Fireworks & Furry Friends: Keeping Calm and Safe

The sudden bangs and whistles of fireworks can be very frightening for dogs. Their hearing is far more sensitive than ours and they can detect sounds from a much greater distance. Fireworks sound ultra loud to them, and this unexpected noise can trigger an anxious reaction.

Watch your dog’s body language to see if they’re showing signs of anxiety. A dog worried by fireworks might be:  

·  panting;

·  barking or whimpering;

·  pacing;

·  trying to hide or run away;

·  tucking their tail between their legs.

Here are our top ten tips on how to minimise stress and help your dog stay calm and safe during fireworks. 

1.       Around the time of Bonfire Night, avoid walking your dog in the evening. Keep your dog safe indoors and don’t leave them on their own in the house. Toilet your dog late at night once the fireworks have finished. Ensure they’re on a lead to stop them bolting in case fireworks suddenly go off again.   

2.       Make sure your garden is secure and all windows and external doors are firmly closed. This will help prevent your dog from escaping if they’re panicked by fireworks and trying to run away, or from accidentally wandering outside and bolting when startled by the noise.

3.       Create a cosy, safe space in your home where your dog can retreat to and hide from fireworks. This could be under a table draped with a blanket or, if your dog is crate-trained, a covered crate left open with soft bedding inside to give comfort and reassurance.

4.       Distract and occupy your dog with long-lasting treats such as a big chew, a lick mat spread with dog-safe peanut butter, a stuffed Kong toy, or puzzle games.  

5.       Close the curtains and leave the lights on to hide the flashes from fireworks as these can frighten dogs just as much as the noise.

6.       Put music or the TV or radio on to drown out the fireworks. From 2nd to 5th November, Classic FM will air ‘Pet Classics’ which is their annual radio show playing calming classical music to help soothe our furry friends during this stressful period.

7.       Dogs are sensitive to our behaviour, so it’s important to remain calm and act normally. Excessive fussing or comforting can heighten their anxiety and confirm their fear of fireworks. That said, you don’t need to ignore them! Gentle, steady reassurance in a relaxed manner is the most effective way to support a dog that’s scared of fireworks.

8.       Respect your dog’s unique preferences and allow them to decide how they want to cope. Avoid pushing them into activities they’re not comfortable with—some dogs may be too anxious to engage with toys or treats, or may choose not to use the safe space you’ve set up. Rather than confining them to one room, allow them the freedom to move around. Pacing or changing locations can be a coping mechanism for how they manage stress.

9.       Ensure your dog’s microchip details are up to date and that your dog is wearing a fluorescent collar. Should the worst happen and your dog escaped, the microchip will reunite you both far more easily. The Hi Viz collar will make your dog easier to spot in the dark and reduce the risk of them being involved in a road accident.

10.   Never tell your dog off if they’re behaving out of character or showing signs of anxiety. Fear is instinctive and they can’t control their response. Telling them off can make them more distressed. Instead, remain patient and relaxed. Reward any moments of calm behaviour from your dog with gentle praise or a treat, based on what comforts them most at the time.

Sending lots of love and comfort to all dogs and owners who find fireworks frightening. We hope our tips will help you.