Bonfire night and dogs: keep your pup calm and safe during fireworks

It's the 5th of November, and while families gather round crackling bonfires with sparklers in hand, your dog is trembling under the bed.

Sound familiar?

You're definitely not alone!

Bonfire night (also called Guy Fawkes night) is one of the toughest nights of the year for dogs across the UK.

Fireworks might be exciting for us, but for our Fluffy Friends, they're absolutely terrifying.

The loud bangs, bright flashes, and weird burning smells can send even the bravest dog into panic mode.

But here's the good news: with the right preparation and a calm approach, you can help your pup get through bonfire night safely and comfortably.

In this guide, we'll share practical tips that actually work, plus some helpful products that can make a real difference.

Whether your dog just gets a bit nervous or completely freaks out, we've got you covered!

Why fireworks scare dogs on bonfire night

Let's talk about why fireworks are such a big deal for dogs.

It all comes down to three things: their amazing hearing, their inability to predict what's coming, and those startling flashes of light.

1. Super-sensitive ears

Dogs can hear sounds that are four times further away than humans can, and they can also detect much higher frequencies.

Imagine if every firework sounded FOUR times louder to you!

That's what your dog experiences.

The volume of fireworks can reach 140 decibels, which is seriously loud.

Whilst most fireworks won't permanently damage your dog's ears, the intense sound can lead to temporary or even permanent damage to their delicate ears if they're too close.

2. Totally unpredictable

Fireworks are really unpredictable, and when a dog can't predict something, they're likely to feel even more anxious.

Unlike thunder (which dogs can sometimes sense coming), fireworks just explode out of nowhere.

Your dog has no idea when the next bang will happen, which keeps them on high alert the entire time.

3. It's not just one night anymore

Here's something frustrating: bonfire night isn't actually just one night anymore.

Fireworks can start popping off in late October and continue well into mid-November.

This means your dog might be dealing with anxiety for weeks, not just one evening.

And with weekend displays happening all over, there can be multiple scary nights in a row.

4. Common signs your dog is stressed

Watch for these signs that your dog is frightened by fireworks:

Physical signs:

• Shaking or trembling

• Heavy panting

• Drooling more than usual

• Wide, scared-looking eyes

• Ears pinned back flat

Behaviour changes:

• Pacing back and forth

• Trying to hide under furniture

• Following you everywhere

• Excessive barking or whining

• Trying to escape the house

• Having accidents indoors (even if they're house-trained)

If your dog shows these signs, they're genuinely scared and need your help to feel safe.

How to prepare your dog for bonfire night

The secret to a calm bonfire night?

Start preparing days (or even weeks) ahead of time.

Here's what you should do:

1. Walk your dog before dark

This is super important!

Most bonfire night celebrations start when the sun goes down, which in November can be from around 5:30pm.

Make sure your dog gets a good, long walk in the afternoon - ideally before 4pm.

A tired dog is usually a calmer dog.

Plus, you'll avoid being outside when fireworks might suddenly start.

2. Check microchip details and ID tags

Did you know that there's been a rise in calls to lost pet lines at the end of October and the beginning of November?

More dogs escape on bonfire night than on any other night of the year!

Make sure:

• Your dog's microchip details are up to date with your current phone number and address

• Their collar fits properly and won't slip off

• ID tags are secure and easy to read

• You have a recent photo of your dog (just in case)

3. Create a safe den or hideaway

Set up a cosy safe space where your dog can retreat when things get scary.

Dogs won't understand that fireworks cannot harm them and generally will feel safer when they have a hiding space.

Buy Dog Bed

How to build the perfect dog den:

• Choose a quiet room away from windows (bathrooms, hallways, or under the stairs work great)
• Add comfortable bedding - maybe even an anxiety relieving dog bed that gives them a sense of security
• Include their favourite toys and a piece of your worn clothing (your scent is comforting!)
• If your dog likes crates, drape a blanket over it to make it dark and cosy (but never lock them inside)
• Put down an anxiety relieving fluffy pet blanket for extra softness

Important: Introduce this space a few days before bonfire night. Feed treats there, play calm games, and let your dog explore it on their own terms. You want them to see it as their special safe zone, not a punishment area.

4. Prep your home

On the day of fireworks:

• Close all windows and doors

• Draw curtains and blinds to block out flashes of light

• Block pet flaps (so your dog can't escape)

• Check your garden fence for any escape routes

• Set up a white noise machine, fan, or calming music playlist

Related: The best dog bed for older dogs: your complete 2025 guide

What to do during bonfire night fireworks

When the fireworks start, your reaction matters just as much as what your dog does. Here's how to help them through it:

1. Use sound masking

You can't completely block out fireworks, but you can definitely help mask the noise.

Try these sound options:

• TV or radio at normal volume (don't blast it - that's also stressful!)

• Classical music or dog-specific calming playlists

• White noise apps or the hum of a fan

• Nature sounds or audiobooks

The goal is to create a constant, predictable background noise that makes the fireworks less noticeable.

