Helping nervous Gilly cope with firework season
With our help ex-racing Greyhound Gilly is handling this year’s crackles and bangs like a pro.
As an ex-racing dog, Gilly had spent the majority of her time in kennels, so finding her forever home with Bea in September 2024 took some adaptation. Bea’s home in the heart of London brought hustle and bustle of a different nature.
"The world was very new to her," says Bea. "She'd never been inside a house or seen a TV. She'd never felt wood floors or carpeting under her paws. She was very nervous at first."
Despite her shy nature, Gilly quickly won Bea's heart with her soulful eyes and friendly nature. But while six-year-old Gilly has grown in confidence since leaving racing behind, one challenge still causes her distress every year: fireworks.
Signs of fireworks distress
Living in London means fireworks can be heard throughout autumn and winter, from Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations to New Year's Eve displays, Chinese New Year and unexpected private events. For Gilly, those sudden bangs can be overwhelming.
If we're unprepared and she hears fireworks, her whole body begins to shake, she pants uncontrollably and tries to hide, usually under our bed.
Bea, Gilly's owner
But by the time Gilly experienced her first fireworks season with Bea, her owner already had valuable experience to draw upon thanks to our behaviour advice.
Years earlier, Bea's first dog Sky had reacted to fireworks in a way she had never seen before.
"It was really scary because I thought she was having a seizure," says Bea. "I was phoning my family. I was taking videos of her. I was trying to get in touch with the vet because she was just shaking uncontrollably."
At first, Bea feared something was seriously wrong.
"I didn't really realise that dogs were scared of fireworks. I didn't really know that before being a dog owner."
Searching for answers, Bea found fireworks guidance on our website, which helped her recognise the signs of fear and anxiety in dogs .
Fireworks are coming, prepare ahead
Supporting your dog during fireworks
"The main thing that was really helpful was understanding what the signs are," says Bea. "I was really concerned. I had no idea what this was."
Reading that trembling, panting and hiding can all be signs of fireworks fear was a huge relief.
"It was so reassuring," says Bea. "Just having that list of signs a dog is afraid of fireworks helped me rule out a medical emergency and put my mind at rest."
The advice gave Bea both reassurance and practical steps she could take to help. Ever since, she has continued to turn to our guidance when preparing for fireworks season, including when helping Gilly settle into her new life.
Creating a safety nook
Knowing that fireworks season was approaching, Bea started preparing early. Following our advice, she created a safe, quiet space where Gilly could retreat whenever she felt worried.
For Gilly this is a collapsible crate set up in a quiet corner of Bea’s flat, complete with blankets, treats and enrichment toys like a peanut-butter licky mat.
"We built this sort of little den for her," says Bea. "We made sure she'd got somewhere to retreat to."
The family also adjusts their routine around planned fireworks displays, taking Gilly for walks earlier in the day and settling in at home before the noise begins.
When unexpected fireworks happen, they use a range of techniques recommended by us, including playing sounds to help mask the noise and providing distraction activities.
"We've got this safe space for you," Bea recalls telling Gilly during her first fireworks season. "We’d put on the TV and if we turned up the volume, it was loud enough to drown out the sound."
Over time, these strategies have made a real difference.
With this in mind, we've recently developed the Sound Blanket, a specially designed collection of sounds created to help mask the sounds of fireworks and other sudden noises that can worry dogs.
Unlike playing ordinary music or television, the Sound Blanket has been designed to help cover the sharp bangs and crackles associated with firework.
Learning to cope
"I don't think she'll ever enjoy fireworks," says Bea, "but all these various methods have really seemed to help her and she's become a lot calmer during this season."
For Bea, the biggest lesson is that owners are not powerless when their dogs struggle with fireworks.
"There's hope in that," she says. "It's really tough, but there are things you can do. We don't have control over fireworks, but we have a little bit of control over what we plan around and how we can help our dogs."
And if owners need extra support, we're to help.
If fear and anxiety is something that's not just around fireworks, we've used the Behaviour Support Line personally to get help. There is help out there. You're not alone.
Bea, Gilly's owner
Find the right support for your dog
If your dog struggles with sound sensitivity or feels overwhelmed by fear of fireworks, our behaviour services are there to help you. Our team of experts can offer advice, training and support for you and your pooch.
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