How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks: 12 Expert Tips

For many dogs, fireworks are the scariest night of the year. The sudden bangs, bright flashes and strange smells can leave even a confident dog trembling under the bed. Bonfire Night is on November 5, Diwali falls around November 8, and New Year’s Eve is not far behind, so now is the time to prepare. This guide explains how to keep a dog calm during fireworks, with practical steps from vets and animal charities, plus advice for cats and small pets.

Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?

Fireworks are loud, unpredictable and bright, which is a difficult combination for dogs. According to the Dogs Trust, dogs hear roughly four times better than humans do, so a bang that seems loud to you can be overwhelming to them. The RSPCA estimates that around 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks, and the Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey found a similar share of owners reporting that their dogs are not always calm when fireworks go off.

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to help.

Signs Your Dog Is Frightened

Fear does not always look dramatic. Watch for:

• Panting, drooling or lip licking
• Trembling or shaking
• Pacing, restlessness or inability to settle
• Hiding, or pressing against you
• Barking, whining or howling
• Trying to escape, dig or chew
• Toilet accidents indoors

If your dog shows these signs strongly, talk to your vet, because fear tends to get worse after each bad experience.

12 Tips to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

1. Walk your dog before dark

Exercise your dog and give them a toilet break well before fireworks are likely to start. A tired dog copes better, and you avoid being outside when the first bangs go off.

2. Feed your dog before the fireworks begin

An anxious dog may refuse food once the noise starts, so feed them early in the evening.

3. Make your home and garden secure

Frightened dogs can bolt. Check doors, windows, gates and fences, and keep your dog on a lead outdoors. Make sure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag, and that their microchip details are up to date, in case the worst happens.

4. Create a safe den

Let your dog choose a quiet, comfortable spot, and make it cosier with blankets, a bed and a favourite toy. A covered crate works for dogs that already like one. Do not force your dog into it. Settle them there before the fireworks start.

5. Mask the noise and block the flashes

Close windows, curtains or blinds. Turn on the TV or radio, or play calm music at a moderate volume, to cover the bangs. Many owners find that classical music or calming playlists made for dogs help.

6. Stay at home with your dog

Charities advise against leaving a dog alone during fireworks, because they may panic and hurt themselves. Having a trusted person nearby helps them relax.

7. Stay calm and relaxed yourself

Dogs pick up on your mood. Use a soothing voice and act normally. Do not scold your dog for being scared, as this adds to their stress and confusion.

8. Keep your dog busy

Play games, practise easy training, or offer a long-lasting chew or a food puzzle. Some dogs will be too scared to join in, and that is fine. Do not push it.

9. Ask about calming products

Your vet can advise on options such as pheromone diffusers or calming collars. These can help some dogs, but they are not a cure on their own.

10. Talk to your vet about medication

If your dog has reacted badly to fireworks before, speak to your vet well in advance. Medication can help a fearful dog cope, and it can also stop the fear from escalating after each event. If your vet prescribes anything, give it before the noise begins, as advised.

11. Plan for the long term with sound training

The Dogs Trust offers sound-based programmes that gradually get dogs used to firework noises. It works best when started weeks or months before fireworks season, so if you are reading this too late for this year, begin in the spring for next year.

12. Avoid taking your dog to displays

It may seem harmless, but a crowd, flashes and loud bangs close by can be overwhelming. Leave your dog at home in a safe place.

What About Cats?

Cats hide their emotions more than dogs, so fear can be hard to spot. Vets Now reports seeing hundreds of cats each year injured in road accidents after being spooked by fireworks. To help your cat:

• Keep your cat indoors during firework season.
• Provide hiding places, such as a covered bed or a space behind furniture.
• Keep the litter tray and water within easy reach so their routine is not disrupted.
• Microchip your cat in case they escape.
• Speak to your vet if your cat seems very distressed.

What About Rabbits and Small Pets?

Small pets can be frightened by fireworks too. If they live outdoors, ask your vet or a local welfare charity how to make their enclosure safer and quieter, for example by adding extra bedding and covering part of the hutch, or moving them to a quiet sheltered spot such as a garage or shed. Check that they can still get fresh air.

If You Are Planning Your Own Fireworks

The Dogs Trust suggests being a considerate neighbour:

• Tell your neighbours well in advance so they can prepare their pets.
• Keep your display to 30 minutes or less.
• Choose quieter, lower-noise fireworks where possible.

Fireworks Are Not Only in November

The same advice applies to New Year’s Eve, national days, weddings and religious festivals. If you live in a region where fireworks are part of celebrations such as Eid or national holidays, prepare in the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calm my dog down during fireworks?

Create a safe den, mask the noise with music or TV, close the curtains, stay with your dog, and stay calm yourself. If your dog is very distressed, speak to your vet about further help.

Should I comfort my dog when they are scared?

Yes. Calm reassurance does not reinforce fear. What helps most is a soothing tone, your presence and a safe place. Do not scold your dog for being frightened.

Can I give my dog medication for fireworks anxiety?

Only under veterinary advice. A vet can recommend suitable options and when to give them. Never give human medicine to a dog.

Do calming collars and diffusers work?

They may help some dogs, but results vary. Ask your vet which is best for your dog and use them alongside other measures.

How can I help my dog with fireworks long term?

Start a sound desensitisation programme well before fireworks season, ideally with advice from a vet or qualified behaviourist.

How do I keep my cat safe during fireworks?

Keep your cat inside, provide hiding places, maintain their routine, and make sure they are microchipped.

Sources

• Dogs Trust advice, via Yorkshire Post: RSPCA and Dogs Trust issue advice on how to keep your dog safe during the fireworks
• Vets Now and charity advice, via Yorkshire Evening Post: How can I keep my pet calm on bonfire night?
• Dogs Trust Evesham advice, via Kidderminster Standard: Dogs Trust Evesham issues firework advice for owners
• RSPCA and Vets Now advice, via Examiner: How to keep dogs and cats safe during fireworks
• Capel Manor College: Five tips to keep your dog calm during fireworks

This article is general information and not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your pet is severely distressed or injured, contact a vet.