How to Calm Your Anxious Dog During Bonfire Night Fireworks

Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, or any other celebration with fireworks can be terrifying for our beloved furry friends. While humans might be ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ at the colourful explosions in the sky, many dogs are cowering under tables, trembling, or even barking up a storm! If your dog suffers from anxiety during fireworks, don’t worry—you are not alone. We know it can be tough to see your pup stressed, so we’ve put together this easy guide to help you calm your anxious dog and turn Bonfire Night into a more peaceful experience for everyone.

Let’s dive into some practical tips on how to ease your dog’s anxiety and make those noisy nights a little less scary.

Understanding Why Dogs Fear Fireworks

Dogs have much keener senses than humans, so it’s no wonder they find fireworks completely overwhelming. Imagine if your hearing was four times more sensitive, and then someone set off multiple loud bangs right outside your home. Yikes! For dogs, especially those with anxiety or noise phobias, fireworks sound like a full-scale assault.

Some common reasons why dogs fear fireworks include:

• Unpredictability: Fireworks are sudden, loud, and out of the blue. Dogs can’t predict when the next bang or boom will come.
• Loud Noises: Dogs hear frequencies much higher than humans, and the booming sounds of fireworks can feel deafening to them.
• Bright Lights: Flashing lights in the sky, especially in the dark, can be disorienting.

With these factors in mind, it’s easy to see why your pup might get scared. But don’t worry—there are several things you can do to help them cope.

Top Tips to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks

No need to cancel your Bonfire Night plans completely! Let’s look at some strategies you can use to soothe your dog when the fireworks start going off.

1. Prepare a Safe Space

Creating a calm and secure “den” in your home is one of the best things you can do for your anxious dog. This space should be somewhere quiet, away from windows and doors, where your dog feels safe. Some ideas include:

• A quiet room or a cosy corner of the house where they already feel comfortable.
• Their bed or crate, covered with a blanket to create an even comfier, den-like space.
• Adding familiar items such as their favourite toys or a piece of clothing that smells like you.

If your dog is crate-trained, their crate can make an excellent safe space! Just make sure it’s filled with something soft, and try to drape a blanket over the sides (leaving room for airflow) to muffle sounds and block out the light flashes.

2. Distract with Background Noise

Firework bangs can be startling, so try drowning out the noise with more soothing background sounds. Turn on the TV, play some music, or switch on a fan. Some pet owners even play white noise or calming classical music to help cover the sudden bursts of firework sounds.

Pro Tip: Get your dog accustomed to these sounds ahead of time! That way, when Bonfire Night arrives, they’ll already associate them with calm and chill vibes.

3. Try Desensitisation Training

If you have some time before the fireworks are set off, one effective long-term solution is desensitisation. This approach involves introducing your dog to firework noises gradually and at a low volume. You can do this using firework soundtracks (available online or in pet apps) or sound CDs.

Start with a very low volume and reward your dog for staying calm. Gradually, increase the volume over time while maintaining a positive association with treats and praise. The idea is to train your dog’s brain to associate the noise with good things rather than fear.

4. Comfort, but Don’t Overdo It

It’s natural to want to cuddle and soothe a scared dog. Some dogs may appreciate gentle stroking and reassuring words, but some may become more anxious if they sense you’re overly concerned. Keep your tone calm and collected. Your dog can pick up on your energy, so if you act as though nothing is wrong, they may start to feel more at ease.

Pro Tip: Avoid too much fuss or frantic behaviour, as this can accidentally reinforce the nervousness. Instead, try to exude calm confidence and speak in soft, soothing tones.

5. Exercise Beforehand

A tired dog is a happy dog! Before the fireworks begin, take your pup on a nice, long walk to burn off excess energy. Exercise is a great way to tire them out both physically and mentally.

Doing this also boosts your dog’s serotonin levels—the ‘feel-good’ hormones—which can make them less stressed out during those noisy moments later in the evening.

Remember to finish your walk well before nightfall to avoid running into early firework displays.

6. Consider Anxiety Aids

For particularly nervous dogs, consider using calming products or remedies like:

• Pheromone diffusers: Products such as Adaptil produce calming pheromones that mimic the scent of a mother dog, which can help reduce stress.
• Calming wraps: Thundershirts are snugly fitting wraps that give your dog a sense of comfort and security by applying gentle, constant pressure.
• Natural remedies: For example, some vets recommend calming supplements or herbal remedies with ingredients like chamomile or valerian root.

If your dog’s anxiety is severe, it may be worth discussing these options with your vet well in advance of Bonfire Night.

What NOT to Do During Fireworks

There are a few things that may worsen anxiety or could even pose a safety risk:

• Never force your dog outside: If your dog doesn’t want to go out during fireworks, don’t force them. They’re safer indoors where they feel less exposed.
• Avoid leaving your dog alone: If possible, stay with them to offer support. Being alone during stressful events can exacerbate anxiety.
• Never punish your dog for their reactions: Scolding your dog for barking or shaking will only increase their stress. Instead, remain patient and reassure them.

Looking After Your Dog Beyond Bonfire Night

One night of fireworks might pass, but if you know your pup struggles with anxiety, it’s crucial to think long-term. Regular exposure to socialisation, calm environments, and proper training can build your dog’s confidence for future anxiety-inducing events.

For extreme anxiety, consider consulting your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on behaviour-modifying therapies and may even recommend medication for particularly anxious dogs.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Safe and Calm

Supporting a dog who is terrified of fireworks can seem overwhelming, but just remember: it’s all about coping mechanisms and maintaining a sense of normalcy. By preparing in advance, creating a soothing environment, and offering gentle reassurance, you can help greatly reduce your dog’s stress levels.

On Bonfire Night (or any fireworks night!), put your dog’s comfort first, and take steps to minimise their fears. It may take time, but with patience and care, you can help your furry friend feel much calmer during the booms and bangs.

So, get out there, grab that Thundershirt, and make sure both you and your canine companion have a safe and peaceful Bonfire Night! 👏

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If all else fails, at least you can enjoy one benefit of a scared dog on firework nights—plenty of cuddles! Just make sure to keep your poop-scoop gear handy for all those stress poops that might follow! 🐶💩