Calm Your Cats and Dogs during Fireworks

Do you live with dogs or cats who are terrified of fireworks and the sound of crackers? Is fireworks a time of stress and anxiety for your feline or canine friend?

This 2-Y Approach can help you calm your cats and dogs during fireworks. No prior knowledge of Animal Reiki and Energy Healing is needed – simply follow along with the instructions.

While this article is written for the fireworks season, the underlying principles of the techniques mentioned here can be applied to other stressful situations as well such as when there are house guests, or a family function.

So how can you calm your cats and dogs during fireworks?

This 2-Y approach can transform fears and anxieties into a sense of safety and comfort for your cat or dog.

#1: The First "Y" - YOU

First and foremost, this is about You. How do you react to loud noises? Or to family gatherings? Do you get overwhelmed and stressed? Or maybe you get excited at the idea of a celebration with friends and family? Or do you fret around your dog when the crackers go off? In both cases, you have lost your grounding and your energy is likely off-balance.

Your animal companion is tuned into your energy field. And your spiky energy field is a trigger for distress in them. And being overly petted tells them, “Something is off, that is why she is trying to comfort me. This is definitely not normal.” it adds fuel to the fire.

Instead turn the focus on yourself. Take deep breaths. Feel your feet on the ground. And remind yourself, “All is well. All is safe.” Once you find your balance and center, your animal companion will also tune into that state of harmony and will be assured that “All is well. All is safe.”

I have a simple guided practice that you can follow-along with. This will help in staying centered and calm. If you are new to this, start practicing a few days before the event. So when the time comes, both you and your animal companion will be familiar with how it feels and it won’t be another new thing they have to deal with.

And Reiki of course helps. If you are a practitioner you can offer Reiki and hold space for your animal companion. You can also reach out to schedule a personalized session.

#2: The Second "Y" - YOUR Environment

Create a safe bunker space inside your house to calm your pets during fireworks. A place where the noise can be tuned down (e.g. closed doors and windows), lights can be dimmed and smells are familiar (e.g. favorite catnip toys or old blankets). 

If you are familiar with energy clearing techniques you can clear the energy from this safe space. You can also visualize a golden bubble of safety around you and also around your animal companion.

The space needs to be familiar, comforting and easy to access. 

I have a tent made of blankets and the cats know that if they need to be on their own they will be safe their and no one will come and bother them.

You can also use the following to setup your environment:

  • Smudging to clear heavy energies.
  • Soft lights, candles, soft music to create a soothing environment.
  • Pet-friendly natural oils can help calm your cats and dogs during fireworks.
  • Visualizing a golden bubble of safety and protection around you and your beloved animal companions.
  • Bach flower Rescue Remedy can work wonders with stress and anxiety.

I recommend creating the space a few days before the event. This will allow your animal companions sufficient time to get habituated and develop a sense of comforting association.

Wishing you and your animal companion, a very safe and peaceful firework season. The mantra is “All is safe. All is well”. And you are on your way to calm your cats and dogs during fireworks.

And if it feels too overwhelming, you can also reach out for personalized support.

Useful References