As the excitement of Fireworks Night draws near, those of us with dogs can only worry about our beloved pups and how it will affect them. While some canines don't mind Bonfire Night, most do not realise where the loud bangs and fizzes are coming from, and this causes a lot of anxiety.
Over on Instagram, you submitted some great questions asking how to best take care of your dog on 5 November, so we teamed up with Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD Veterinary Medicine & Science, who has answered your questions and shared her top tips on how to help dogs with fireworks and how to stop dogs barking at fireworks.
Read on for Dr Emma's advice, or click the button below to start planning an autumnal, dog-friendly getaway with Fido today.
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How to prepare for Fireworks Night
This will be our first Fireworks Night with a puppy – how can we best prepare?
Dr Emma advises that there are many ways to prepare for Fireworks Night depending on how your dog feels about fireworks. In advance, it’s a good idea to start getting your dog used to the sound of fireworks and try to build up a positive association. Buying some high-value treats or a new toy can help with this. Creating a safe space for them in advance so they can get used to it before the Fireworks Night can also be helpful.
Playing some calming music can help to muffle the sound. There are some playlists designed for this available online, or your dog may prefer classical music! Find a playlist that your dog seems to enjoy and play the music in advance when they are calm, and perhaps before bedtime, to build a positive association.
If your dog is particularly afraid of fireworks, getting some calming products, such as a calming collar or calming plug-in room spray can be important to have ready.
Can I get my dog used to the noise of fireworks?
It is wise to start planning for the sounds of fireworks and bonfires well in advance to see if you can desensitise your dog to the noises and lessen the impact on the night.
Emma explains that it’s never too early to start getting your puppy used to the sound of fireworks. Put a soundtrack on in the background, on a low volume at first, and increase the volume slowly over time. This will help them to view the sound as ‘normal’ background noise.
It might have to be very low at first if you are training a dog who is already afraid of fireworks, compared to a puppy who hasn’t heard them before. Make it a safe and calm environment for them when they listen to it. Try playing it after they’ve had a walk so they’re more settled.
This works with some dogs who are afraid of fireworks and other noises such as thunder, but others are not so keen – be led by your dog’s behaviour on this, as you don’t want to make them worse.
Is it true dogs should have a cosy den to feel safe?
All dogs need somewhere they can retreat to when they need space at any time of year, but it is particularly essential during Fireworks Night. Make sure that any space is set up weeks before so that your dog sees it as a place of security and reassurance, and not a sudden, unwelcome addition on the night.
Dr Emma shares that a cosy den is a great way to help a dog feel safe during fireworks. This links back to their ancestors living in the wild. A den dug underground would have been a warm and cosy place to sleep and stay safe from predators.
You can create a den for your dog using blankets over a crate, under a dining table or creating a cosy space under the stairs. Try to create a den around your dog’s existing dog bed and in or near the same spot to be extra comforting for them.
Adding some clothes that smell of you to the den might be comforting for your dog, or spraying the den with some pet-safe calming sprays such as dog-safe lavender.
Is there anything else I can do to prepare?
Make sure that your dog’s microchip information is up to date just in case they do escape. Even with precautions in place, dogs will sometimes do anything to escape when frightened, so be prepared. Make sure that your dog has its collar and ID tag on just in case.
Emma explains that some people find it best to avoid the fireworks altogether and that it can be helpful to rent a cottage in the countryside or stay with friends/family who are away from fireworks.
If you're unable to get away, then some dogs may appreciate their ears being covered to muffle the sound – using something like a hat or dog earmuffs. Prepare by making sure to get your dog used to wearing them before the event.
How to stop dogs barking at fireworks
Why don't dogs like fireworks?
If you're wondering why don't dogs like fireworks, Dr Emma describes that fireworks can be scary for dogs because they produce sudden loud bangs, flashing lights and vibrations. Dogs have more sensitive hearing than we do and their paws are sensitive to vibrations, so they will hear and feel the fireworks more than we do.
Fireworks startle dogs and can make them worry that they are in danger, thinking a natural disaster might be occurring such as an earthquake or a bad storm. This evokes their natural fight or flight response, making them feel scared, stressed, and want to bark, run and hide.
My dog barks at fireworks – what can I do?
If you are wondering how to stop dogs barking at fireworks, Dr Emma helps by suggesting you put the TV on loud or play calming music to try to drown out the sound. Draw your blinds/curtains to keep the flashes out and potentially reduce the sound. Try to distract them with toys and puzzles if possible.
