How to Help Your Dog Cope With Fireworks: Start Preparing Before Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night can be an exciting occasion for people, but the sudden bangs, bright flashes and unfamiliar vibrations can be frightening for dogs. Some dogs may only appear slightly unsettled, while others can become extremely anxious and attempt to hide or escape.

The good news is that you do not have to wait until 5 November to help. Preparing your dog for fireworks several weeks in advance gives you time to establish a calming routine, create a safe place and find out which forms of support work best for them.

Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?

Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans. Fireworks are particularly difficult for them because the noises are loud, unpredictable and can come from different directions.

Your dog does not understand why the noise is happening or when it will stop. Even a dog that has previously appeared comfortable around fireworks can develop a fear following one particularly loud or unexpected experience.

Signs that your dog may be frightened or anxious include:

• Trembling or shaking

• Panting or drooling excessively

• Pacing and struggling to settle

• Barking, whining or crying

• Hiding behind furniture

• Staying unusually close to you

• Refusing food

• Trying to escape

• Toileting inside the house

If your dog displays any of these behaviours, avoid telling them off. They are not being difficult—they are responding to something they find frightening.

Start Preparing Your Dog Before Bonfire Night

Fireworks are rarely limited to one evening. In many areas, they may begin during October and continue throughout Bonfire Night, Diwali, Christmas and New Year.

Starting early allows you to introduce changes gradually instead of trying several unfamiliar things on an already stressful night.

1. Create a Safe Space for Your Dog

Choose a quiet area of your home where your dog already feels comfortable. This might be behind the sofa, underneath a table, inside an open crate or in a quiet corner of a bedroom.

Make the space comfortable with:

• Their usual bed or blankets

• A favourite toy

• An item carrying your scent

• Water nearby

• Curtains or blinds to reduce flashes

• Soft background music or the television

Introduce this area before fireworks begin so your dog can form a positive association with it. You can occasionally place treats or toys there, but never force your dog to enter or prevent them from leaving.

If your dog chooses a different hiding place during the fireworks, let them remain there as long as it is safe.

2. Introduce Firework Sounds Carefully

Playing firework recordings at a very low volume can help some dogs become gradually accustomed to the noise. Begin at a volume your dog can hear without showing any signs of worry, then pair the sound with something positive such as play, praise or a small treat.

Increase the volume very gradually over multiple sessions. If your dog becomes worried, stop and return to a lower volume during the next session.

Sound training should never involve deliberately frightening your dog. Dogs with an established or severe noise phobia may need a personalised plan from a qualified clinical animal behaviourist.

3. Establish a Calming Daily Routine

Dogs often find predictable routines reassuring. In the weeks before Bonfire Night, try to keep their meals, walks, play and bedtime at familiar times.

You could also introduce a calming activity that your dog can practise regularly, such as settling on a blanket, using a lick mat or enjoying an appropriate long-lasting chew. Once this routine becomes familiar, it may be easier for your dog to settle when fireworks begin.

Can Calming Supplements Help Dogs During Fireworks?

Calming supplements can provide additional support for some dogs, particularly when they are introduced as part of a wider fireworks plan. They are not a replacement for creating a secure environment, gradual training or veterinary treatment where it is needed.

It is best to introduce a new supplement before the busiest firework nights. This allows you to check that it agrees with your dog and makes it part of their normal routine.

Always follow the feeding instructions and check suitability for your dog’s age. Speak to your vet before introducing a supplement if your dog has a medical condition, takes medication, has a restricted diet or is pregnant or nursing.

Upraw Calming Salmon Oil

Upraw Calming Salmon Oil for Dogs combines Scottish salmon oil with Passiflora, chamomile and lemon balm. It is designed to support calm behaviour while also supplying omega fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.

The oil can be added to your dog’s daily food, making it a convenient choice for dogs that already enjoy a meal topper. It is suitable for dogs aged six months and over and should be introduced according to the feeding guide.

Upraw Calming Blend

Upraw Calming Blend for Dogs is a powdered daily supplement containing L-Tryptophan, Passiflora, chamomile and lemon balm, alongside selected vitamins and minerals.

It can be mixed into your dog’s main meal and is designed to support relaxation and balanced behaviour during stressful situations such as fireworks, travelling and vet visits. It is suitable for dogs aged three months and over.

