For many dog owners, firework season brings more than just colourful skies—it brings stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights. While fireworks might be exciting for humans, they can be terrifying for dogs, triggering fear-based behaviours like shaking, barking, hiding, or even attempting to escape.
The good news? There are plenty of things you can do to help prepare your dog before fireworks begin, and tools to support them on the night itself.
Here’s your complete guide to helping your dog stay calm, safe, and supported during firework season.
Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?
Dogs experience the world differently from us. Fireworks are:
- Loud and unpredictable
- Bright flashes of light
- Suddenly, with no clear source of danger
- Impossible for them to understand or predict
Even the most confident dogs can struggle during firework season, especially if they’ve had no preparation or previous negative experiences.
Step 1: Start Training Before Fireworks Begin
Early preparation makes a huge difference. Ideally, start a few weeks (or even months) in advance.
Desensitisation Training – You can gently expose your dog to firework sounds in a controlled way.
How to do it:
- Play firework sounds at a very low volume (YouTube or desensitisation apps). Start playing the video with the volume off and slowly increase it to ensure you do not scare your dog. Stop turning up the volume as soon as your dog shows signs of noticing the sound. This could be an ear movement.
- Pair it with positive experiences: feeding meals, playing with toys, or doing tricks.
- Gradually increase the volume over time—but never go too fast.
- If your dog shows signs of stress, dial it back. If you move too quick you can risk making your dogs worry increase rather than decrease.
- This helps your dog learn: “These sounds = good things!”
Build Up Calm Behaviours
- Practice settle on a mat or in a crate.
- Reinforce calm behaviour with rewards.
- Create a safe space your dog can retreat to—like a cosy den with blankets and toys.
Step 2: Useful Tools & Products to Support Your Dog
You don’t have to do it all alone! There are great tools available to help support your dog physically and emotionally.
Calming Tools
- Adaptil (dog-appeasing pheromone): comes in diffusers, sprays, or collars. These have been show to work on some dogs but not all. However is always worth a try.
- Calming shirts or wraps (like a Thundershirt): gentle pressure can ease anxiety.
- Calm music or white noise: helps mask firework sounds.
Enrichment & Distractions
- Lick mats, KONGs, long-lasting chews.
- Scatter feeding or puzzle toys to keep their brain busy.
- Frozen treats can keep them occupied for longer.
Natural Remedies (Check with Your Vet) – Some herbal remedies may fight against medications a dog is on so please check before you use this option.
- Herbal supplements or calming chews.
- CBD oil (make sure it’s dog-safe and vet-approved).
Step 3: What to Do On the Day of the Fireworks
Preparation is key—but what about the big night?
Before Fireworks Start
- Walk your dog early in the day to avoid evening bangs.
- Feed them a meal before dark—anxious dogs may refuse food later.
- Set up their safe space with blankets, toys, and calming music.
- Close curtains and windows to reduce flashes and sound.
- Start playing the white noise, whether that be you watching the TV or having something the dog associates with calm like classical music
During the Fireworks
- Stay calm and relaxed—your dog looks to you for cues.
- Don’t punish or scold your dog for anxious behaviour. This includes going to the toilet inside the house. They may not have control over these organs due to their fear or nervousness; telling them off can increase this response.
- You can offer comfort if they seek it—despite the old myth, you won’t “reinforce fear.”
- Keep your dog indoors and secure—scared dogs may try to run if doors or gates are left open. This also includes jumping over fences so ensure your garden is safe.
Step 4: When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog shows extreme distress—such as destructive behaviour, loss of bladder control, or panic attacks—it’s time to speak to a vet or qualified behaviourist.
They may recommend:
- Behaviour modification plans
- Prescription anti-anxiety medication (short-term or long-term)
- 1-on-1 training support
The earlier you ask for help, the better the outcome.
You’re Not Alone—And Neither is Your Dog
At Barking Buds, we know how hard firework season can be for you and your dog. With the right mix of training, tools, and planning, you can help your dog feel safer and more secure.
Remember: preparation isn’t just about avoiding fear—it’s about helping your dog build confidence for life.
👉 Want personalised support for your dog during firework season?
Contact us here for training advice or to book a consultation
1-2-1 Sessions – Barking Buds
Helpful Resources:
– Firework Sounds for Training (check out our desensitation playlist, which has lots of different sounds to help work your dog through their worries, including fireworks) – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOOtsVHxWrBOMmlaPvzLhz62k1iAd-xr6&si=xlxZOGcozDdj2MYg
– Vet-approved calming products
– Behaviourist referrals available on request
💬 Have you tried any calming tools or training before fireworks?
Tell us what’s worked (or hasn’t!) in the comments—we’d love to hear your story.