Is Your Dog Scared of Fireworks? Here’s How You Can Help

Fireworks are difficult for lots of dogs, but there is a big difference between a dog hearing a bang and choosing to hide, and a dog who starts worrying hours before the fireworks even begin.

So, what's the difference between fear, anxiety and a phobia? Why can a dog suddenly become scared of fireworks when they've been fine before? And, most importantly, what can we do to help?

Fear, anxiety and phobias. What's the difference?

Fear is a normal emotion and an important part of keeping us safe. Anxiety is slightly different because it's the anticipation that something scary might happen.

Think about a thunderstorm.

If there is a sudden huge clap of thunder and you jump, that's a fear response. The scary thing happened and you reacted to it.

Now imagine you've seen the weather forecast and know a thunderstorm is due that evening. The sky starts getting darker and you find yourself worrying about when the thunder will start. Nothing scary has actually happened yet, but you're anticipating it. That's more like anxiety.

A phobia is when that fear becomes much more extreme and starts affecting everyday life. You might become so frightened of thunderstorms that dark clouds make you panic or you avoid going outside if the sky looks grey.

We can see something similar with dogs and fireworks.

A dog might hear a firework, become frightened and hide. That doesn't necessarily mean they have a phobia. Hiding can actually be a really useful way for them to cope.

The concern is when that fear starts to spread. Your dog might become worried when it gets dark, react to the smell of bonfires or start becoming frightened by other sudden noises such as car doors slamming.

This is why noticing changes early is so important.

Why are fireworks so difficult for dogs?

Dogs can hear a wider range of frequencies than we can, including sounds we can't hear ourselves.

Fireworks are also sudden and unpredictable. They can come from lots of different directions and aren't just about the noise. There are flashes, different smells and changes happening in the environment too.

Some dogs may have had a frightening experience with a loud noise. Their early experiences can play a part, and some dogs can also become more sensitive to fireworks after repeated exposure.

This is called sensitisation.

It's why you might suddenly find yourself saying:

"He's four and he's never cared about fireworks before. Why is he suddenly scared?"

Being okay with fireworks previously doesn't guarantee a dog will always feel that way. It's also why we wouldn't recommend taking your dog to a firework display, even if they currently seem completely comfortable with loud noises.

Don't forget about pain

If your adult or older dog suddenly becomes frightened of noises when they haven't been bothered before, it's worth speaking to your vet.

Pain can play a part in noise sensitivity. A sudden bang can make a dog startle and tense their body, which could make existing pain or discomfort worse. Being uncomfortable can also make other stressful things harder to cope with. 

Think about how you feel when you've got a headache. Things that wouldn't normally bother you can suddenly become much harder to deal with.

Prepare before firework season

With fireworks, it's always better to prepare before they start.

Some preparation might even begin in January ready for the following Bonfire Night. Training takes time, especially if your dog is already worried by loud noises.

It's also worth remembering that fireworks don't only happen around Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve. They can be used for celebrations throughout the year, including Diwali and Chinese New Year, as well as other events.

Being prepared throughout the year means you're less likely to be caught off guard by that first bang.

Create their safe space early

It's completely natural for our dogs to hide when they're scared. If we heard gunfire outside, we probably wouldn't head to the front door to investigate. We'd find somewhere safe!

We want our dogs to have that option too.

However, don't build a den at 5pm on Bonfire Night. We want their safe space to already be somewhere they know and feel comfortable. If a den suddenly appears every time fireworks are expected, they may start to realise that the den means fireworks are coming.

If possible, use somewhere your dog already likes. Under your bed might genuinely be their favourite safe space, and that's absolutely fine.

Let them access it whenever they want and make it comfortable. You could occasionally leave treats or give them a chew there so good things happen in that space too. Make it dark if that's what they prefer and never force them in or pull them back out.

If your normal house rules say "no dogs upstairs", but upstairs is where they feel safest during fireworks, consider relaxing the rules for the night.

Most importantly, hiding is coping.

If your dog has chosen somewhere they feel safe, let them hide.

Can we train dogs to be more comfortable with fireworks?

