How to calm your dog during fireworks

What can I do if my dog is scared of fireworks? What can I give my dog on Bonfire Night? Should I ignore my dog or reassure them? These are all common questions people ask us dog trainers and behaviourists.

Fireworks season is a time of celebration for many. But for our four-legged friends, it can be a source of anxiety and distress. While some dogs aren’t too bothered by the loud bangs and bright lights, others can find it a very difficult time of year. Here are some tips to help you create a safe and comforting environment for your dog when fireworks are bursting in the sky.

1. Create multiple safe spaces

A simple way to help calm your dog during fireworks is to provide them with multiple safe spaces. Not all dogs react the same way to fireworks and some may prefer having a variety of locations to feel secure.

Set up a safe space near you, perhaps in the living room where you often spend time. It’s also a good idea to create a similar safe space a little further away in case they prefer more distance. Somewhere away from windows and doors can be useful. Additionally, give them the option to hide in another room if that’s where they feel most comfortable – a lot of dogs I work with often like the bathroom.

These safe spaces should be equipped with cosy blankets and padding to help reduce vibrations from loud bangs. Don’t forget to shut the curtains or blinds so they can’t see the lights appearing outside.

2. Comfort your dog if they need you to

Being there for your dog is crucial if your dog is scared of fireworks. Stay at home with them and offer gentle reassurance if they need it. This won’t make their fear worse. Imagine being ignored when you feel scared – we all need comfort sometimes and it’s the same for our dogs!

Be aware that some dogs may prefer to be left alone and may show aggressive behaviour if people try to approach or touch them when they’re scared. You’ll know by looking at your dog’s body language. If they’ve chosen to retreat to a hiding place, let them be. But if they come up to you and actively seek attention, it’s likely they’re looking for some comfort. Try a gentle stroke for a few seconds and see if they ask for more.

3. Minimise the sight and sound

To reduce the impact of fireworks on your dog on Bonfire Night, consider taking steps to minimise outside disturbances. Close curtains and blinds to prevent your dog from seeing the bright flashes and keep the lights on.

You can also turn on the TV or radio to help muffle the loud sounds. Some research has found that white noise machines and classical music can be particularly soothing for dogs, though some prefer something completely different like Taiko drums. The dishwasher or washing machine with a harness or pair of shoes in can also help. Just make sure your dog isn’t scared of whichever noise you pick and test it out beforehand.

If your dog really loves their food, a high-value chew can act as a nice distraction before and during fireworks and divert their attention away from the noise. However, not all dogs will be able to eat if they’re feeling scared or stressed. The same goes for play – engaging in a fun game may be a great distraction for some dogs. For others, play will be the last thing on their minds!

If your dog’s not already doing something when they hear a firework, offer something fun every time they hear a bang. You could scatter some of their favourite food on the floor or bring out their favourite toy.

4. Make sure your house and garden are secure

Before letting your dog out to do their business, make sure your garden is completely secure and all gates are closed. Dogs can become startled and disoriented by fireworks and the last thing you want is for them to escape into the night.

It’s a good idea to go out with them and even have them on lead if they tend to bolt when scared. You can also wait to let them out until the peak fireworks hours have passed.

The same goes for the front door. If people are going to be coming in and out, ensure your dog can’t accidentally slip past them by using things like baby gates.

5. Schedule your walks wisely

To avoid exposing your dog to the peak of fireworks activity, walk them before dark. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, consider hiring a dog walker or enlisting the help of friends or family.

If you do have to walk them in the dark, keep them on lead so they don’t run off when they hear a bang. Remember they may be able to detect fireworks that you can’t! Also remember that your dog can easily miss a walk and have some mental stimulation at home instead.

Some dogs may prefer to skip walks for a couple of days after fireworks, particularly if they’ve been very scared and need some time to de-stress. If they were impacted by fireworks and you do take them for walks in the days after, try to walk them in quiet places as they may struggle to tolerate busy areas.

6. Seek veterinary advice beforehand

If your dog experiences extreme fear of fireworks, it’s important to chat to your vet beforehand. They may be able to provide calming supplements or fast-acting medications to help your dog cope a little better. Ensure you follow your vet’s instructions regarding timing and dose when giving anything for maximum effectiveness.

7. Prepare for next year to better help your dog on Bonfire Night

It’s never too early to start preparing for the next fireworks season. In fact, the earlier you start, the better. So whether your dog severely struggles with this annual ordeal or they’re not too bad but you’d like to help them get used to loud noises, a professional dog trainer or behaviourist can help point you in the right direction.

If you just want to avoid the situation completely, you can always take your dog on holiday to a quiet rural location where there’s much less chance of hearing and seeing fireworks. It’s an option!

In a nutshell, helping your dog cope with fireworks is all about creating a safe and secure environment, staying present and comforting them when they need it, and seeking professional help when necessary. And if you’ve just got a dog and aren’t sure how they’re going to react, you can help them learn that loud noises are nothing to worry about by joining my Puppy World hub. Offering lifetime access, bite-sized training videos and the chance to receive personalised feedback on your training, it’ll take the stress out of dog training.