Fireworks might be exciting for us, but for many dogs, the sudden bangs, flashes and unfamiliar sounds can be frightening.
PDSA reports that 41% of dog owners surveyed said their dog is afraid of fireworks, equivalent to around 4.1 million dogs across the UK. My dog Bella is one of those poor dogs! The RSPCA's 2025 fireworks poll also found that almost two-thirds of responding dog owners said their dog had been negatively affected by fireworks.
If your dog struggles with fireworks, you're certainly not alone. Fortunately, there are practical things you can do to make fireworks season feel safer and more manageable.
The most important thing? Don't wait until the first bang to start preparing.
Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?
Fireworks are loud, unpredictable and very different from the everyday sounds dogs are used to.
Dogs also hear a wider range of frequencies than humans, which means the sounds we experience can be much more intense for them. The sudden combination of loud bangs, flashes and vibrations can trigger a genuine fear response.
Some dogs may only seem slightly unsettled, while others become extremely distressed.
How can I tell if my dog is scared of fireworks?
Dogs don't all show fear in the same way.
According to Dogs Trust, signs can include:
- Whining, barking or crying
- Trembling or shaking
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Lip licking
- Pacing or restlessness
- Hiding
- Holding their tail between their legs
- Becoming unusually clingy
- Trying to escape
- Losing interest in food
Learning your dog's normal behaviour can make it easier to spot when something has changed.
Start Preparing Before Fireworks Season
The earlier you prepare, the more options you have.
Dogs Trust recommends making a plan in advance, particularly if you already know your dog is frightened by loud noises. This might include finding out when local displays are taking place, changing your walking routine and arranging for someone your dog knows to be at home during likely fireworks.
Create a safe space
Give your dog somewhere comfortable where they can retreat if the noise becomes too much. This might be their usual bed, a favourite room, or a cosy den created in a quiet area of your home. Add familiar bedding and anything they already enjoy using.
If you're creating a new safe space, introduce it well before fireworks begin so your dog has time to become comfortable with it. Dogs Trust recommends that a safe space should never be used as punishment and that your dog should be able to choose when to use it. Check out our Rest & Recharge collection for some luxurious dog bedding inspo.
Check your home and garden
A frightened dog may try to escape, so check that doors, windows, gates and fences are secure.
It's also worth checking that your dog's microchip details are up to date. Dogs Trust specifically recommends doing this before fireworks season.
Adjust your walks/toileting
Try to get your dog's main walk and toilet break done while it's still light.
Dogs Trust and the RSPCA both recommend avoiding outdoor walks once fireworks are likely to begin.
If your dog needs to go outside later, keep them secure and close to you. Never force a frightened dog outside once fireworks have started. If your dog is particularly frightened, laying a washable puppy training pad on the floor might help to prevent accidents.
What To Do When the Fireworks Start
Once fireworks begin, your aim isn't to make your dog behave normally. It's to help them feel as safe as possible.
Reduce the noise and flashes
Close windows, curtains and doors to help reduce the sounds and flashes coming into your home.
You can also use familiar background noise such as television, radio or music to help mask some of the bangs. Dogs Trust even provides a Soft Sounds for Dogs playlist designed to help soothe dogs and disguise firework sounds.
Let your dog choose where they feel safest
Some dogs will retreat to their safe space. Others may want to stay close to you. Some may pace around the room. There's no single "correct" way for a frightened dog to behave.
Dogs Trust recommends recognising your dog's individual needs and letting them choose. If they want to hide, allow them to hide. If they seek reassurance, calmly give them attention and comfort.
Despite the myths, you don't need to deliberately ignore a frightened dog. And you should never punish them for behaviour caused by fear. The RSPCA specifically advises against punishing frightened pets.
Stay calm yourself
You don't need to pretend nothing is happening, but try to keep your own behaviour calm and familiar. Carry on with your normal evening as much as possible. If your dog wants to settle beside you, let them. If they prefer their safe space, give them room.
Can Enrichment Help During Fireworks?
