Fireworks Anxiety in Dogs: How to Keep Your Dog Calm

Why fireworks frighten dogs

Bonfire Night and the wider fireworks season can be genuinely distressing for dogs. This isn’t a sign of “bad behaviour” — it’s a natural fear response to noises that are far louder, and far more intense, to a dog than to us.

The veterinary charity PDSA explains that the bright flashes and loud bangs of fireworks can be really scary for dogs because “it’s difficult for them to understand that they aren’t in danger when they hear/see them, and their senses are much better than ours – so they experience fireworks much more intensely than we do.”

PDSA’s own research found that 41% of dog owners told the charity’s PAW Report that their dog is afraid of fireworks — around 4.1 million dogs across the UK. The RSPCA reports a similarly striking figure: almost two thirds (60%) of dog owners who responded to its 2025 fireworks poll said their dog had been negatively affected by fireworks.

Part of why fireworks are so overwhelming is hearing. The RSPCA notes that “dogs can hear sounds that are four times further away and in much higher frequencies than us,” and PDSA adds that dogs “can hear a much broader range of frequencies than humans, so what feels like a quiet, far away noise to you, can be loud and scary for a dog.” That’s why noise phobias in dogs are common.

Signs your dog may be scared, as listed by PDSA, include trembling and shaking, panting, barking, pacing, cowering and hiding behind furniture, being clingy, trying to run away, destructive behaviour, toileting in the house, and refusing to eat. The RSPCA adds that more subtle signs of stress include excessive panting and yawning, and Blue Cross notes drooling, shaking and putting their tail between their legs.

Prepare ahead

There’s a lot you can do before fireworks season arrives to make things easier for your dog. All three charities emphasise that preparation helps.

Exercise during the day. PDSA advises you to “walk them whilst it’s still light and get home well before dark, before fireworks are likely to start.” A longer walk with plenty of opportunity to sniff and explore can tire your dog out and help them relax. Blue Cross gives the same advice — walk them early, while it’s still light — and recommends keeping your dog on-lead if you think fireworks will be let off.

Create a safe hiding space. A cosy den can help your dog feel secure. PDSA suggests making it somewhere your dog already goes when worried, such as behind the sofa, under a table, a crate, or inside a big, safe, empty cupboard. Make it a few weeks in advance, give treats and praise when your dog goes in, drape blankets to make it enclosed, and add their bed, toys and treats. Give them access at all times — but never force them in or shut them inside. Blue Cross echoes this, suggesting a den under the bed or behind the sofa, and notes that placing some of your clothes in the den can help keep your dog calm.

Close the curtains and keep them indoors. PDSA, the RSPCA and Blue Cross all advise closing curtains or blinds before dark to block the flashing lights and, as the RSPCA advises, closing windows to muffle the noise. PDSA also suggests leaving the lights on to help hide the flashes. Blue Cross is clear that you should “always keep your dog indoors when fireworks are being let off,” and advises filling their water bowl up to the brim, since “dogs are likely to drink more when they are worried.”

Make sure your dog is identifiable. Both PDSA and Blue Cross stress that your dog’s microchip details should be up to date, so your dog can be returned to you if they’re startled and run off. Blue Cross also recommends your dog wears a collar and tag even indoors, with a readable phone number.

Consider a pheromone diffuser (as an option). PDSA notes that pheromones — chemical messages dogs produce, some of which help them feel calm — can help. You can use a pheromone diffuser, collar, or spray containing man-made “happy” dog pheromones. For best effect, PDSA suggests plugging a diffuser in a few weeks before firework season and keeping it topped up until the season ends. Blue Cross separately advises speaking to your vet about calming products that contain “dog appeasing pheromone,” which “may help promote a feeling of calm.”

During the fireworks

When the fireworks actually start, the key themes are the same across all three charities: stay calm yourself, don’t punish, and let your dog find their own safe spot.

Act normal and stay calm. The RSPCA advises owners to “stay calm and be normal, to show your dog there’s nothing to be scared of,” even if you’re worried yourself. Blue Cross agrees: “try not to let your dog know you are worried as it may make the problem worse. Stay calm and act normally.”

Don’t punish your dog. Every one of the three charities is clear about this. The RSPCA says never punish pets when they’re scared — “they can’t help their sensitivity to sound or their fear response.” PDSA puts it simply: “never punish your dog for anything they do when they’re scared – this will just scare them more.” Blue Cross adds that if you come home to destruction, getting angry “won’t help and will also make your dog more stressed.”

