Fireworks and Bonfire Night: helping your dog cope
Fireworks are one of the most common worries for UK dog owners. Around Halloween, Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year the bangs, flashes and smells can come without warning, and many dogs find them frightening. A little planning makes a real difference.
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Signs your dog is struggling
Fear can look like trembling, panting, pacing, hiding, clinging to you, barking, drooling, trying to escape, refusing food, or toileting indoors. Some dogs go very quiet and still, which is easy to miss. A dog that has coped in previous years can still become frightened this year.
Prepare in the weeks before
Build a safe den
Choose a quiet spot, ideally an inner room away from windows. Add their bed, a blanket over a crate or table to make a cosy cave, and an old jumper that smells of you. Let them use it freely before firework night so it already feels safe.
Get used to the sounds
Sound recordings played very quietly at first, alongside food or play, can help some dogs. Increase the volume only very gradually over days and weeks, and stop if your dog seems worried. This needs time, so start well before the season.
Speak to your vet early
If your dog has struggled before, talk to your vet now rather than on the day. They can check for any medical issues and discuss calming products or medication, some of which need to be started in advance.
Check ID and security
Frightened dogs can bolt. Make sure their microchip details are up to date, they wear a collar and ID tag, and your garden fences and gates are secure.
On the night
- Walk your dog in daylight, before fireworks are likely to start, and keep them on a lead.
- Feed a good meal earlier in the evening. A settled, full dog is often calmer.
- Close windows and curtains, put the lights on, and play the TV or music to soften the bangs.
- Stay home with your dog if you can. Never leave them alone in the house or garden while fireworks are going off.
- Let them hide if they want to. Do not drag them out of their den.
- It is fine to comfort a frightened dog. Calm, gentle reassurance will not make the fear worse.
- Never punish fearful behaviour, even if it includes accidents or chewing.
- Do not take your dog to a display, however calm they seem at home.
Bonfire parties and the morning after
If you are hosting, keep dogs well away from the bonfire, sparklers and glow sticks. Party food is a hazard too: sausages and burgers can contain onion, cooked bones splinter, and chocolate is toxic. On walks the next morning, watch for spent fireworks and debris, which can contain harmful chemicals if chewed.
Hosting your own display? Tell your neighbours in advance so they can prepare their pets, keep it short, and choose quieter fireworks.
When to contact your vet
- Your dog is so distressed they are hurting themselves, cannot settle for hours, or stops eating for more than a day.
- Fear is getting worse each year, or now appears with other everyday noises. Your vet can refer you to a qualified clinical behaviourist.
- Your dog has chewed or swallowed firework debris, a glow stick, or party food that could be toxic.
Not registered with a vet, or need one out of hours? See our local vets near Horley.
This guide is general information for UK dog owners and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet straight away, or your nearest out-of-hours emergency vet.