It can, but don't assume that a frightened dog will want to play.
Before fireworks begin, have some of your dog's favourite activities available, such as:
- A favourite toy
- A lick mat
- A food puzzle
- A safe chewing activity
- Favourite treats
Dogs Trust recommends preparing treats and enrichment in advance, but also emphasises giving your dog a choice once fireworks start. A dog that's frightened may not want food or play at that moment.
If they happily engage with an enrichment activity, that's great. If they'd rather hide quietly, let them.
What If My Dog is Extremely Frightened?
If your dog has a severe reaction to fireworks, don't wait until Bonfire Night to ask for help.
Speak to your vet as early as possible. They can check whether there are any medical issues contributing to your dog's fear and can advise you about appropriate treatment. They may also refer you to a clinical animal behaviourist.
Your vet may discuss options such as medication or other treatments where appropriate.
Don't give your dog medication or calming products without appropriate veterinary advice.
Can You Train a Dog to be Less Afraid of Fireworks?
Some dogs can benefit from gradual desensitisation and counter-conditioning.
This involves introducing firework sounds at a very low level that doesn't frighten your dog, gradually increasing the intensity over time while building positive associations.
The important word here is gradually.
This type of training takes time and shouldn't be rushed, particularly with a dog that is already highly fearful. The RSPCA recommends starting sound desensitisation well before fireworks season, while Dogs Trust advises seeking professional support where appropriate.
If your dog's fear is significant, your vet can help you decide whether professional behaviour support would be appropriate.
A Simple Plan for Bonfire Night
You don't need a complicated routine. A little organisation can make the evening much easier. For example:
Before dark
- Give your dog their main walk
- Allow plenty of time for toileting
- Feed them at their normal time, or earlier if that works better for your routine
- Set up their safe space
- Close curtains and windows
- Check doors, gates and fences
- Have background music or television ready
- Put favourite toys or enrichment within easy reach
Once fireworks begin
- Stay indoors with your dog if possible
- Keep the house secure
- Reduce flashes and noise where you can
- Let your dog choose where they want to settle
- Comfort them if they seek reassurance
- Don't force them to play or interact
- Never punish fearful behaviour
The RSPCA also advises against taking dogs to fireworks displays, even if they don't appear particularly bothered by the noise.
Fireworks aren't just for Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night isn't the only time UK dogs may encounter fireworks.
Fireworks can also be used around Diwali, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year. Under current UK rules, fireworks generally cannot be set off between 11pm and 7am, although the permitted end time is later on certain celebration dates: midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am on New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
That means it can be useful to think of your fireworks plan as something you can use throughout the season, rather than preparing for one evening and forgetting about it.
Your Fireworks-Ready Checklist
Before fireworks season gets underway, make sure you've:
☐ Created a comfortable safe space
☐ Introduced your dog to it before fireworks begin
☐ Checked your doors, windows, gates and fences
☐ Updated your dog's microchip details
☐ Planned earlier walks
☐ Made sure your dog can toilet before dark
☐ Prepared background music or television
☐ Got favourite toys or enrichment ready
☐ Planned who will stay with your dog
☐ Spoken to your vet if your dog has a history of severe fireworks fear
The Bottom Line
Fireworks can be genuinely frightening for dogs, but preparation can make the experience easier.
Give your dog a safe place to retreat to, plan walks for daylight, secure your home, reduce noise and flashes where possible, and let your dog choose how they want to cope.
Most importantly, don't punish a frightened dog. Fear isn't bad behaviour, and your dog isn't trying to giving you a hard time. They're having a hard time.
If your dog's reaction is severe, speak to your vet before fireworks season. With the right preparation and professional support where needed, you can help your dog feel safer when the bangs begin.
A Note From Poochella
This article is intended for general information and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your dog's reaction to fireworks, particularly if they show severe fear, panic or attempts to escape, speak to your vet.
Sources & Further Reading
Dogs Trust — Supporting your dog during fireworks
Dogs Trust — Preparing for fireworks
Last reviewed: October 2026