2. Stay calm and act normal

You should try to behave as normally as possible around your dog, as they are more likely to feel safe and secure if you seem unbothered.

Dogs are incredible at reading our emotions, and if you're tense and worried, they'll pick up on that immediately.

What TO do:

• Speak in a calm, quiet voice

• Sit near them without hovering

• Read a book, watch TV, or prepare dinner like it's any normal evening

• Offer gentle strokes if your dog comes to you for comfort

What NOT to do:

• React dramatically to every bang

• Follow your dog around anxiously

• Force them out of hiding

• Scold them for being scared

3. Distraction and enrichment activities

Give your dog something fun to focus on:

• Long-lasting chews (like bully sticks or filled Kongs)

• Snuffle mats where they have to hunt for hidden treats

• Puzzle toys that dispense food

• Simple training games they already know (like "find it" or "touch")

• Gentle play if they seem interested

Timing tip: Start these activities BEFORE the fireworks begin. It's much harder to redirect a panicking dog than to keep a calm dog occupied.

4. Try natural calming products

There are several calming aids that work for some dogs:

Physical comfort:

• A cosy anxiety relieving dog bed with raised edges
• Soft anxiety relieving fluffy pet blankets for burrowing

Calming supplements and sprays:

• Pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil - plug them in 24 hours before fireworks)
• Natural supplements with chamomile, valerian, or L-theanine
• CBD products (only if vet-recommended)

5. When medication might help

For dogs with severe anxiety, your vet might prescribe calming medication. This is especially important if your dog:

• Shakes uncontrollably

• Tries desperately to escape

• Hurts themselves in panic

• Has had extreme reactions before

Common prescription options include Sileo (a noise aversion gel), trazodone, or other anti-anxiety medications.

The key is to talk to your vet BEFORE bonfire night - don't wait until your dog is already panicking.

What NOT to do on bonfire night

Let's be clear about some common mistakes that can make things worse:

❌ Never take your dog to a fireworks display. They won't "get used to it" - they'll just be terrified in a place where they can't escape.

❌ Don't leave them home alone during peak fireworks hours. Their anxiety will skyrocket without you there.

❌ Never punish fear-based behaviours like barking, hiding, or having accidents. They can't help it!

❌ Don't let them outside unsupervised, even in a fenced garden. Panicked dogs can jump impossibly high fences or squeeze through tiny gaps.

❌ Keep them away from actual bonfires. The sparks, smoke, hot debris, and crowds are dangerous. Plus, leftover fireworks can be toxic if eaten.

Related: Ultimate dog sofa buying guide for extra comfort

Don't forget your other pets!

Bonfire night isn't just scary for dogs.

Here's how to help your other furry friends:

Cats

• Keep them indoors from late afternoon onwards
• Lock cat flaps (even microchip-activated ones can be overridden by panic)
• Give them high hiding spots (cats feel safer up high)
• Consider an anxiety relieving cat bed in a quiet room

Small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters)

• Move hutches indoors if possible (garage or shed works)

• If they must stay outside, turn the hutch away from the firework direction

• Cover with thick blankets and tarpaulin to block sound and light

• Add extra bedding for burrowing

• Check on them regularly

Birds

• Cover cages with breathable blankets

• Move cages away from windows

• Keep their routine as normal as possible

When should you call your vet?

Most dogs will be scared but okay. 

However, call your vet immediately if:

• Your dog won't eat or drink for 24+ hours

• They injure themselves trying to escape

• They show signs of heatstroke from excessive panting (rare but dangerous)

• They have a heart condition and seem in serious distress

For next year: Book an appointment in spring to discuss:

• Long-term desensitisation training

• Prescription medications for future fireworks

• Behaviour modification plans

Planning ahead for next year

Want to help your dog be less scared next November?

Start desensitisation training now!

How it works:

1. Play recordings of firework sounds at a very low volume during happy times (meals, play, treats)

2. Gradually - over weeks and months - increase the volume

3. Keep pairing the sounds with positive experiences

4. Never rush it or force them to listen to loud sounds

The Dogs Trust has excellent free resources for desensitisation training, including sound recordings specifically designed for this purpose. Start in January or February, and by next November, your dog might be much less bothered!

Related: The 10 trickiest dog breeds to house train (& how to crack it)

Final thoughts: you've got this!

Bonfire Night doesn’t have to be traumatic for your dog.

With good preparation, a calm attitude, and the right tools, you can help your furry friend get through it safely.

Remember: every dog is different.

What works for your neighbour’s Labrador might not work for your Border Collie.

Pay attention to what your dog responds to, and don’t be afraid to try different approaches.

Ready to create the ultimate cosy safe space for your pup?

Check out our anxiety relieving dog bed and anxiety relieving fluffy pet blanket to give them the comfort they need this Bonfire Night.

Have tips that worked for your dog?

We’d love to hear them! Share your Bonfire Night survival stories in the comments below.

Stay safe, stay calm, and give your pup an extra cuddle from us!