5 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm During Fireworks and Bonfire Night

As Bonfire Night approaches, many look forward to the dazzling display of fireworks lighting up the sky. However, for those of us with dogs, this season can be filled with anxiety. 

The loud, unpredictable noises can cause intense fear and stress in our companions—especially in reactive dogs who are more sensitive to external stimuli. The impact of fireworks on a dog's mental health shouldn't be underestimated, as the sudden booms can trigger panic responses, long lasting fear and even physical harm. 

In this post, we’ll explore why Bonfire Night can be especially tough on dogs, and offer some practical tips to help your pet stay calm and feel safe during the festivities. Your dog’s mental wellbeing is important, and with these steps, you can help them cope during this stressful time

Tire them out physically and mentally early in the day

Exercise and enrichment games are your best friend when it comes to tiring your dog out before the fireworks. The more physically and mentally exhausted they are, the more likely they are to sleep through the commotion. 

Taking a walk earlier in the day and letting them sniff as much as possible keeps their mind occupied, and provides an excellent opportunity for bonding with your pet.

Once you’re home, pop the television or radio on early as background noise to help distract them during the fireworks. There are even Spotify playlists designed to be calming to your pets, so give them a try.

Prepare treats ahead of time

When it comes to enriching your dog’s life, it’s not just about the time you spend outside together. There are plenty of ways to stimulate their mind while at home - and it pays to plan ahead and have a few toys set up for Bonfire Night.

Consider putting a peanut butter filled Kong into the freezer, a puzzle toy filled with their favourite treats and a Lickimat which can help them naturally relax during the commotion of the fireworks.

Create a cosy den

Dogs tend to retreat to a den-like environment when they are stressed. Building a fort for them can be a great way to provide that safe space for them to curl up and self-soothe in.

To build a fort for your dog:

• Place a calming nest bed in a crate and add soft toys for comfort. Our nest beds are designed to naturally calm your pet and they’re washable, making cleaning up any accidents a breeze.
• Lay a blanket over the top of the crate to give the space a cosy feel. We recommend our luxury dog blankets as they are thick enough to provide soundproofing to your dog’s den. If you don’t have a blanket suitable, a duvet should work.
• Spray some calming pet spray or add a jumper that you’ve worn that day into the bed. The smells of you will help your dog remain calm.
• Show your dog to the crate throughout the day so they become familiar with it before the fireworks begin.

If your pet is dealing with a lot of stress, they might not be interested in food at all, but for the right dog, it can be a lifesaver. If you think your dog might experience extreme stress as a result of the fireworks, consult with your vet for further advice as there are natural remedies and medications that might be suitable for your pet.

Stay calm to help them relax

Research shows the positive impact our dogs provide for our own mental health, but did you know that your stress can affect them too?

The findings indicate that stress can be passed from humans to animals. In 2019, researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden used hair samples from dogs and their owners to find that when human stress levels were elevated, their dogs’ stress also increased, suggesting that dogs mirror the stress of their owners.

By keeping your own emotions under control when there are fireworks or your pet is anxious, you can make a big difference to how your pet handles their own stress. Don’t be afraid to quietly and affectionately acknowledge when your dog is calm and settled during fireworks.

Take precautions to keep them safe

The number of missing dogs rises by a third during firework season.

Missing pet data from Petlog, one of the UK’s largest lost and found pet databases, shows 34% more dogs were marked as missing by their owners during the two weeks of November 2021 which saw Bonfire Night and Diwali (28 October – 11 November), compared to the following two weeks.

Check your garden is secure before letting your dog out for the bathroom, just in case a sudden bang scares them. You’d be surprised what a panicked dog can escape from. Don’t forget to shut all the doors and windows and ensure their microchip details are up to date, just in case they do manage to escape from home. This will help them be reunited with them if the worst should happen.

 With a little preparation, you can help your dog stay calm and comfortable during the fireworks this Bonfire Night. By following these tips, you’ll be supporting their mental well-being and ensuring a safer, less stressful experience. 

Wishing you and your pets a peaceful and enjoyable Bonfire Night!

– The Ralph & Co Team