Local people are reminded to look after your pets and keep them safe over the Guy Fawkes fireworks period.

Guy Fawkes comes around once a year and can turn your pet’s usually controlled environment into a battleground of confusion and anxiety.

Banging, sizzling, flashing and bright fireworks can scare some pets.

The noise and unpredictability of fireworks lead many dogs to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide.

They may also show other signs of anxiety too, like restlessness, panting, pacing or whining.

It’s important we look after our pets when there are fireworks around by keeping them inside or locked in a safe and secure place where they can't escape from.

While Guy Fawkes is traditionally held on November 5, there will likely be fireworks going off before and after that date.

If you are taking your dog out for a walk during the day or evening, remember to keep them on a lead. This also ensures your dog can't run away if it gets spooked.

If you would like more information the Wairoa District Council team is always happy to help. Head over to www.wairoadc.govt.nz or get in touch with our Compliance Team via phone or email.

And please, if you are considering having a night of fireworks, be considerate of others and be safe around fireworks. 

Tips for pet owners - With a little forward planning and the aid of remedies, you can help your pets experience a much calmer Guy Fawkes night.

• Provide a safe space, inside if possible, on Guy Fawkes night, so your pet won’t see the fireworks flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Once you have your pet safely inside, close the doors, windows and curtains and turn up the volume on your radio or TV to disguise the sounds of the fireworks. Creating a ‘den’ for dogs and providing enough hiding spaces for cats will help them retreat to this safe space and stay calm.
• Check your pet's microchip and identification tag. Each year, a lot of pets are reported missing as they get spooked by the fireworks and escape from home. By making sure their microchip works and their tags are easy to read you can help rescuers reunite you with your beloved pet.
• Keep your pet’s mind off the fireworks by entertaining them or giving them toys to play with to give them something to focus on other than the noise.

4 November 2022

Back to Archive