National Day fireworks: How to manage pets' anxiety over sudden, loud noises
Dogs may be spooked by loud noises caused by fireworks.
SINGAPORE – Fireworks displays are crowd favourites during National Day celebrations, but the loud bangs can be terrifying to pets.
The National Day Parade, which includes massive fireworks, will be held at the Padang on Aug 9, but the festivities will continue the next day in the heartland, including a mobile column, fighter jet flypasts , drone shows and, yes, more fireworks.
Pet owners need to take precaution as many dogs are sensitive to sudden, loud noises.
There had been incidents of dogs getting spooked and bolting from their leash due to panic, says Ms Chong Qi Ai, an animal behaviourist at Pet Coach Singapore.
Ms Chong, who holds a master's in animal behaviour and welfare from the University of Edinburgh , adds that while other animals like cats and guinea pigs can also be affected, cases of lost dogs or dogs getting injured due to fireworks displays are more common as they can occur during walks.
She shares some ways dog owners can manage their fur kids' fireworks anxiety.
1. Know where the fireworks will be
Fireworks will light up the sky at five sites – Bishan, Punggol, Yishun, Geylang and Bukit Gombak.
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If the locations are near your home, consider taking your dog to the home of a relative or friend in calmer areas. Stay inside and avoid taking your dog outdoors.
This approach is called management in dog training – by controlling your dog's environment, you help reduce its stress and lower the risk of panic and escape.
2. Desensitisation and counter-conditioning
While it is difficult to simulate the fireworks display at home, you can prepare your dog in advance.
Test its reaction to the sound of fireworks by playing it on a speaker at home. Start at a low volume and play the sound for a few seconds. Pair the sound with a treat, repeat and gradually increase the volume.
3. Consider short-term anti-anxiety medication
For dogs with severe noise sensitivity, consult your vet about short-term anti-anxiety medication. This is given some time before the stressful event and its effects typically last a few hours, providing relief during the fireworks display.
This form of management uses medication to keep your dog calm before a known trigger, similar to how vets often recommend it before vet visits or travel. Calming supplements may help for milder cases.
4. Create a calm, secure environment at home
Keep exit points such as doors and windows closed, draw the curtains and play music or white noise. This can help to muffle the offensive noise and also prevent your dog from escaping if he panics.
Make sure hazardous items such as fragile objects are out of reach, so your dog stays safe if it becomes frightened. Always allow your pet to retreat into an enclosed space it may feel safe in and stay with it to offer comfort.
You can offer your dog a treat or chew if it is calm enough to eat to help it feel better as well.
5. Avoid stressful procedures around this time
Avoid scheduling stressful procedures like neutering, surgery or dental cleanings. Changes in hormones during neutering can increase fear sensitivity and the added stress from any procedure may affect your dog's recovery and behaviour.
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