Let them hide where they choose. The RSPCA advises letting your dog pace around, whine or hide: “don’t try to coax them out, they’re just trying to find safety.” Blue Cross gives similar guidance, and once your dog has found a safe space, tries not to disturb them. PDSA recommends comforting your dog if they come to you for reassurance — but if they want to be alone, let them, while keeping a close eye on them.

Distract with play, treats and training. PDSA suggests distracting a worried dog with something fun such as a game, a puzzle feeder, or a toy stuffed with food. The RSPCA recommends playing with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in — but don’t force them to play.

Put on background sound. PDSA suggests playing music to help drown out the fireworks, such as classical or something with deep bass, at a volume your dog is comfortable with. The RSPCA and Blue Cross similarly suggest music or the TV to muffle the sounds — but Blue Cross cautions against making it too loud, and advises not trying this if your dog isn’t used to noises from the television.

Keep your dog secure when opening doors. PDSA advises waiting for a gap in the fireworks to take your dog out to the toilet, being as quick as possible and keeping them on a lead at all times. It adds: “never let them out on their own during fireworks season – it’s common for dogs to bolt from their garden after being startled by a firework.” The RSPCA similarly stresses making sure your dog can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise, and Blue Cross advises accompanying your dog into the garden when fireworks are being let off.

What NOT to do

• Never punish your dog for being scared, for barking, or for any mess or damage. It won’t help, and it makes things worse (PDSA, RSPCA, Blue Cross).
• Don’t force a scared dog into a crate, den or cupboard, or shut them inside. PDSA advises never forcing them in or shutting them inside — just make sure they have access to water.
• Don’t tie your dog up outside, and don’t leave them in the garden, alone in a car, or outside a shop during fireworks (RSPCA, Blue Cross).
• Don’t take your dog to a fireworks display. The RSPCA says even a dog that seems unbothered by the noise isn’t necessarily happy about fireworks, and Blue Cross notes there’s a high risk they’ll panic and try to flee.
• Don’t leave your dog alone during fireworks if you can help it — the RSPCA says your presence can help calm them.
• Don’t start desensitisation training during fireworks season itself. Blue Cross warns this could make the problem much worse.

When to get more help

Most dogs can be helped with time, patience and the steps above, but some need professional support — and that’s nothing to feel bad about.

PDSA’s guidance is to contact your vet if you have tried the recommended steps and your dog is still scared of fireworks, or if your dog suddenly becomes fearful of fireworks — in the latter case, a vet check may be needed to rule out a medical reason such as pain or illness.

PDSA also notes that an untreated noise phobia is likely to worsen over time, so it’s best to contact your vet as soon as you notice signs of fear. Your vet will first check your dog is healthy and not in pain, and may discuss options with you. For a very severe noise phobia, PDSA explains that a vet might prescribe medication to use while training continues — but these medications should only be used as a short-term solution, should be arranged well in advance of fireworks season, and you should never give your dog any medication that hasn’t been prescribed by your vet. Blue Cross gives the same reassurance: speak to your vet well in advance, as they may be able to prescribe calming medication for a dog that really struggles.

The RSPCA and PDSA note that for dogs with an existing fear, or for sound-sensitive dogs, your vet may be able to refer you to a qualified, accredited behaviourist who can help with a longer-term plan. Blue Cross also recommends asking your vet or a qualified behaviourist about desensitisation training.

Reassurance for you and your dog

Fireworks season can feel overwhelming, but you aren’t alone in worrying about your dog, and there’s a lot you can do to help them feel safer. The good news, in the words of PDSA, is that “with the right help, time and patience, most dogs with noise phobias can improve significantly.” Preparation, staying calm, and knowing when to ask your vet for help all make a real difference — for your dog’s wellbeing, and for your peace of mind too.

Sources

• PDSA — “Dogs and Fireworks”: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/dogs-and-fireworks
• PDSA — “Noise phobias in dogs”: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/noise-phobias-in-dogs
• RSPCA — “Keeping dogs, cats and other small pets safe during fireworks”: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/fireworks/pets
• Blue Cross — “Dogs and fireworks”: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/behaviour-and-training/dogs-and-fireworks
• Blue Cross — “How to prepare your dog for fireworks”: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/behaviour-and-training/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-fireworks

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.