Fireworks are an important part of any end-of-year celebration. Because cats and dogs can hear a wider range of sounds than humans, these loud explosions can be frightening to many pets. “They also respond to much lower levels of sound intensity than we do,” said Heather Gero of the SPCA.

The SPCA has provided the following tips to ensure the safety of pets this holiday season:

1. Make sure all of your pets are wearing identification tags in case they escape from your home.
2. If possible, stay at home if you suspect fireworks will be set off in your area.
3. If you are unable to be at home with them, you have the option of boarding your pet during this time. This will ensure the safety of the animal as well as your peace of mind.
4. Pet owners can also keep their animals in a room with higher windows that are more difficult to jump through, such as a kitchen.
5. Close windows or blinds and play calming music at a reasonable volume or keep the TV on to try to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.
6. Make sure your dog or cat has a safe place to hide and that it has constant access to it. This could be under a piece of furniture or in a cabinet.
7. Surround them with familiar and comforting items such as toys, baskets, and so on.
8. Give them something to do, such as a chewy bone for your dog or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines.
9. If your pets react negatively to fireworks, seek professional assistance from your veterinarian.
10. Make sure your pet has a hearty and nutritious meal before bedtime. This will increase their chances of falling asleep.
11. Never punish or fuss over your scared pet as this will only make matters worse.