How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

Cosy Dens With Toys & Treats

Making sure it’s comfortable and filled with familiar items is key!

• Shut your windows and curtains.
• Use a clothes horse or table to create the structure of a den. You can also use a dog crate if you have one.
• Cover the den in thick blankets and towels to help block out sounds.
• Place your dog’s usual bed inside, along with some of their favourite toys.
• Make the space as appealing as possible, using yummy treats or puzzle toys.
• Make sure your dog has access to water so they can avoid leaving their hideaway

Setting their den up before fireworks night can help them get used to the space before it is needed.

Blocking Out Loud, Sudden Noises

Playing gentle, calming music or turning on the TV can help drown out the sudden bangs and flashes from the fireworks outside.

Classical music can be a great choice. You can find numerous playlists on YouTube and Spotify, specifically created for dogs to help them relax.

This is the same way we soothe anxious dogs in our doggy buses when taking them to and from day care.

Normal family chatter can also act as a good distraction.

Promoting Relaxation

For extra support, natural calming aids could be the answer.

Plug in pheromone diffusers, such as Adaptil, which release synthetic pheromones, can help reduce anxiety. They also have collars which dogs can wear.

Alternatively, our friends at PAWD Drinks offer a specially formulated drink designed to help keep dogs calm and content during stressful events like fireworks. Developed by world-leading animal nutritionists and approved by vets. The PAWD Calming Drink is a delicious blend that promotes relaxation, so your dog can stay at ease when things get noisy. PAWD are on a mission to help as many dogs as possible manage the stresses that can typically accompany this season. They are offering a 7 day trial pack for free, no catches, cancel any time (you just need to cover the postage). Check out the offer here: PAWD Calming Drink.

Any calming products should be used for at least a week before fireworks night to have the required effect.

A tired dog is a calmer dog!

Taking your dog for a nice, walk before the fireworks start will help to burn off some energy and make them much more likely to relax come the evening.

Aim for extra-long walks too, so your dog is tired and will hopefully sleep through some of the activity.

Avoid walking your pooch during the evening itself, as the loud bangs can not only be distressing but could cause your dog to bolt.

Always ensure your dog’s tag is secure and their microchip details are up to date, just in case your dog does run off.

Getting Your Dog Used to Loud Noises

In the lead-up to firework season, you can gradually desensitise your dog to loud noises.

Play firework sounds at a low volume while engaging in positive activities like playing or feeding. Over time, they’ll likely become much less reactive to the noises.

The Dogs Trust have sound therapy playlists available online and further details of how to desensitise pets to certain sounds. Sometimes your pet may be fearful of something other than the sound (such as the flashing lights), but this will still be helpful.

Providing exercise & building confidence

Regular play dates at doggy day care can also be incredibly helpful for your dog, with exercise and desensitisation.

Play sessions with other dogs can not only help your pup burn off excess energy, it can also help release endorphins that naturally reduce stress.

Socialising with other dogs and people will also help your dog learn that new situations aren’t scary. This type of gentle exposure to new environments, sights and sounds will help them build confidence and teach them important coping skills.

By the end of the day, your dog will be physically and mentally satisfied. Leaving them more relaxed and hopefully making them less reactive to loud noises like fireworks.

Getting your dog extra help

If you have tried everything above but your dog is still showing or likely to show signs of extreme fear, then medical treatment may be needed.

Prescription medications can be dispensed in severe cases, however, this will require a veterinary health examination before medication can be given.

Medication that veterinary professionals such as Vet4life prescribe include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax) – acts on GABA receptors in the CNS causing reduced anxiety and amnesia. Best given 30 minutes before the fearful event, but does have amnesic activity if given after to reduce emotional impact of exposure. May cause drowsiness and ataxia.
• Diazepam – similar mode of action to alprazolam.
• Selegiline (Selgian) – modifies concentration of certain neurotransmitters including dopamine. Used in dogs with a more generalised noise phobia (i.e. sensitivity to all loud noises) or showing signs of behavioural inhibition. This takes at least two months to have an effect.

Seeking professional veterinary advice must alway be sought before giving your dog any type of medication!

At Bruce’s, we know that loud bangs and bright flashes can be overwhelming for many dogs.

To help you prepare for the season ahead, we sat down with Archie & Rory from PAWD Drinks for a special Q&A. They share their top tips for spotting anxiety early, creating safe spaces, and supporting your dog’s wellbeing before, during, and after fireworks.

PAWD Drinks Q&A