anxiety. Some of these medicines need some time to start to work. The vet can also ask you to give a test dose some days before the event. The vet decides if a medicine is correct and safe for your pet.
Never give your pet medicine for people. Some human medicines for sleep or anxiety are dangerous for pets. Give only the medicine that the vet prescribes for your pet.
Train with sounds
The RSPCA recommends sound training, but only with time and patience. You play recordings of fireworks very quietly while your pet relaxes. Over some weeks, you make the sound a little louder. If your pet shows fear, make the sound quieter again.
Do not try to do this quickly, or in the last few days. If you are not sure how to do it, ask us. We can tell you about a qualified behaviourist.
Make a safe den
Give your pet a safe place to hide. Make it some weeks before the event, so your pet knows it well.
- Choose a quiet room, far from windows and balconies.
- For a dog, cover a crate or a table with a thick blanket. Leave the door open.
- Put soft bedding, a favourite toy and an old piece of your clothing inside.
- For a cat, give some high places and some covered boxes.
- Let your pet use the den at any time.
Check the microchip and the ID tag
A frightened pet can run away. A microchip helps people to find the owner of a lost pet quickly.
- Ask us to scan the microchip. We can check that it works.
- Make sure that your phone number in the records is correct.
- Put an ID tag on the collar of your dog.
Read our guide to pet registration and microchips in Dubai.
On the day
- Walk your dog early. Give your dog a good walk before dark. Remember the heat in the warmer months.
- Feed your pet early. Give the meal before the fireworks start. A frightened pet often does not want to eat.
- Bring cats inside before dark. Keep them inside all night.
- Close the windows, the curtains and the blinds. This makes the noise quieter and hides the flashes.
- Close the balcony door. A frightened pet can jump or fall from a balcony.
- Turn on the TV or calm music. This helps to hide the sudden bangs.
- Check the doors. Make sure that your pet cannot run out when a visitor comes in.
- Stay at home if you can. Do not leave a frightened pet alone.
During the fireworks
- Stay calm and act normally. Your pet looks at you to see if there is danger.
- Let your pet hide. Do not pull your pet out of its hiding place.
- Comfort your pet if it comes to you. Talk quietly and stroke your pet if it wants this. Comfort does not make the fear worse.
- Never punish your pet. Your pet cannot control its fear. Punishment makes the fear stronger.
- Do not take your pet to watch the fireworks. Also do not take a dog to a crowded event.
- Do not tie your dog up outside. A frightened dog can hurt itself on a lead or a chain.
Other animals at home
Small pets, for example rabbits, guinea pigs and birds, can also get frightened. Bring their cages inside, into a quiet room. Cover part of the cage with a blanket. Leave some space for air. Give extra bedding so they can dig and hide.
After the fireworks
Some pets recover quickly. Others stay nervous for a day or more.
- Keep to your normal routine.
- Check your home and the garden for firework debris before you let your pet out. Firework pieces can be dangerous if a pet eats them.
- Let your pet rest.
Did your pet stay very afraid? Did it hurt itself, or try to escape? Do not wait for the next event. Talk to us soon. With time, training and sometimes medicine, many pets get better.
Did your pet run away?
- Search near your home immediately. Many frightened pets hide near the home.
- Call your building security and your neighbours.
- Call local vet clinics. Ask them to scan any dog or cat that comes in.
- Post a clear photo of your pet in local community groups.
We can help
Is your pet afraid of loud noises? Book a consultation some weeks before the next big event. You can also book online. We are open every day from 10am to 10pm.
If your pet hurts itself during the fireworks, call us on +971 54 746 6650. Read our urgent care page.
Sources
- RSPCA, "Keeping dogs, cats and other small pets safe during fireworks": rspca.org.uk
- PDSA, "Pets and fireworks": pdsa.org.uk
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, "Fear of fireworks and thunderstorms": vet.cornell.edu
- Dubai Municipality, Veterinary Services Section: dm.gov.ae
This article is general information. It is not a diagnosis. For an emergency, call us.
This article is general information. It is not a diagnosis. For an emergency, call us. Call +971 54 746 6650 (Daily 10am–10pm). We are not a 24-hour emergency hospital. From 10pm to 10am, take your pet to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
Want a vet to check your pet?
Book a visit at Pet Avenue Clinic in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). Open every day, 10am – 10pm.