Sound 1 – Gentle Static: Created by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) - CC0 1.0 Sound 2 - Flowing Water: Recording by Freesound user Kolezan (2011), https://freesound.org/s/132048/ - CC BY 4.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) Sound 3 - Forest Stream: Recording by Freesound user naturenotesuk (2019), https://freesound.org/s/456937/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) Sound 4 - Babbling Brook: Recording by Freesound user unfa (2020), https://freesound.org/s/504930/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) Sound 5 - Riverside Calm: Recording by Freesound user bruno.auzet (2020), https://freesound.org/s/537467/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) Sound 6 - Stream & Soothe: Recording by Freesound user Kolezan (2011), https://freesound.org/s/132048/ - CC BY 4.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) Sound 7 - Calm Current: Recording by Freesound user naturenotesuk (2019), https://freesound.org/s/456937/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) Sound 8 - Gentle Gurgle: Recording by Freesound user unfa (2020), https://freesound.org/s/504930/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) Sound 9 - Safe Waters: Recording by Freesound user bruno.auzet (2020), https://freesound.org/s/537467/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)

Supporting your dog during fireworks

Q: 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 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.

Q: 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 disguise the noise. Play our Sound Blanket to help mask the sound of 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.

Fireworks can be distressing for dogs. Discover our Sound Blanket, a collection of sounds that masks firework noise.

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 them through it.

Find out what you can try once the fireworks have started. Like our Sound Blanket – a science-backed collection of sounds designed to help support dogs during fireworks season.

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

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Our fireworks Sound Blanket for dogs

Our Sound Blanket* is a collection of science-backed sounds we’ve developed in collaboration with the University of Salford, to help mask the noise of fireworks. Press play before the bangs start to soothe your pooch.

Designed using acoustic science and calming natural sounds, the Sound Blanket works alongside the steps you're already taking, like creating a safe space, staying close by and keeping routines consistent.

Content video — Most dogs can try our Sound Blanket, but it may not be suitable for dogs who are sensitive to music or spoken radio.

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 – they 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
Trying to escape – in extreme cases, your dog may attempt to escape to get away from the noise
Trembling or shaking – they 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 point to a health problem, so speak to your vet if you’re worried. Learn more about signs your dog is feeling anxious.

If your dog shows any of these signs, our Sound Blanket may help while fireworks are happening.

Play the Sound Blanket on YouTube

Play the Sound Blanket on Spotify

Create a safe space for your dog

Safe spaces are especially important when there's more disruption than usual. Read our advice and watch our video on how to create a cosy spot for your dog to settle.

Creating a safe space for your dog

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, speak to your vet as soon as possible. They 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. This 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 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 disguise the noise. Play our Sound Blanket to help mask the sound of 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.

Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 7pm; Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 9:30am to 5pm.

What happens on the call

When you call our Behaviour Support Line, our team will listen carefully, offer practical advice, and help you find the best way forward for you and your dog.

Our trained experts keep up-to-date with the latest science and offer immediate, personalised advice over the phone. We’ll ask a few questions about your dog and what’s been happening, and you’ll have the space to explain in your own words what you need help with. Whatever challenges you’re facing, you’ll get kind, non-judgemental support.

In many cases, a free telephone consultation will give you all the support you need. We’ll also follow up with an email so you have clear, helpful information to refer back to.

If needed, we may also recommend one of our other behavioural services. We’ll talk you through what this involves, answer any questions, and help you arrange the next steps.

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.

Prepare your pooch for fireworks

illustration of a man closing the curtains whilst his dog sleeps in it's bed below with a blanket over itself

Fireworks are coming, prepare ahead

Fireworks can be distressing for dogs. Prepare ahead to help your dog cope this season and beyond.

Sound therapy

Coco the Black labrador lying in a straw bed with a white soft toy bunny.

Sound therapy and firework training

Sound therapy can help your dog feel more comfortable with new and scary life noises.

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Infographic sharing advice for supporting your dog through fireworks such as: playing soothing sounds to muffle firework noise, ensuring your home is secure to prevent your dog escaping and planning walks during daytime hours to avoid bangs going off during walkies

*Sound credits

Sound 1 – Gentle Static: Created by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025) - CC0 1.0
Sound 2 - Flowing Water: Recording by Freesound user Kolezan (2011), https://freesound.org/s/132048/ - CC BY 4.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)
Sound 3 - Forest Stream: Recording by Freesound user naturenotesuk (2019), https://freesound.org/s/456937/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)
Sound 4 - Babbling Brook: Recording by Freesound user unfa (2020), https://freesound.org/s/504930/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)
Sound 5 - Riverside Calm: Recording by Freesound user bruno.auzet (2020), https://freesound.org/s/537467/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)
Sound 6 - Stream & Soothe: Recording by Freesound user Kolezan (2011), https://freesound.org/s/132048/ - CC BY 4.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)
Sound 7 - Calm Current: Recording by Freesound user naturenotesuk (2019), https://freesound.org/s/456937/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)
Sound 8 - Gentle Gurgle: Recording by Freesound user unfa (2020), https://freesound.org/s/504930/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)
Sound 9 - Safe Waters: Recording by Freesound user bruno.auzet (2020), https://freesound.org/s/537467/ - CC0 1.0, edited by Zuzanna Podwinska (2025)