Fireworks
🐾 Keeping Dogs Calm During Fireworks: Quick Facts & Calming Tips
Fireworks can be terrifying for many dogs. The loud bangs, flashes, and vibrations often trigger anxiety, making Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve stressful for both pets and owners. Here’s how to help your dog stay calm and safe before, during, and after fireworks.
🔎 Signs of Firework Anxiety in Dogs
- Trembling or shaking
- Pacing or hiding
- Panting or drooling
- Whining or barking
- Destructive behaviour
- Loss of house training
- Refusing food or vomiting
🎆 Before Fireworks Start
Desensitise Early
Gradually expose your dog to firework sounds at a low volume while offering treats or play. Increase the volume over time to help them adjust.
Gradually expose your dog to firework sounds at a low volume while offering treats or play. Increase the volume over time to help them adjust.
Routine Adjustments
Walk and feed your dog earlier in the evening so they’re settled before dark.
Walk and feed your dog earlier in the evening so they’re settled before dark.
Create a Safe Space
Set up a cosy den such as a covered crate, under a table, or even a cupboard—somewhere your dog feels secure and can retreat to if frightened.
Set up a cosy den such as a covered crate, under a table, or even a cupboard—somewhere your dog feels secure and can retreat to if frightened.
Pheromone Plug-ins
Use calming pheromone diffusers or sprays (like Adaptil) a few days before fireworks begin.
Use calming pheromone diffusers or sprays (like Adaptil) a few days before fireworks begin.
Check ID
Make sure your dog’s collar tag and microchip details are up to date, in case they bolt in fear.
Make sure your dog’s collar tag and microchip details are up to date, in case they bolt in fear.
💥 During Fireworks
Block Out Noise
Close windows and curtains, and play music, white noise, or the TV to help mask outside sounds.
Close windows and curtains, and play music, white noise, or the TV to help mask outside sounds.
Stay Home
Dogs relax more with trusted people nearby—try not to leave them alone.
Dogs relax more with trusted people nearby—try not to leave them alone.
Let Them Choose
If your dog hides, leave them be. If they seek comfort, stay calm and quietly reassure them.
If your dog hides, leave them be. If they seek comfort, stay calm and quietly reassure them.
Stay Calm Yourself
Dogs pick up on your mood—keep your voice soft and relaxed.
Dogs pick up on your mood—keep your voice soft and relaxed.
Distraction Helps
Offer a chew, food puzzle, or gentle game if they’re interested.
Offer a chew, food puzzle, or gentle game if they’re interested.
Never Punish Fear
If your dog has an accident or acts out, don’t scold them. Fear is not bad behaviour.
If your dog has an accident or acts out, don’t scold them. Fear is not bad behaviour.
🌙 After the Fireworks
Act Normal
Once the noise stops, behave as usual. Let your dog come out when they’re ready and reward calm behaviour.
Once the noise stops, behave as usual. Let your dog come out when they’re ready and reward calm behaviour.
Be Patient
It may take a few days for your dog to fully relax again—give them time.
It may take a few days for your dog to fully relax again—give them time.
🌿 Extra Calming Tips
- Anxiety Wraps: Try a snug-fitting vest like a Thundershirt for gentle comfort.
- Calming Music: Classical or purpose-made dog relaxation playlists can help.
- Natural Remedies: Ask your vet about calming supplements, chamomile, valerian, or dog-safe CBD oil.
- Aromatherapy: Use a dog-safe diffuser with lavender or chamomile (never apply oils directly).
- Keep Routine Consistent: Regular feeding and bedtime reduce general anxiety.
- Professional Support: For severe anxiety, speak to your vet or a behaviourist, help is available.
