Fireworks & Dogs: How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Night

While fireworks might bring joy to some people, they often bring fear, confusion, and stress to our dogs. The loud bangs, bright flashes, and unpredictability can overwhelm even the calmest dogs — especially if they're unprepared.

Why Are Fireworks So Scary for Dogs?

Dogs experience the world largely through their senses — and their hearing is far more sensitive than ours. To them, fireworks aren’t a celebration; they’re sudden, unexplained explosions that come without warning. Many dogs experience:

• Trembling or shaking

• Hiding or trying to escape

• Barking, whining, or howling

• Pacing or restlessness

• Toileting accidents indoors

• Refusal to eat or engage

Some dogs may even develop noise phobias or generalised anxiety if this fear is left unaddressed.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks: A Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Start Desensitisation Training (Early!)

Don’t wait until the week of the fireworks — start now.

• Play firework sounds at a very low volume while your dog is relaxed.

• Pair the noise with positive associations: treats, toys, playtime.

• Gradually increase the volume over days or weeks, always watching your dog’s body language.

• Keep sessions short, positive, and never push them too far.

This process helps your dog build emotional resilience and associate firework sounds with good things.

🛠️ Tip: Use YouTube videos, Spotify playlists, or desensitisation apps designed for dogs.

2. Create a Safe & Calming Place

Help your dog feel secure by preparing a cosy retreat.

• Choose a quiet room or corner of your home.

• Add blankets, a comfy bed, and favourite toys.

• Use blackout curtains to block flashes.

• Play calming music or white noise to muffle external sounds.

• Let your dog go in and out of this space freely — never force them to stay.

3. Introduce Calming Tools

Start introducing calming aids early so they feel familiar:

• Pet Remedy, Yucalm, or other natural sprays and diffusers

• Lick mats and long-lasting chews to promote calm focus

• Thundershirts or snug-fitting wraps for pressure comfort

• Calming supplements (always vet-approved)

Note: What works varies from dog to dog — start early to find what helps yours most.

4. Practice Calm Behaviour in Advance

• Teach your dog to “settle” on a mat using rewards.

• Use Tellington TTouch or massage techniques to promote relaxation.

• Practice “calm cuddles” or soothing hand contact if your dog enjoys touch.

• Reward your dog for calm behaviour in mildly noisy environments to build tolerance.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t leave your dog alone during fireworks if they’re anxious.

• Don’t punish fear-based behaviours — trembling, hiding, or barking is communication, not disobedience.

• Don’t ignore your dog if they seek comfort. It’s okay to soothe them as long as it doesn’t escalate anxiety.

On the Day of Fireworks

• Walk your dog early, before dusk.

• Make sure their ID tag and microchip details are up-to-date.

• Feed them early and offer mental enrichment to tire them gently.

• Close all windows, doors, curtains, and turn on a familiar TV show or calming music.

• Stay relaxed — your calm energy helps them stay grounded.

You can’t stop the fireworks, but you can help your dog feel safe. Through calm training, structured routines, and a compassionate approach, we can change fear into confidence.