Supporting your dog during fireworks

Fireworks night can be distressing for your dog. Read our tips on how to help them through it.

Close up head shot of Jake the Dobermann underdog lying down on a blue blanket on a brown leather sofa.

Loud or unexpected noises like fireworks can be frightening for many dogs. For an owner, seeing your best friend distressed can be upsetting. But don’t worry, there are several ways you can help your dog through it.

Here’s how to tell if fireworks are negatively impacting your dog, and what you can do about it.

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Try our Soft Sounds for Dogs playlist – gentle solo piano music curated by our researchers to help soothe your dog and mask firework sounds.

Listen on Spotify

Need more support? Contact our free Behaviour Support Line and speak to an expert.

How can I tell if my dog is afraid of fireworks?

Here are some of the signs that your dog might be fearful or stressed during fireworks:

Whining or barking — your dog may voice their distress through whining, whimpering, barking, growling or crying

Clinginess — your dog may jump up, stay close to you, or seek attention
Excessive panting or drooling — anxiety can lead to increased panting, drooling or lip-licking
Holding their tail down between their legs
Hiding — they might try to find a safe or secluded spot to hide, like under furniture or in a closet
Trying to escape — in extreme cases, your dog may attempt to escape to get away from the noise
Trembling or shaking — your dog may visibly shake or tremble when fireworks are going off
Pacing or restlessness — they may become agitated and constantly move around
Loss of appetite — fear can cause a loss of interest in food, so they may not want to eat
Dilated pupils — your dog’s eyes may appear wider than usual due to stress.

These signs could be subtle, and there may be other ways your dog responds to fireworks. Some of these signs can also be an indication of a health problem, so contact your vet if you’re worried. Learn more about signs your dog is feeling anxious.

Signs your dog is feeling anxious

Try our soft sounds for dogs playlist

If your dog shows any of these signs, calming music may help while fireworks are happening. Designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

What to do if your dog shows fear of fireworks

Talk to your vet

If your dog shows signs of fear of fireworks or loud noises, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. …

If your dog shows signs of fear of fireworks or loud noises, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. Your vet can check if there are any medical problems contributing to your dog’s fear of noises. They can also refer you to a behaviourist and give advice on additional treatments like medication, which can help dogs cope during fireworks and stop their fear increasing each time.

What to do on days you expect fireworks

- Stay with your dog. Your pooch could panic if left alone. Having you or someone they know and trust for company will …

- Stay with your dog. Your pooch could panic if left alone. Having you or someone they know and trust for company will help them relax.

- Don’t go out after dark. Make sure you’re settled inside well before any fireworks start. Never force your dog outside during fireworks.

- Follow any instructions from your vet. Read the label of any prescribed medication for your dog — many need to be given before fireworks start.

- Check your house and garden are escape-proof. Your dog could try to run away if they’re scared so check your doors, windows and fences are secure. Make sure their microchip details are up to date, just in case.

What to do during fireworks

- Block out flashes and bangs. Close any windows or curtains and turn the lights on.

- Put on music or the TV to help …

- Block out flashes and bangs. Close any windows or curtains and turn the lights on.

- Put on music or the TV to help disguise the noise. Play our Soft Sounds for Dogs playlist – gentle piano tracks that help mask fireworks and soothe anxiety. Listen on Spotify.

- Recognise your dog’s individual needs and let them choose.

-- If your dog wants to hide, let them stay where they feel safe.

-- If they seek reassurance, calmly give them attention and comfort. Research shows that ignoring them won’t help.

-- If your dog doesn’t seem worried, then it’s best to keep them busy with their favourite toys or activities so they don’t become anxious.

- Try to stay calm and relaxed yourself. Your dog will pick up on how you’re feeling, so do your best to relax.

- Don't tell your dog off. If your dog makes a mess or does something you don’t want because of their fear, avoid telling them off. This might make them feel more scared.

What to do after fireworks

Fireworks are unlikely to be isolated to one night, so understanding what works for your dog will help you support them throughout fireworks season.

In the days after fireworks, return to your normal routine to help your dog settle down. Monitor your dog as you go about day-to-day activities.

If your dog shows signs of fear or anxiety during fireworks, speak to your vet. They may refer you to a clinical behaviourist who can create a tailored plan to support you and your dog through it next time. Find out more about preventative measures you can take to help your dog for the next time fireworks happen.

Help protect dogs from fireworks fear

We know how stressful fireworks season can be for you and your dog. That’s why we are urging the Government to review current fireworks legislation and introduce simple, sensible changes to protect dogs from unnecessary distress. We want:

Fireworks to be limited to licensed, public events at specific times of year
Local authorities to consider animal welfare when granting licenses for public displays
Further noise level restrictions, down to 74 dB to reduce the number of animals affected.

After 14 months of campaigning, we’ve already made progress. A Firework Control Zone has been secured beside our Glasgow rehoming centre, protecting over 60 dogs from distress during fireworks season. But we need your help to go further.

Write to your MP about fireworks legislation today, and you can help us push for legislation that makes fireworks safer for dogs and more predictable for everyone. It only takes a few minutes to make a big difference.

Write to your MP now

Together, we can create a calmer, safer environment for dogs across the UK.