Extreme anxiety from the pyrotechnics could develop a firework phobia in pets, but appropriate management could reduce the risk, she said.
Veterinarians could offer advice on how to reduce a pet's anxiety, Dr Beattie said.
A pet could be given a ''calming'' pheromone product before the fireworks began to reduce stress. The options for safe sedation of pets at home were limited, she said.
''Some products merely incapacitate the animal without relieving anxiety.''
Pets often went missing after fireworks displays so pet owners should ensure their animals had a secure, safe, indoor space for the night. They should be microchipped, in case they escaped and got lost.
Pet 'shirts' promote calmness
Nichol's Pet Warehouse manager Gareth Keenan said the Dunedin shop was selling ThunderShirts to reduce stress in dogs, including firework-related anxiety.
The tight-fitting ''shirt'' provides a constant pressure that has a calming effect for most dogs. It mimicked the comfort of being held, Mr Keenan said.
In a statement released yesterday, police said if anyone noticed fireworks being used in a way that endangered people or property, they should call 111 straight away.
East Otago fire risk management officer Mark Bredenbeck said Guy Fawkes was a busy time for firefighters. The number of vegetation fires increased because people often launched fireworks without any consideration for where they landed.
He urged people using fireworks to consider the safety of others before lighting the fuse.
''Point the fireworks at the stars and not at your mates.''
