Tips for fireworks

[henry2809]

Hey everyone! Since it is Memorial Day weekend in the US (where I am located), there are lots of fireworks in my town tonight. My bun is about 3 years old, so he has gone though a few Fourth of July’s and a few New Year’s Eve’s. He is a pretty skittish bunny, so he does not like the fireworks. On New Year’s Eve he was very worked up and I was terrified that he was going to have a heart attack. He is completely free roam in my bedroom and I ended up putting him in his cage, which I think made him even more anxious. I ended up letting him roam around as usual and distracted him by hand feeding him hay and playing with him to keep him occupied. I also have on some music, but the fireworks are audible over the music. He has done fine with other sounds (thunderstorms, lawn mower/leaf blower right outside of my windows, tornado sirens, etc.) but he does not like the fireworks. He is doing okay with the fireworks right now, but every time there is a loud, sudden sound from a firework, he stands up tall and puts his ears up and thumps around the room and breathes very quickly. What is the best way to ensure that he is okay tonight and on the Fourth of July? Should I just leave him be in my room with some music on? I am so stressed that something is going to happen to him and I think he is sensing my stress, but I’m not sure what to do to keep him safe during the fireworks.

[DanaNM]

I think having some music on is a good idea, to give some background noise. I would also provide some extra hides if you can. If you try to stay calm that will also help. I would hang out with him but act as relaxed as possible with your body language, even if you are anxious too (even laying or sitting on the ground, watch a movie, etc).

Unfortunately if a bun “spooks”, the best thing you can do is leave them alone. Sometimes trying to catch and calm them stresses them out more, so just giving them space to calm down is all you can do.

Hanging a towel over fencing may help also. I had a bun that spooked once in his pen and would crash into the pen walls, so I think providing a visual barrier would have helped.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[LBJ10]

I had a bunny that was very stressed by fireworks. He would pull his fur out when stressed and he would have bald spots after the 4th of July. The only thing that would calm him was putting him in the bed with me while I watched TV. If your bunny doesn’t like to lay on the bed or couch with you, then you could do as Dana suggested. You can sit calmly in the room with him so he can read your body language and realize there is nothing to be afraid of.

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