Calmer Dog

Guide

Dog scared of fireworks? What to do before, during and after

Practical steps for Bonfire Night and the weeks around it: what to prepare now, how to help on the night, and when to see your vet or a behaviourist.

Updated 6 October 2026

If your dog shakes, hides, pants or tries to run away when fireworks start, you're not alone. Fear of fireworks is one of the most common worries UK owners have, and it isn't something you've caused. The good news is that a bit of planning makes a real difference, even with only a few weeks to go.

Signs your dog is frightened

  • Shaking, panting or drooling
  • Hiding, or clinging to you
  • Pacing, whining or barking
  • Trying to escape, digging or chewing at doors
  • Not wanting to eat, or toilet accidents indoors

Some dogs show quieter signs, such as yawning, lip-licking or going very still. These count too.

Prepare ahead: the weeks before

  1. See your vet early if your dog has struggled before. Ask what might help your dog. Vet practices get busy in late October, so book now.
  2. Make a den. Choose a quiet spot your dog already likes, away from windows. A crate or table covered with a thick blanket works well. Leave the door open, add bedding and an old jumper that smells of you, and let your dog use it every day so it's familiar before the noise starts.
  3. Find out when displays are. Check your council's website and local social media for organised displays near you, and expect private fireworks in the evenings around 5 November, Diwali, New Year's Eve and (in Scotland) Hogmanay.
  4. Check microchip and ID tag details. Frightened dogs can bolt. Make sure your dog's microchip details are up to date and their collar tag has your name and address.
  5. Check your house and garden for escape routes: gaps in fences, side gates, and doors that open straight onto the street.

On the night

  • Walk early. Take your dog out in daylight, before fireworks usually start. Keep them on a lead even if their recall is good.
  • Feed a little earlier and let them out to the toilet before dark. Go into the garden with them on a lead later on.
  • Close curtains and windows and put on the TV or steady music to soften the bangs and flashes.
  • Let your dog choose. If they want to hide in their den or behind the sofa, let them. Don't pull them out or try to make them face the noise.
  • Stay calm and stay home. Comfort them if they come to you. Don't leave a frightened dog alone, and never take a dog to a display.
  • Offer something to do, like a long-lasting chew or a food puzzle, if your dog is calm enough to take it. Don't worry if they won't eat.
  • Don't tell them off for barking, accidents or damage. They're scared, not naughty.

After the fireworks

  • Fireworks often carry on for days or weeks, so keep the routine going until it's quiet again.
  • Check the garden and your usual walks for spent fireworks and debris before your dog finds them.
  • Watch how quickly your dog recovers. Some are back to normal the next morning. Others stay jumpy for days, or start to fear other noises, the garden or evening walks.
  • Write down what happened and what helped. It's useful for your vet or behaviourist, and for planning next year.

When to see your vet or a behaviourist

Speak to your vet if your dog:

  • hurts themselves, or tries hard to escape
  • takes more than a day to recover
  • is getting worse each year, or is now scared of other everyday noises
  • has started to fear noises suddenly, especially if they seem stiff, sore or unwell

Pain can make dogs more sensitive to noise, so a health check comes first. Your vet can also talk you through options that might help on the night. For a longer-term plan to help your dog cope with noise, ask your vet to refer you to an accredited behaviourist. Clinical Animal Behaviourists, Veterinary Behaviourists and Accredited Animal Behaviourists only see clients on veterinary referral (ABTC). This kind of gradual work is best started in the spring or summer, well before next fireworks season.

Not sure who's right for your dog? Our guide to who can help with noise fears explains the difference between trainers, behaviourists and your vet.

Free help

You don't have to pay to get advice. The charity Dogs Trust runs a free behaviour support line for any UK dog owner (linked below), and both Dogs Trust and the RSPCA publish fireworks advice each autumn. If you're worried about your dog's health, your own vet practice is always the first call.

More on trainers, behaviourists and vets.

Find help

Who to see in your city

Start with your vet, especially if the fear is severe or getting worse each year. For a longer-term plan, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Veterinary Behaviourist or Accredited Animal Behaviourist can help, on referral from your vet.

Local guides and accredited professionals

FAQ

Questions

Should I comfort my dog during fireworks?+
Yes, if your dog comes to you for comfort. Calm, gentle reassurance won't make the fear worse. What helps most is staying calm yourself and letting your dog choose where to be.
Is there anything my vet can give my dog for fireworks?+
Speak to your vet. They can check your dog's health and talk through the options for your dog. Book early, because practices get busy in the weeks before Bonfire Night.
Is it too late to help my dog this year?+
No. Even a few weeks is enough to set up a safe den, plan your walks and evenings, and see your vet. Longer sound-training programmes work best started months ahead, so this is also a good time to plan for next year.
My dog wasn't scared last year. Why now?+
Noise fears can start or get worse at any age, sometimes after one frightening night. A sudden change can also be linked to pain or illness, so mention it to your vet.

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