Betty Miller Dozy Dog Treats

For dogs that prefer a treat, Betty Miller Dozy Dog Treats are soft-baked, grain-free treats made with chamomile, valerian root, lemon balm and lavender.

They can be used as part of a calm evening routine or given as a reassuring reward. Remember to include treats within your dog’s overall daily food allowance.

You should not automatically combine several calming supplements or treats, as they can contain similar herbs. Select the option that best suits your dog and ask your vet for advice before combining products.

What Should You Do on the Day of the Fireworks?

A little preparation earlier in the day can make the evening safer and less disruptive.

Walk Your Dog Before Dark

Take your dog for their main walk while it is still light and before fireworks are likely to begin. Keep them on a secure lead even if their recall is normally excellent, as an unexpected bang could cause them to panic and run.

Allow plenty of time for sniffing, as this provides mental stimulation without needing to exhaust your dog.

Feed Them Earlier

If possible, give your dog their evening meal before the fireworks begin. An anxious dog may refuse food later in the evening.

This is also a useful time to give any daily calming supplement, following the instructions on the packaging or advice provided by your vet.

Check Your Home and Garden

Frightened dogs can behave unpredictably, so check that:

• Doors, windows and gates are secure

• Your garden fence has no gaps

• Curtains and blinds can be closed

• Your dog’s collar and identification tag are fitted correctly

• Their microchip details are up to date

Take your dog into the garden for a toilet break before dark. If they need to go outside after the fireworks have started, keep them on a lead—even in a secure garden.

How to Keep Your Dog Calm While Fireworks Are Going Off

When the fireworks begin:

• Close windows, curtains and blinds to reduce noise and flashes.

• Turn on lights so flashes outside are less noticeable.

• Play familiar music, the television or steady background noise.

• Give your dog access to their chosen safe space.

• Stay at home with them whenever possible.

• Remain calm and behave normally.

• Offer gentle reassurance if your dog asks for it.

• Provide a safe chew, food toy or lick mat if they are willing to eat.

• Never force your dog outside or take them to a firework display.

• Do not punish barking, hiding, pacing or accidents caused by fear.

Some dogs want to hide, while others seek contact and reassurance. Follow your dog’s lead. Comforting a frightened dog will not “reward” their fear, so it is fine to sit with them or stroke them if that helps them feel safer.

When Should You Speak to Your Vet?

Contact your vet well before Bonfire Night if your dog:

• Panics or tries to escape

• Cannot eat, drink or settle

• Becomes destructive through fear

• Has previously injured themselves during fireworks

• Remains distressed long after the noise ends

• Shows increasingly severe reactions each year

Your vet can check whether pain or another medical issue is contributing to your dog’s sensitivity. They may recommend medication or refer you to a qualified behaviourist. Never give your dog human medication or medication prescribed for another animal.

For additional professional guidance, read the Dogs Trust advice on supporting dogs during fireworks.

Prepare Now for a Calmer Bonfire Night

Every dog responds differently to fireworks, so there is no single solution that works for everyone. Starting early gives you time to create a safe space, practise calm routines and choose suitable support before the loudest nights arrive.

Explore our Upraw Calming Salmon Oil, Upraw Calming Blend and Betty Miller Dozy Dog Treats, available from Natural Pet Shop online and in our Wallasey shop.

With thoughtful preparation and plenty of patience, you can help your dog feel safer and more supported throughout Bonfire Night and the wider fireworks season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start preparing my dog for Bonfire Night?

Begin several weeks before Bonfire Night if possible. This gives your dog time to become familiar with their safe space, calming routine and any suitable supplement before fireworks start.

Should I ignore my dog when they are frightened?

No. Let your dog decide what they need. If they want to hide, give them space. If they seek comfort, calmly reassure them. Avoid forcing interaction or telling them off.

Can I walk my dog while fireworks are going off?

It is safer to complete your main walk before dark. If your dog needs a toilet break once fireworks have started, keep them securely on a lead and make the trip as brief as possible.

Can calming products completely stop firework anxiety?

No product can guarantee that a dog will not feel frightened. Calming products are best used as one part of a wider plan involving preparation, a secure environment and professional help for severe anxiety.

Can I use more than one calming product at the same time?

Do not combine products automatically, as calming supplements and treats may contain some of the same herbs. Check the ingredients and speak to your vet before using multiple calming products together.