The firework season is here and New Year's Eve is approaching, meaning more fireworks will light up the sky during this time of year.

For humans, fireworks are a dazzling display and a lot of fun. However, they can be distressing and dangerous for our furry friends.

Experts at QR Code Generator has outlined some of their top tips for keeping your pets safe and calm when fireworks are going off.

Exposure Therapy

You may be thinking exposure therapy only works for humans, but many dog owners swear by this method. Exposure therapy is a method used to gradually expose oneself to things, activities or situations that cause fear and distress. So, how does this relate to dogs… and fireworks?

Start by displaying some footage of fireworks on a television or screen in the same room as your dogs. This can also work for cats or other indoor pets, as it is essentially the same as training.

Keep the volume low and create a safe and tranquil environment for your pooches. Have them relax in their favourite bed or spot on the sofa, play with their favourite toy, and provide some positive reinforcement with some treats or petting.

Do this on several occasions, and each time, turn the volume up slightly so they adjust bit by bit. Keep reassuring them, give positive reinforcement, provide a safe space for them, and gradually they will become accustomed to seeing fireworks and hearing the sounds they make. Then, by the time fireworks season comes around, your pets should be used to it.

Music

We know the exposure method takes some time and preparation, so for a quick fix on the night, experts suggest putting on some music.

The loud pops when fireworks are set off are the main trigger for scared animals. This is even more distressing for pets with extremely sensitive hearing, like dogs and cats.

To tackle this, bring any outdoor cats in for the evening if you are expecting fireworks to go off, especially on occasions like Guy Fawkes Night and New Year's Eve. Bring your pet into the quietest room and draw any curtains to block any flashes and muffle the noise slightly as well.

Play some relaxing but distracting music for your fluffy friends; classical music is a good option. There are also plenty of playlists made specifically for dogs or cats on Spotify or YouTube. Leaving the radio or TV on is also an option, as people's voices may provide some additional comfort – but music is the best option for constant sound without pauses to help mask sudden noises.

Entertainment

In addition to music, provide plenty of entertainment for your pet. The more time they spend without distraction, the more likely they will be bored and stressed.

For dogs, provide plenty of toys or treats they can chew on for a while. For example, Kong toys and chew sticks are a good option, so they are distracted and working toward a treat or reward. Other puzzle toys or mats that stimulate their brains are a good idea too.

Cats can be distracted in a similar way, with toys that provide stimulation and work toward a reward. Try a laser pointer or a toy that mimics prey for them to hunt, as a cat's confidence is boosted when they successfully hunt the toy. Some cats like to watch what people call 'cat TV,' which can easily be found on YouTube.

Safe Spaces

If you can't keep your pet in one room for the night, there are other ways to provide spaces where your pet can go to be left alone or curl up.

Set up and provide some hiding places for them to go yourself. Instead of them finding the most awkward and hidden spot in the house (so you have to turn the house upside down looking for them), give them some options you approve of.

You can create these hiding places under or behind furniture, in a quiet corner, in an airing or understairs cupboard, or create the space yourself.

Cats specifically feel safer up high where they can see the rest of the room, so, for example, creating a small nest of blankets on top of a wardrobe could be suitable.

You can purchase beds with a cover over them or make this yourself with blankets or cardboard boxes. Having somewhere with a cover over to hide can also muffle any distressing noises or eliminate the fear of being exposed and vulnerable.

Talk to Your Vet

There are always ways to help animals with severe distress or fear of fireworks. The best advice for pet owners who are particularly concerned is to talk to your vet.

Vets can offer other alternatives for animals afraid of fireworks, especially when other methods don't work or aren't suitable. From specific pheromone diffusers and store-bought remedies like CBD to prescribed medication, your vet can advise what is best for your pet.

Commenting on this, Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, has said: "As fireworks season approaches, pet owners need to be mindful of the distress loud sounds and flashes can cause animals.

"Simple strategies, like gradually exposing pets to recorded firework sounds or using soothing music to mask sudden noises, can make a significant difference in their comfort. Ensuring pets have safe, cosy spaces where they feel secure can also help ease their anxiety. For pets with severe fear, consulting a vet about calming aids or remedies is always a wise step