Easter, New Year, local festivals — the bangs go on and on. The fear you see in your pet is completely real: some tremble, some hide, some bolt. But good preparation changes a lot.
Build a safe haven
Set up a quiet, dimly lit room with its bed, water and something familiar, like a favourite toy. Close the windows and shutters and put on soft music or the TV to "drown out" the bangs a little.
Start early
For very fearful pets, gradually getting them used to the sounds (at low volume) and a plan before the holidays work far better than any last-minute fix.
How you should behave
Keep calm — your pet picks up on your tension instantly. You can reassure it gently, but don't smother it in "oh you poor thing", and certainly don't tell it off. An over-reaction confirms to it that "something bad really is happening".
Safety
It's no coincidence that most pets go missing on nights like these. Keep them indoors, with an up-to-date microchip and an ID tag on the collar. And walk the dog earlier for its needs, always on a leash.
Pheromones & medication
In mild cases, pheromone diffusers or collars help quite a bit. When the fear is intense, there are safe anxiolytics we prescribe — just ask us in good time, before the celebration, not that same evening.