Fireworks and Dogs: How to Prepare for a Less Stressful Night

For many dogs, fireworks are a frightening experience. With Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year's Eve bringing loud celebrations, it is important to prepare our dogs in advance.

Some dogs are only slightly nervous around fireworks, while others experience severe fear or panic. The good news is that there are several things we can do to help them feel safer.

As a Dog Behaviour Consultant, I always recommend preparing early rather than waiting until the fireworks have already started.

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?

Dogs have a much wider hearing range than humans, and fireworks are loud, sudden and unpredictable. Dogs cannot understand why these explosions are happening or when the next one will occur.

When a dog perceives danger, a part of the brain called the amygdala helps activate the body's stress response. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the dog to react, releasing chemicals such as adrenaline. The hormonal stress system may also release cortisol.

This is part of the natural fight, flight or freeze response.

Common stress signs include:

• Trembling, shaking or excessive panting

• Pacing and difficulty settling

• Hiding or trying to escape

• Barking, whining or howling

• Lip licking, yawning or ears held backwards

• Refusing food or favourite activities

• Becoming unusually clingy or withdrawn

• Freezing or remaining very still

Start Preparing Before Fireworks Season

One of the best things you can do is help your dog build a more positive association with firework sounds before the celebrations begin.

This can be done through desensitisation and counterconditioning.

Desensitisation means introducing a sound gradually at a level your dog can comfortably tolerate.

Counterconditioning means pairing that sound with something positive, such as tasty treats or a favourite activity.

The goal is not just to teach your dog to stay quiet. We want to help change how they feel about the noise.

Step-by-Step: Firework Sound Training

Step 1: Find a suitable firework recording

Choose a recording that contains different firework sounds. You can find recordings online or through sound-desensitisation resources designed for dogs.

Start training several weeks or, ideally, months before fireworks season.

Step 2: Begin at a very low volume

Play the recording quietly enough that your dog notices it without becoming frightened.

Your dog should still be able to relax, eat treats and engage in normal activities.

If they start trembling, hiding, barking repeatedly or showing other signs of distress, the sound is too intense.

Step 3: Create a positive association

While the recording plays quietly, offer something your dog enjoys.

For example:

• Small pieces of high-value treats

• A favourite toy or gentle game

• A simple, familiar training activity

• A food puzzle or sniffing game

You can also give treats immediately after individual firework sounds to help your dog associate the noise with something positive.

Step 4: Keep sessions short

Start with just a few minutes and finish while your dog is still comfortable.

Short, positive sessions are usually more helpful than long sessions that become overwhelming.

Step 5: Increase the volume gradually

Over multiple sessions, you can slowly increase the volume, but only if your dog remains relaxed.

There is no need to increase it every day.

Some dogs may need several sessions at the same volume before they are ready for a change.

Step 6: Watch your dog's body language

If your dog starts showing stress signals, reduce the volume or stop the session.

The aim is to work below their fear threshold, not to make them tolerate something frightening.

Important: Never play firework recordings loudly to force your dog to get used to them. This can increase fear rather than reduce it.

Also remember that recordings cannot fully reproduce the vibrations, flashing lights and unpredictable intensity of real fireworks. Dogs with severe noise phobias may need a personalised behaviour plan and veterinary support.

Create a Safe Space at Home

Your dog should have somewhere comfortable to retreat when fireworks begin.

Ideally, prepare this area well in advance so your dog already associates it with safety and relaxation.

Choose a quiet part of your home, preferably away from windows.

You can include:

• Their usual bed and familiar blankets

• Favourite toys

• A comfortable hiding place

• Background music or television

• Closed curtains to reduce flashing lights

Some dogs prefer a covered crate, while others feel safer under a table, behind furniture or next to their owner.

Let your dog choose.

Never force them into a crate or close them inside if they are not already comfortable with it.

Adjust Your Walking Routine

During fireworks season, try to walk your dog earlier in the day.

Avoid evening walks when fireworks are more likely to start.

Before leaving home, check that your dog's harness or collar fits securely and that their lead is in good condition.

Even a normally confident dog may panic if a firework suddenly explodes nearby.

Make sure their microchip details are up to date and they wear an identification tag with the legally required information.

If your dog needs a toilet break later in the evening, keep it short and use a secure lead.

Provide Calming Activities

Some dogs benefit from activities that encourage sniffing, licking or chewing.

Before the fireworks begin, you could prepare:

• A stuffed KONG

• A lick mat

• A snuffle mat

• A suitable long-lasting chew

• A simple treat-searching game

These activities may help some dogs stay occupied and relaxed.

However, if your dog is already extremely frightened, they may refuse food completely.

Don't force them to eat or play. Focus on making them feel safe instead.

Stay Calm and Offer Reassurance

You may have heard that comforting a frightened dog will reinforce their fear.

This is a common misunderstanding.

Fear is an emotional response, and you are not automatically making it worse by offering comfort.

If your dog comes to you for reassurance, it is absolutely fine to sit with them, speak gently or offer physical contact.

However, respect their preferences.

Some dogs want to stay close to their owners, while others prefer to hide somewhere quiet.

Avoid forcing cuddles or repeatedly calling a frightened dog out of their hiding place.

Your presence and calm behaviour can provide valuable support.

Consider Calming Products and Veterinary Support

There are several products available that may provide additional support during fireworks season.

These include:

• Pheromone diffusers

• Calming sprays

• Pressure wraps

• Certain calming supplements

Some dogs may benefit from these products, although their effectiveness varies and they should not be considered a guaranteed treatment for noise anxiety.

For dogs with severe fireworks fear, speak to your veterinarian before fireworks season.

In some cases, prescription anti-anxiety medication can make a significant difference to the dog's welfare.

Medication and behaviour training can work together. There is no reason for a dog to experience repeated panic when appropriate veterinary support may help.

Never give human medication or sedatives without veterinary advice.