Fireworks Night and Your Dog: How to Help and Stay Safe
Fireworks night might be a bit of fun — but for our dogs, it can be one of the most stressful nights of the year. The loud bangs, sudden flashes, and unpredictability can trigger intense fear, anxiety, and even panic.
As a dog trainer, I see many owners feeling helpless during fireworks season — unsure whether to comfort their dog, train them through it, or just ride it out. The good news?
With a little preparation and understanding, you can make this time of year much easier for your dog.
While it might be too late to start doing gradual sound desensitization, it isn’t too late to get a strategy together to manage your situation.
Don’t Forget the Basics
Before fireworks season begins, check that:
Your dog’s microchip details are up to date.
Their ID tag is secure and legible
Your garden or outdoor space is escape-proof.
Ensure any gear like harnesses, collars, and leashes are secure, and free of damage or weak points, in case you get caught off guard.
Take them out to for a long calming walk hours BEFORE displays are due.
Check times of local displays and speak to your neighbours if they are planning to let off fireworks. Time toilet trips for an hour before these are due to start.
Even the calmest dogs can panic and bolt when frightened, so preparation is key.
Create a Safe Space
Start by setting up a quiet, secure area for your dog to retreat to. This might be a crate, a covered corner in a room, or even under a table — anywhere your dog naturally feels safe.
Add:
Cosy bedding and familiar scents
Soft lighting or a covered space to block flashes
Background noise such as calming music, TV, or white noise
Do this now, don’t leave it until the night of! Start building a positive association with the space by offering calming activities like chewing, licking, and snuffling.
Think of it as creating a comforting area where your dog can decompress away from the chaos.
Close Windows and Curtains
Simple but effective — close all doors, windows, and curtains before it gets dark. This reduces both the sound and visual impact of fireworks.
Even if your dog doesn’t usually react, flashing lights can still startle them and build anxiety over time.
Comforting Your Dog Is Okay
There’s a long-standing myth that comforting your dog during fear will “reinforce” that fear — but emotions don’t work that way. You can’t reward fear.
If your dog seeks comfort, offer it. Speak softly, stroke them if they want contact, and let them know you’re there. The aim is to help them feel safe, not to “ignore” their distress.
Use Management Tools and Professional Support
If your dog finds fireworks truly distressing, there’s no shame in seeking extra support.
Options include:
Pheromone diffusers or calming sprays (e.g. Adaptil)
Anxiety wraps or Thundershirts to provide gentle pressure
Short-term medication prescribed by your vet to reduce panic
Your vet or a qualified behaviour professional can help you decide what’s best for your individual dog. Call them now, don’t leave this until the week before!
Stay Calm Yourself
Dogs are incredibly attuned to our emotions. If you act tense, hover over them, or move in a rushed way, they may mirror your anxiety.
Try to:
Keep your movements normal and relaxed
Use a calm and confident voice to reassure them
Avoid sudden reactions to noises
Continue with normal things, as best possible! Put the TV on, get some snacks, cosy up on the sofa.
If your dog is okay to do so, engage them in normal stuff like play, enrichment activities, and pattern games. If they are too worried or fearful, do not force them.
Prevention and Desensitization
If you have a puppy or a dog who isn’t yet noise-sensitive, you can work on gradual sound desensitization outside of fireworks season.
Use sound libraries or recordings of fireworks at a low volume while pairing them with something positive — like play, food, or cuddles.
However, during the actual fireworks season, your focus should be comfort and safety, not training.
You’re Not Alone
If your dog really struggles with fireworks, know that it’s not something you have to face on your own. There are training and behaviour strategies that can help dogs feel safer around loud noises, and it’s never too late to start.
👉 Book a discovery call today — Let’s put a plan in place to help your dog feel calmer, more confident, and supported, when this time rolls around next year!