Colourful fireworks in a dark night sky, a stressful sight and sound for many dogs and pets

How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks: A UK Guide

To help a dog cope with fireworks, prepare early: set up a safe den, keep routines steady, mask the noise with background sound, make sure your home and garden are escape-proof, and consider natural calming support for pets. If your dog's fear is severe, speak to your vet.

When is firework season in the UK?

Bonfire Night (5 November) is the main date, but fireworks often start weeks before and carry on afterwards. Diwali (October or November, dates change each year) and New Year's Eve are also busy times, so it pays to be ready well ahead.

Signs your dog is stressed by fireworks

  • Panting, pacing or trembling
  • Hiding, or sticking very close to you
  • Barking, whining or drooling
  • Refusing food or treats
  • Trying to escape

7 ways to help your dog cope with fireworks

  1. Create a safe den. Set up a quiet, covered spot with blankets and favourite toys, and let your dog choose when to use it.
  2. Stick to your routine. Feed and walk at the usual times. Walk before dark and make sure your dog has been out to the toilet before the first fireworks start.
  3. Soften the bangs. Close curtains and windows, and play music, the radio or the TV to mask sudden noises.
  4. Stay calm. Dogs pick up on how we feel. Calm, quiet company is fine, but avoid fussing or scolding.
  5. Make your home and garden escape-proof. Scared dogs can bolt. Keep doors and gates closed, do not leave your dog alone in the garden, and check their microchip details are up to date. The Dogs Trust has more advice on helping your dog cope with fireworks.
  6. Plan ahead. Where possible, stay at home with your dog on the busiest nights. The Dogs Trust also has a helpful prepare ahead plan.
  7. Add natural calming support. Phytopet has a calming range for pets, so you can build a plan that suits your dog. Always follow the label directions.
    • Calm Xtra: our strongest herbal calmer, designed for acute or situational stress such as fireworks.
    • Calm & Focus: a gentle daily herbal formula for everyday and ongoing stress, useful in the run up to firework season.
    • Salmon Oil Plus 300ml Calming Support: Scottish salmon oil with calming herbs, easy to add to daily feeding.
    • Calming Herb Mix Fish Skin Treats: dried fish skin treats infused with a calming herb blend, a tasty way to reward calm behaviour.

If your dog's fear is severe or getting worse, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist. Check with your vet before using any supplement if your dog is on medication, is pregnant or has a health condition.

Fireworks and dogs: common questions

When should I start preparing my dog for fireworks?

As early as you can, ideally before the first fireworks of the season. Set up the safe den and let your dog get used to it, and start any calming support in good time, following the label directions.

Should I comfort my dog during fireworks?

Yes. Calm, quiet company helps. Stay relaxed, keep your voice low and avoid scolding.

Can natural calming supplements help dogs with fireworks?

Herbal supplements are designed to help pets maintain a sense of calm and emotional balance. Phytopet Calm Xtra is made for acute or situational stress such as fireworks, while Calm & Focus is a gentle formula for everyday and ongoing stress. They are intended to be used alongside a safe den, a steady routine and noise masking, not instead of them.

What about cats and other pets?

The same principles apply: a quiet hiding place, closed curtains and background noise. See our guide to keeping your cat calm during fireworks. Small animals kept outdoors should have their hutches moved to a quiet, sheltered spot such as a garage or shed, and partly covered with a blanket.

Natural calming support from Phytopet

Explore the full Anxiety, Behaviour and Mood range, including Calm Xtra, Calm & Focus and Salmon Oil Plus Calming Support. For more on adapting your pet's care through the year, read our seasonal pet care guide.

Sources and further reading

This article is general advice and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.

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