How do you get a dog to calm down after it starts barking?
Dogs often bark at the sights and sounds of Bonfire Night because they are afraid of them, so staying close to them is a great way of reassuring them if you're wondering how to comfort a dog scared of fireworks. Fear is an emotion, and therefore their reaction to the fireworks won’t be reinforced or made worse by providing them with love and affection. Try to distract your dog to take their mind off the fireworks, if possible.
How to comfort a dog scared of fireworks
How should we do things on the night?
On Fireworks Night, draw your curtains and shut all doors and windows. Lock cat flaps as dogs have been known to escape through these too! Make sure that children know not to open outside doors as they will not realise how agile their normally placid pup can be when frightened. Be sure to keep your dog’s water bowl full as anxious dogs may drink more than normal.
Should I keep the dog in the room with me on Fireworks Night?
Let them choose! Don't leave dogs on their own on Fireworks Night though – they will need you for reassurance, and if they do get themselves into a situation, they will need you to get them out of it. Put the TV or radio on and keep everything as normal as possible.
Distract, comfort or ignore?
Comfort if your dog enjoys that, but give them the option to walk away. Distract them with games and puzzle feeders if they’re interested. Never ignore them in their moment of need!
How can I make my dog feel better?
Try to remain as calm as possible around your pet – they look to you for guidance, so if you are getting on with things as normal, it will give the impression that nothing is wrong. If you are stressed and constantly checking them to see that they are okay, they will think that there is reason to be scared. Dogs will often find comfort with each other, so make sure that they are not separated.
Tell children to leave scared dogs alone unless the dog comes to them for reassurance. Remember that when dogs are scared, they may show behaviour that is out of character, so explain to children that they shouldn’t try to coax a dog out of their safe place. Most healthy pets will come through this however scared they are – problems tend to occur because of dogs hurting themselves whilst trying to escape.
Do look out for signs of extreme stress in sick or older dogs, and call your vet if you are worried.
Working around walks and toilet time
My dog usually gets walked in the evening but is scared of fireworks – how do I handle this?
Adjust your routine and walk them earlier – we suggest taking your dog out for a nice, long walk in the day if possible. You can then play games with them or give them interactive feeders to work their brains inside, instead of the evening walk.
For a dog that won’t pee/poo in their own garden, how do we last until the final wee run?
Make sure they can go to the toilet before the fireworks start. As your dog may be too scared to go into the garden later on, you may find that they have a little accident in the house – don’t shout or scold as this is not bad behaviour, it's a reaction to anxiety or fear. Just clean it up and continue with your evening calmly.
You could pop some puppy pads down next to the door for the last wee which might avoid an accident elsewhere (get the type with the chemicals that encourage weeing in them). Make sure the wee run the next day is nice and early.
Products to help calm your dog
Does my dog need medication?
Always talk to your vet before giving your dog strong medication. It's important to check with your vet a long time in advance, as most products need to be started during a calm period before a large event. Stronger prescription medications can be given on the night to reduce anxiety for dogs who struggle – talk to your vet about whether this is the best option for your pet.
As always, do not give any human medication to your dog without prior consultation with your vet.
Are there any other products I can get to make Fireworks Night easier?
You could try a DAP plug-in/spray and thundershirts or a body wrap.
Do the plug-in firework remedies work?
For most dogs, yes. Synthetic DAP remedies are usually more effective, but natural valerian-based ones can also work.
Escape the noise on Fireworks Night
We hope that Emma's tips on how to help dogs with fireworks and how to comfort a dog scared of fireworks help to keep your dog safe this season. If you're looking for more ways to help your dog relax, read our guide with further advice on calming your dog. You may also want to treat Fido to a dog-friendly getaway where he can relax in peace! If so, we've put together a guide to planning a holiday with an anxious pup.
You can start planning your autumnal pup getaway today by clicking the button below and exploring our collection of dog-friendly cottages. Book a break in a remote place where you can escape the sights and sounds of fireworks; whether that's a countryside retreat or a coastal hideout, we've got you covered.
Emma Scales-Theobald PhD MSc
A canine behaviour and nutrition consultant who provides regular expert advice to Canine Cottages on the subjects of canine health and behaviour. She holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine and Science from the University of Surrey, as well as an MSc in Animal Behaviour from the University of Exeter.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.