What to do if your dog is scared of fireworks

Has your dog shown signs of fear around fireworks and loud bangs? You're not alone – it's very common. From Bonfire Night and Diwali in November to New Year's Eve and Lunar New Year, the UK has a long firework season, and displays often start days before the main event. Here's how to support your dog through it.

Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Every dog is different. It could be the loud bangs, the whistling and crackling, the flashing lights, or simply the smell of smoke that they've learned to link with fireworks.
Some dogs develop a fear after a bad experience, such as being close to a display or having a firework go off nearby. For others there's no obvious trigger. Some dogs get used to the noise over time, but many stay fearful for life.

Signs your dog is scared

• Panting

• Trembling or shaking

• Drooling

• Hiding

• Trying to escape or dig

• Pacing and being unable to settle

• Whining or barking

• Chewing furniture or objects

• Toileting indoors or diarrhoea

If your dog shows any of these during fireworks, they're likely to be frightened. It's normal for symptoms to last a while after the fireworks have stopped.

Before firework season

• Check their microchip and ID tag.

  Frightened dogs can bolt. By law, dogs in the UK must be microchipped, and must wear a collar and tag with your name and address when out in public. Make sure your microchip database details are up to date.

• Set up a safe den.

  Pick a quiet room, ideally without outside walls or windows. Add their bed, a blanket over a crate or table, and a favourite toy. Let them get used to it before the fireworks start.

• Talk to your vet early.

  If your dog is very fearful, your vet can advise on calming products or prescribe medication. Some treatments need to be started days or weeks in advance, so don't leave it to the night.

• Plan longer-term training.

  Sound desensitisation can help, but it needs to start months in advance – a few weeks isn't enough and can make fear worse. Work with a qualified behaviourist who uses reward-based methods.

On firework nights

• Walk them before dark.

  Fireworks usually start after sunset, so get walks and toilet breaks done in daylight.

• Feed them earlier.

  A good meal before the noise begins can help them settle, as anxious dogs often won't eat.

• Close windows, curtains and blinds.

  This muffles the noise and hides the flashes.

• Add background noise.

  Turn on the TV, radio or calming music to mask the bangs.

• Let them hide.

  If they want to go under the bed or into their den, let them. Never pull them out.

• Stay calm and close.

  It's fine to comfort your dog if they come to you. Speak calmly and behave as normal.

• Offer a distraction.

  A long-lasting chew, a lick mat or a stuffed toy can help, if they're interested.

• Never take them to a display.

  Even confident dogs can become scared without warning, and that fear can be hard to undo.

• Keep them on a lead.

  Fireworks happen before and after the main nights, so keep your dog on a lead for several days either side. A well-fitted harness plus a collar, each with its own lead, makes it harder for a frightened dog to slip free.

• Secure your home and garden.

  Check fences and gates, and take care when opening the front door.

If your dog is very fearful, you could consider spending the main nights somewhere quieter, away from towns and organised displays. Check local listings for displays near you.

Preventing a fear of fireworks
Fear can develop at any age, so even if your dog was fine last year, don't assume they'll be fine this year.
You can build your dog's confidence around sounds through everyday enrichment. For example, let them search for treats in a box with some noisy items in it, or reward them for pawing at a toy that makes a sound. Keep it fun and never force it.

What about cats?
Cats can be just as frightened by fireworks. Keep them indoors from before dusk, lock the cat flap, and give them a few places to hide – especially somewhere high up. Keep the litter tray inside, and let them come out in their own time. Cats in England must also be microchipped, so check their details are up to date too.

Need advice on the night?
If you're worried about your pet, you can speak to a vet 24/7 by video call through FirstVet – free with your Lassie policy. If your pet is injured or very unwell, contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away.

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