Dogs and Fireworks: 7 Tips for Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night might mean colourful displays and celebrations for us, but for many dogs, it's a very different and often unpleasant experience. But a little preparation can help your four-legged friend feel safer when the fireworks begin.
While we're enjoying the bright lights and spectacular displays, our dogs might be wondering what on earth is going on outside.
Sudden bangs, flashing lights and unfamiliar sounds can be frightening, particularly for dogs that are sensitive to noise.
And with fireworks often starting well before the 5th of November and continuing afterwards, it's not always easy to know when the next loud bang might happen.
The good news is that there are practical things you can do to help.
Here are seven ways to make fireworks season a little easier for your dog.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Dogs experience the world differently from us. Their hearing is particularly sensitive, and sudden, unpredictable noises can trigger a fear response.
Unlike everyday household sounds, fireworks can arrive without warning. One moment everything is quiet, and the next there's a loud bang, a flash of light or an unfamiliar smell.
Some dogs barely notice. Others may become extremely distressed.
Common signs of firework anxiety in dogs include:
- Shaking or trembling
- Panting or excessive drooling
- Pacing or struggling to settle
- Barking or whining
- Hiding behind furniture
- Scratching at doors or attempting to escape
- Refusing food or treats
- Becoming unusually clingy
Some dogs may also show less obvious signs, such as repeatedly yawning or licking their lips.
It's important to recognise these behaviours as possible signs of stress rather than bad behaviour. Your dog isn't being difficult. They're responding to something they find frightening.
The good news is there are things you can do to support your dog to make them feel safer during the Bonfire Night celebrations.
1. Create a cosy, safe space
One of the simplest ways to help your dog during fireworks is to give them somewhere comfortable to retreat to.
This might be their favourite bed, a quiet corner of the living room or a covered crate they already enjoy using.
Choose somewhere away from windows if possible, and make it inviting with familiar blankets, bedding and favourite toys.
The key is to let your dog choose.
Some dogs feel safer tucked away in a quiet den, while others prefer to stay close to their humans.
Avoid forcing your dog into a particular space or shutting them somewhere unfamiliar. Their safe place should be somewhere they can come and go from freely.
Ideally, introduce this space well before Bonfire Night so your dog has time to become comfortable with it.
2. Plan walks before the fireworks begin
An evening walk might be part of your normal routine, but during fireworks season, it's worth adjusting your schedule.
Try to take your dog for their main walk during daylight hours, when fireworks are less likely to go off. This gives them an opportunity to enjoy their usual exercise before settling down in the evening.
Even if you're walking during the day, it's sensible to keep your dog on a lead in areas where fireworks might unexpectedly go off, just in case they get spooked.
A few extra precautions can help:
- Check that your dog's collar and ID tag are secure.
- Make sure their microchip contact details are up to date.
- Check garden gates and fences.
- Keep external doors and windows secure when fireworks are expected.
Frightened dogs can sometimes react unpredictably, even if they're normally confident and well-trained. What we want to avoid is your dog getting frightened and running off, causing even more stress.
3. Reduce noise and flashes indoors
You might not be able to stop the fireworks outside, but you can make your home feel a little more comfortable.
Before the displays begin, close windows and curtains to reduce noise and block out sudden flashes.
You could also try leaving the television or radio playing at a comfortable volume. Familiar background sounds may help make the unexpected bangs less noticeable.
The aim isn't to create complete silence. It's to provide a familiar, predictable environment where your dog feels more secure.
4. Stay close and offer reassurance
There's a common misconception that comforting a frightened dog will make their fear worse.
But if your dog comes looking for reassurance, it's absolutely fine to offer it. Sit with them, speak gently and let them settle beside you if that's what they want. Equally, some dogs would rather retreat to their favourite hiding spot and be left undisturbed.
Follow your dog's lead. You don't need to make a big fuss. Simply being nearby, remaining calm and allowing your dog to choose how they cope can make a difference.
If possible, avoid leaving a dog that struggles with fireworks alone when you know displays are likely.
5. Offer familiar enrichment activities
During fireworks season, familiar games may also give some dogs a happy distraction.
You could try:
- A snuffle mat with a few hidden treats
- A favourite food puzzle
- A suitable chew toy
- A lick mat with a dog-safe treat
- A familiar digging activity
The important word here is familiar. Bonfire Night isn't the ideal time to introduce a completely new activity, especially if your dog is already feeling worried.
Offer something your dog knows and enjoys, ideally before the fireworks begin.
It’s important to understand play isn't a treatment for firework anxiety. If your dog is frightened, hiding or too stressed to play, don't encourage them to continue. Let them choose what feels comfortable. Sometimes, the best thing you can offer is simply a quiet space and your company.
6. Consider additional support if your dog struggles
Some dogs experience much more severe reactions to fireworks than others. If your dog becomes extremely distressed, or their fear seems to be getting worse, speak to your vet.
They can help you explore appropriate options, including behavioural support and, where suitable, prescription medication.
Some dogs may also benefit from specially designed calming wraps or noise-reducing equipment, although these won't work for every dog.
If you're considering trying something new, introduce it gradually and positively well before the fireworks begin.
And if your dog has suddenly developed a fear of noises they previously tolerated, it's particularly important to seek veterinary advice. Pain or other health problems can sometimes contribute to increased noise sensitivity.
7. Start preparing before Bonfire Night
Perhaps the most important tip is to prepare early. Helping dogs become more comfortable with unfamiliar sounds is something that takes time.
For some dogs, carefully managed sound training can help them develop more positive associations with noises they find worrying.
This might involve playing recordings at a very low volume and pairing them with something enjoyable, such as treats or play.
However, this should always happen at a level your dog is comfortable with, ideally with guidance from a suitably qualified trainer or behaviourist.
Never expose your dog to loud recordings in an attempt to make them get used to fireworks. This can make their fear worse.
For this Bonfire Night, focus on practical preparation and helping your dog feel secure. Longer-term training can be part of your plan for future fireworks seasons.
Your Bonfire Night checklist
Before the fireworks begin, make sure you've:
✅ Prepared a comfortable, quiet space for your dog
✅ Planned an earlier walk and toilet break
✅ Checked your dog's ID and microchip details
✅ Secured doors, windows and garden gates
✅ Closed curtains and prepared familiar background sounds
✅ Got some favourite toys or enrichment activities ready
✅ Made plans to stay with your dog if they need you
✅ Spoken to your vet if your dog experiences severe firework anxiety
A little preparation can make a big difference
Every dog is different. Some will happily snooze through the celebrations, while others may need extra reassurance and support.
There's no single solution that works for every dog, but understanding their needs and giving them choices can help make fireworks season more manageable.
At DigDrum, we're passionate about helping dogs enjoy their natural instincts through positive, rewarding experiences.
And sometimes, supporting those instincts means knowing when your dog wants to play, and when they simply need a safe place to rest.
Here's to a safer, more comfortable Bonfire Night for our four-legged friends.
If your dog experiences significant distress during fireworks, seek advice from your vet or a suitably qualified clinical animal behaviourist.
Some additional reading on pets and fireworks:
Dog Trust - Supporting your dog during fireworks
Royal Kennel Club - Fireworks night and dogs
DogTV - Your Dog’s Terrified of Fireworks? Do THIS Tonight
