Should I take my dog to the National Day fireworks to socialise him?

We would not recommend it. Socialising works best as short, positive experiences, and a crowd with fireworks is a lot for most dogs. A worried dog usually becomes more worried, not braver.

Is it safe to leave my dog at home during a fireworks show?

Usually, if the flat is closed up, they have been walked, and someone can come back if needed. If your dog has damaged a crate or hurt themselves in past years, plan to stay with them, or speak to your vet beforehand.

Can I use a calming supplement I bought online?

Check with your vet first. Supplements are not always harmless, and a quiet room is still the foundation. Any medicine should come from a clinic that knows your pet.

Helping your dog or cat through fireworks and thunderstorms

By PetBuddy.sg TeamPublished 3 October 2026

Pet owner calmly checking on a dog at home in the evening

If your pet cannot settle or hurts themselves trying to escape, a vet can help with a plan.

Find a vet

Many dogs, and plenty of cats, find loud bangs scary. In Singapore those bangs come from two places. The first is licensed fireworks displays at big events such as National Day, the New Year countdown and Chinese New Year celebrations. The second is thunderstorms, which are very common here. With a little preparation, you can help your pet feel much safer.

Private fireworks and firecrackers are illegal in Singapore under the Dangerous Fireworks Act, and the police say individuals may not buy or use them, even for festivals. Illegal ones still go off now and then around festive nights, so it is worth being ready even when there is no official show nearby.

Thunder is the year-round version. Meteorological Service Singapore notes that much of our rain is heavy and comes with thunder. Afternoon and early-evening thunderstorms are common, especially in the inter-monsoon months.

Set up a calm room early

Close windows and curtains. An inner bedroom or a bathroom usually works better than a room facing the event site or the open sky.
Play a fan, soft music or a familiar show at a normal volume. A steady background sound helps cover sudden bangs.
Walk and feed your dog before the show starts, or before the afternoon storms on a stormy week.
Leave a worn T-shirt on their bed, and stay home if you can. Your company is reassuring.
Check the collar ID and make sure the microchip details on PALS are current, just in case a frightened pet slips out.

What helps, and what to skip

It is fine to comfort a frightened pet. Shaking, drooling or hiding is fear, not naughtiness, so please do not scold it. We would gently advise against carrying a scared dog onto the balcony “to get used to it”, as that can make the fear worse. Please do not give human medicines such as antihistamines or sleeping pills. If noise fear is a regular problem, ask your vet about a plan. Some prescribed medicines need to be given before the noise starts, so timing matters.

Cats often hide, which is fine as long as they can reach water and a litter tray. Before bed, check that they are not tucked in a washing machine or cupboard. A cat that is panting is not just a little stressed. Panting in cats is a reason to call a vet.