7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm on Bonfire Night 🐕

For humans, Bonfire Night means fireworks, sparklers and somebody standing in a field eating a slightly disappointing burger.

For dogs, it can mean several hours of enormous unexplained explosions happening outside the house.

Not quite the same evening.

Sudden loud noises, bright flashing lights and unpredictable firework sounds can be frightening for dogs, particularly when they have no idea where the noise is coming from or when the next bang will arrive.

Some barely react. Others spend the evening pacing, barking, trembling or trying to hide behind the sofa.

If your dog falls into the second group, a bit of preparation can make a big difference. Here are 7 ways to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night — without pretending there's a magic trick that makes fireworks disappear.

1. Create a safe space before the fireworks begin

The best time to build a firework bunker is not three seconds after the first rocket goes off.

Give your dog a safe space well before fireworks begin, ideally somewhere they already choose when they want peace and quiet.

That might be their bed, a crate they already enjoy using, underneath a table or a quiet corner away from windows.

Make it into a cosy space with familiar bedding, blankets and some favourite toys. If your dog likes enclosed spaces, covering part of a crate or den with blankets can help it feel more sheltered, provided there's still plenty of ventilation.

Most importantly, let your dog choose whether to use it.

Don't shut them inside or repeatedly pull them out because you'd rather they sat with the family. If hiding behind an armchair is apparently the safest location in Britain, tonight the armchair wins.

Dogs should also have access to water close by.

2. Keep your dog calm by walking before dark

If you know fireworks are likely that evening, move the main walk earlier.

Ideally, get your dog exercised and back home while it's still light, well before fireworks start. A decent walk with plenty of time to sniff and explore can help them settle later without exposing them to explosions while they're halfway around the park.

Once the noise begins, avoid normal evening walks if possible.

If your dog needs a toilet break during the evening, wait for a quieter spell, keep it brief and use a lead — even if your garden is normally somewhere they wander around happily on their own.

A frightened dog can bolt surprisingly quickly after a big bang.

This is also a good time to check that gates and doors are secure, your dog's microchip details and contact details are current, and their ID tag is present.

Hopefully none of that becomes necessary.

That's rather the point.

3. Close windows and curtains when fireworks start

There are two main parts of a firework your dog may dislike:

The noise.

And the enormous flash appearing through the window immediately before it.

Before fireworks start, close windows, draw curtains or blinds and leave indoor lights on. This can reduce some outside noise while making the flashes less obvious.

If your dog's safe space is beside a large window, consider moving things around ahead of time so they have somewhere more sheltered to retreat.

You don't need to transform the living room into a recording studio.

You're simply taking the edge off the outside world.

And if somebody nearby appears to have purchased enough fireworks to launch a weather satellite, every little bit helps.

4. Use background noise and calming music for the loud bangs

Complete silence inside the house can make every explosion outside feel even more obvious.

Put the television on, play familiar music or use some gentle background sound to help mask the bangs.

Calming music can work well for some dogs, although the important part is keeping it at a comfortable low volume. Trying to defeat fireworks by turning the television up to nightclub levels rather misses the point. PDSA recommends music as one way of masking firework noise, provided the volume remains comfortable for the dog.

Ideally, whatever you play should already be familiar.

If your dog normally sleeps through the television every evening, that's useful background noise.

If they've never heard whale sounds in their life, Bonfire Night probably isn't the moment to discover whether they're a fan.

5. Help your dog cope with treats, toys and something to do

For dogs that are worried but still willing to eat and play, enrichment can be a useful distraction.

A food-filled toy, lick mat, chew or some high value treats can give them something else to focus on while fireworks are going off.

You can also reward calm behaviour when your dog settles naturally.

But watch what your dog is telling you.

If they're too scared to eat, don't repeatedly wave chicken underneath their nose while wondering why the strategy isn't working. A frightened dog may have absolutely no interest in food or play.

Let them hide if that's what they want.

If they do want interaction, a familiar game or favourite toy can help. PDSA and RSPCA both advise offering distraction if the dog wants it rather than forcing them to participate.

6. Stay calm when your dog feels scared

Dogs are extremely good at noticing what we're doing.

So while a huge explosion outside may have made you jump too, try to behave normally and remain calm.

That doesn't mean ignoring your dog.

The old advice that comforting a frightened dog somehow "rewards fear" isn't particularly helpful. If your dog comes to you for reassurance, it's fine to comfort them. If they want to disappear into their bed instead, give them space.

Don't shout at barking, pacing or accidents caused by fear. Punishing a dog who already feels scared is likely to make the situation worse.

And where possible, stay nearby.

Your dog doesn't necessarily need you to spend four hours dramatically whispering that everything is okay.

They may simply feel better knowing you're there.

7. Know when fireworks anxiety needs professional advice

A little startle at a loud noise is one thing.

Severe fireworks anxiety is another.

Common signs of significant stress can include persistent panting, pacing, trembling, hiding, excessive barking, refusing food and repeatedly attempting to escape. Some dogs become so frightened that every explosion resets their panic.

If this sounds like your dog every year, speak to your vet.

Ideally, don't wait until 6pm on Bonfire Night.

Your vet can discuss behaviour plans, suitable calming products and, where appropriate, prescription medication for dogs with severe noise phobias. Medication should only be given under veterinary guidance.

Products such as pheromone diffusers, supplements or compression garments providing light pressure may help some dogs, but responses vary. A compression shirt should only be used if your dog is comfortable wearing one — restricting an already frightened dog can make things worse.

And if your dog's fear has suddenly appeared despite them previously being fine with fireworks, that's also worth discussing with your vet, as an unexpected change in behaviour can sometimes warrant a health check.

Preparing for fireworks season next time

Unfortunately, fireworks season is rarely just one night.

Bonfire Night may be the obvious one, but fireworks can appear around other celebrations, including New Year's Eve, as well as private displays throughout autumn and winter.

For dogs with established noise fears, longer-term sound training can sometimes help.

This involves introducing recordings of firework noises at a very low level when your dog is relaxed, pairing them with positive experiences and only gradually increasing the volume while your dog remains comfortable. This isn't something to rush through the afternoon before a display. Done badly or too quickly, you risk frightening the dog rather than helping them. The RSPCA recommends beginning desensitisation well in advance of fireworks periods.

Planning ahead also means preparing the den early, checking microchip information and speaking to your vet before fireworks season begins if you already know your dog struggles.

Keeping pets calm when the big bangs begin

There isn't one perfect trick that works for every dog.

Some want to hide.

Some want to sit touching your leg.

Some will happily spend the evening working on a food toy while explosions happen outside.

And some react to every single rocket as though the invasion has finally begun.

The important thing is to give them options.

Create a safe space, walk before dark, close the windows and curtains, use familiar background noise and give them access to toys or treats if they want them. Keep the house escape proof, stay nearby and pay attention to what actually helps your dog.

If their fear is severe, don't simply resign yourself to repeating the same miserable fireworks night every year. Speak to your vet and make a plan before the next one.

Bonfire Night might never become your dog's favourite evening.

But with the right setup, it can become considerably less awful.

Which, when somebody is setting off rockets three gardens away, is a pretty decent result.