Things that go bang: 7 tips on helping your pet cope this storm and firework season

UNSW Sydney

Have La Niña’s storms got your furry friend feeling stressed? A UNSW Sydney animal ecologist gives advice on how to help them – and you – get through the dreary days.

Put away your swimmers, because the Bureau of Meteorology have called it: Australia is in for a wet and stormy summer.

This gloomy forecast set to see us through the holidays – caused by seasonal weather event, La Niña – might have you feeling bummed out about all the missed beach days.

But chances are your pet might also be feeling down about the stormy shift, whether it’s a little stress or downright terror.

Dogs might show you they’re not coping by shaking, panting, freezing, or even running away. Fear signals can be subtler in cats, but often involve hiding until the storm passes.

But it’s important not to feel helpless with all these triggers heading your pet’s way this summer – with a bit of patience and care, there are ways you can help them get through it.

Animal ecologist Dr Joy Tripovich, a UNSW Science research fellow with an interest in animal behaviour, welfare and sensory ecology, says these panicked reactions can be completely normal.

“Storms are quite loud, explosive and can happen unpredictably. For an animal, that’s quite scary,” she says.

Storms aren’t the only things sparking fear in our pets, though. Fireworks also involve explosive noises and flashing lights, and Dr Tripovich says they’re one of the most-reported causes of fear in our pets.

Either one of these events are scary enough on their own. But with a La Niña summer and a quickly approaching New Years’ Eve, these holidays are settling in to be – ahem – the perfect storm for our stressed pets.

Weathering the storm

Dr Tripovich says the fear response many animals experience makes sense in nature.

“If you’re out in the wild, you could get struck by lightning, caught in a flash flood or hit by a falling tree,” she says.

“Wild animals often respond to thunder and loud sounds in similar ways to pets, but it can just be harder for us to see as many of them might flee or go into hiding.”

But while a fear of storms and fireworks might be natural for your pet, it doesn’t have to be the norm. In fact, Dr Tripovich says there’s good reason we should support our pets as much as possible during these episodes.

“Long-term stress can be dangerous for our pets,” she says.

“It can lead to conditions such as skin infections, stomach upsets, and can ultimately shorten an animal’s life.”

There’s one key thing that pet owners shouldn’t do when their pets are stressed.

“We definitely shouldn’t yell at or punish our pets when they’re having such a strong reaction,” she says. “Fear is a very primal emotion, and our pets can’t help it.

“Your focus should always be on ways you can support your pet.”

Tips on helping your pet cope

1. Make sure they can’t flee

Pets often try to run away during storms and fireworks, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love you – in fact, it can be a normal reaction to a perceived danger.

But running away can be dangerous for the animal, so Dr Tripovich says it’s important to make sure they can’t get out.

“You don’t want them getting out on the road, so make sure the fence or gate is secure,” she says. “If they somehow do escape, you want to ensure they can safely get back home, so make sure they’re wearing their collar and keep your

/Public Release.