For many UK dogs, the hardest part of the year isn't the cold or the dark evenings. It's the fortnight of bangs, whistles and flashes around Bonfire Night. Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November this year, but displays usually run across the weekends either side, and Diwali celebrations fall around the same time. That means a run of noisy nights rather than just one.
The good news: a little preparation makes a real difference. Here's a simple plan you can start today.
Signs your dog is finding fireworks hard
Some dogs make it obvious. Others go quiet. Look out for:
- Trembling, panting or pacing
- Hiding behind furniture or under the bed
- Barking, whining or howling
- Clinging to you, or trying to escape
- Refusing food, or toilet accidents in the house
If you've seen any of these in previous years, it's worth starting your preparation now rather than on the night.
Two weeks before: build a safe den
Pick a quiet spot, ideally an inner room away from windows. Add their bed, a favourite blanket and a worn T-shirt that smells of you. Draping a blanket over a crate or table works well. Let your dog use the den every day from now on, with the occasional treat, so it already feels safe before the noise starts. Never shut them in: they should be able to come and go.
Get used to the sounds, gently
Play firework sound recordings at a very low volume while your dog is relaxed, eating or playing. Over several days, raise the volume a little at a time, only as long as they stay calm. If they react, go back down a step. This takes patience, so start early and keep sessions short.
Start a calming routine
Calming supplements tend to work best as part of a routine rather than as a last-minute fix. Our Calming Chews combine chamomile, passion flower, valerian root, L-tryptophan, Suntheanine (L-theanine) and melatonin to support relaxation. Many owners start them one to two weeks before fireworks season and give them daily through it, following the dosage chart by weight on the jar.
A supplement supports calm. It isn't a cure for severe fear, so use it alongside the other steps here. If your dog takes medication or has a health condition, check with your vet first.
On firework nights
- Walk earlier. Take your dog out before dusk and keep them on a lead. Even calm dogs can bolt at a sudden bang.
- Feed a little earlier too, so they're settled before the displays start.
- Close curtains and windows to muffle flashes and noise.
- Add background sound, such as the TV, radio or calm music, to soften the bangs.
- Stay home if you can. Your presence is reassuring.
- Keep doors and gates secure. Check the garden fence before the season starts.
Comfort them, and stay calm yourself
It's a myth that comforting a scared dog "rewards" the fear. If your dog comes to you, it's fine to sit with them, stroke them and speak gently. What helps most is staying relaxed yourself, because dogs pick up on our mood. Never tell them off for being scared: it only adds to their stress.
Check their microchip and ID tag
More dogs go missing around fireworks than at almost any other time of year. Make sure your dog's microchip details are up to date (it's a legal requirement in the UK) and that they wear a collar with an ID tag showing your name and address.
When to see your vet
If your dog's fear is severe, if they hurt themselves trying to escape, or if it gets worse each year, speak to your vet. They can talk you through behaviour support and, where appropriate, prescription options. The earlier you ask, the more time there is to help before the next season.
Your quick checklist
- Safe den set up and in daily use
- Sound practice started at low volume
- Calming routine started one to two weeks ahead
- Microchip details and ID tag checked
- Garden and doors secure
- Walk and dinner planned for before dark
With a bit of preparation, fireworks season can be a lot less frightening for both of you.
