Fireworks Season Survival Guide: Helping Your Dog Feel Safe

Fireworks season is approaching, and while the colourful displays might be exciting for us, the loud bangs and sudden flashes can be frightening for our four-legged friends. 🎆🐾

From Bonfire Night and organised fireworks displays to unexpected fireworks in the weeks leading up to New Year, this time of year can be challenging for dogs who are sensitive to noise.

At Smith's Canine Club, we want every dog to feel as safe and comfortable as possible. With a little preparation, a quiet space and the right support, you can help your dog cope with fireworks season.

We've put together our fireworks survival guide, including a practical checklist, calming ideas and some products available from our friends at Smith's Pets to help you prepare.

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?

Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than we do, and the sudden, unpredictable nature of fireworks can make them particularly frightening.

Some dogs may show obvious signs of distress, while others display more subtle changes in behaviour.

Look out for:

• Trembling or shaking.

• Panting, drooling or excessive yawning.

• Pacing, restlessness or repeatedly following you around.

• Hiding behind furniture or trying to escape.

• Barking, whining or becoming unusually clingy.

• Refusing food or treats they would normally enjoy.

• Toileting indoors or behaving differently from usual.

Every dog responds differently. Even a dog who is usually confident and sociable may find fireworks overwhelming.

If your dog struggles with fireworks, speak to your vet well before the busiest nights. They can help you work out the best approach for your individual dog.

Create a Safe Space for Your Dog

One of the most useful things you can do is prepare a quiet place where your dog can settle or hide if they feel frightened.

This could be their usual bed, a quiet room or a cosy den made with blankets and cushions.

Try to make the space available before fireworks start, so your dog can investigate it and become familiar with it in advance.

Your safe-space checklist:

• A comfortable bed, blanket or familiar bedding.

• Fresh drinking water.

• Favourite toys or a suitable chew, if your dog wants one.

• Closed curtains or blinds to reduce flashes.

• Closed windows and doors to help reduce noise and prevent escapes.

• Background music or television at a comfortable volume.

• Easy access to a place where they can hide or settle undisturbed.

Don't force your dog into their den or insist that they stay in one place. Some dogs prefer to hide under furniture, while others want to remain close to their owners.

Let them choose where they feel safest, provided the space is secure.

What Should You Do When Fireworks Start?

Once the fireworks begin, your priority is helping your dog feel safe.

Don't:

• Shout at your dog or punish them for being frightened.

• Force them to watch fireworks or approach the windows.

• Take them to a fireworks display.

• Leave them outside or tied up during fireworks.

• Force them to interact, play or eat when they don't want to.

It's absolutely fine to comfort a frightened dog. You won't spoil them by providing reassurance when they need it.

If your dog has a severe fear of fireworks, speak to your vet as early as possible. There are behaviour-support options and, where appropriate, veterinary treatments that may help.

Smith's Canine Club's Top Picks for Fireworks Season

Preparing early gives you more time to find the things that work best for your dog. Alongside a safe space, familiar routines and reassurance, there are products that may help support a calmer environment.

Smith's Pets stocks a range of products to help support dogs during stressful periods, including fireworks season.

2. A Comfortable Bed and Familiar Blankets

Sometimes the simplest things are the most useful. Familiar bedding can help make your dog's safe space feel comfortable and recognisable.

Choose somewhere away from windows and external doors where your dog can settle without being disturbed.

3. Dog-Safe Chews and Enrichment Toys

If your dog is still happy to eat and play, a familiar chew, food puzzle or enrichment toy may provide a welcome distraction.

Choose something appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits, and supervise as needed. Never force them to eat or play if they're too frightened.

4. A Secure Collar and Up-to-Date ID

A frightened dog may bolt unexpectedly, even if they have never tried to escape before.

Check that their collar and ID tag are secure, their microchip details are up to date, and doors and garden gates are properly closed.

A note on calming products: These products may help some dogs, but they aren't a replacement for veterinary advice if your dog experiences significant fear or anxiety. If your dog becomes very distressed, speak to your vet about additional support.

Plan Walks Around Fireworks

Try to give your dog a good opportunity to walk, sniff and toilet while it's still light, before fireworks are likely to begin.

During fireworks season:

• Check for local displays and plan your walks accordingly.
• Keep your dog on a lead in public, especially if they're easily startled.
• Use a secure, well-fitted harness or collar.
• Avoid walking near fireworks displays.
• Take extra care when opening the front door or garden gate.
• If fireworks start unexpectedly, calmly head home if it's safe to do so.

Don't rely on your dog's usual recall if they're frightened. A sudden bang can cause even a normally reliable dog to panic and run.

A Local Warning for Stockton-on-Tees Dog Owners

Stockton Fireworks is back!

After a five-year break, Stockton's much-loved fireworks event returns on Sunday 1 November 2026, with a spectacular fireworks display scheduled for 6:30pm at Stockton Riverside.

With a funfair, food stalls, live music and the return of this major local event, Stockton is expected to be much busier than usual. Check the official Stockton Fireworks information here.

If you live in Stockton-on-Tees or the surrounding area, it's worth planning ahead for your dog.

• Walk your dog during daylight hours, well before the fireworks begin.
• Keep them safely indoors during the display.
• Close windows and curtains to reduce noise and flashes.
• Prepare a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat.
• Avoid taking your dog to the fireworks display, even if they usually seem confident outdoors.

Remember, fireworks can be heard well beyond the event itself, and other displays may take place locally throughout the season. Don't assume your dog will only hear fireworks on Bonfire Night.

Happy Dogs, Safe Paws

Fireworks season doesn't have to mean a stressful night for the whole household. By planning ahead, keeping things familiar and giving your dog the freedom to retreat somewhere safe, you can help them feel more comfortable when the bangs begin.

And remember, every dog is different. What works for one might not work for another, so take your dog's individual needs into account.

For calming products and everyday pet essentials, visit Smith's Pets and explore the range available to help you prepare for party season.

From all of us at Smith's Canine Club, take care of those paws this fireworks season.