Yes, you can train young dogs to be prepared and help dogs who are already showing fear to be more comfortable. Two techniques you may have heard of are desensitisation and counterconditioning.

The important thing with both is that training happens at a level your dog can cope with. The aim isn't to play fireworks loudly until they eventually "get used to it".

If your dog has a severe fear or phobia of fireworks, speak to your vet rather than trying to work through it alone. They can rule out things such as pain and discuss whether additional support is needed.

Desensitisation

Desensitisation means very gradually exposing your dog to a version of a sound they can cope with.

For example, you might play firework sounds very quietly while your dog is relaxed. They might prick their ears or look up, but then go back to what they were doing. They've noticed the sound, but they aren't worried by it.

Once they're completely comfortable, the volume can gradually increase.

The goal isn't:

"Let's see how loud we can make it before the dog reacts."

If they're frightened, you've gone too far.

You may have heard suggestions to do this while your dog eats, and it's something I've recommended in the past. However, food can sometimes distract a dog from the sound rather than showing us they're genuinely comfortable with it. Once the food disappears, they may suddenly notice the noise.

Watch the dog in front of you rather than simply following a set volume or schedule. This could take days, weeks or months. It really depends on your dog.

Counterconditioning

Counterconditioning is slightly different. We're trying to change how the dog feels about the sound and create a more positive association.

Essentially:

Noise happens, good things happen.

A firework sound might be followed by some tasty treats, a favourite toy or another activity your dog really enjoys.

The order is important. We want the noise to predict the good thing, rather than always getting the amazing food out first and accidentally teaching the dog that the appearance of food means a scary noise is coming.

Ideally, desensitisation and counterconditioning can work alongside each other.

Just remember that a dog becoming comfortable with a recording in your living room doesn't necessarily mean they'll feel exactly the same when a real firework unexpectedly goes off outside.

Be careful with firework recordings

Dogs Trust has a free resource called Sounds Scary, which includes recordings that can be used as part of this training.

Whichever recordings you use, start quietly and don't keep playing noises your dog is reacting badly to in the hope they'll eventually get used to them.

Some dogs won't react to recordings at all because a recording coming through a speaker isn't the same as the real thing. This doesn't necessarily mean they'll be comfortable with actual fireworks.

What should I do on an actual firework night?

Once the real fireworks begin, our priority is our dog's welfare. We're not trying to squeeze in lots of training. We're trying to help them feel as safe as possible. For some dogs this might mean, getting in the car and going to a place far away from any firework displays. 

Walk and toilet earlier: Try to get out before fireworks are likely to begin. This reduces the chance of a sudden bang frightening your dog while you're out and gives them a chance to toilet before you may need to keep them inside.

Close the curtains before the flashes begin:

Curtains, blinds or blankets can help block out flashes. Some dogs may prefer spending the evening in a room with fewer windows. If your dog chooses to watch from a window and is comfortable doing so, that's okay too.

Use familiar background noise:

The television, music, white noise or brown noise may help mask some of the sounds. Some dogs might prefer calmer music, while others benefit from something with more bass. Ideally, whatever you use should be something your dog hears at other times too. We don't want your annual blast of heavy metal to become the warning that fireworks are coming!

Try not to leave them alone:

If you know your dog struggles, try to have someone they know and trust with them.

Let them hide. If they've taken themselves off to their safe space, that's okay. They don't need to sit with you just because that's where you'd prefer them to be.

Comfort them if they want comfort:

You aren't going to make your dog more frightened by comforting them. If they want to sit with you or have some calm strokes, that's fine. If they'd rather be alone, respect that too.

Let them play if they want to:

Some dogs might prefer tug, searching for toys or doing some familiar training rather than lying quietly. Stick to things they already know and enjoy, and don't pressure them if they don't want to join in.

Don't punish frightened behaviour:

Telling a frightened dog off for barking, pacing or another behaviour risks making an already scary situation even worse.

Finally, be very careful about letting your dog outside once fireworks have started, particularly if there's any risk they could panic and bolt.

What about ThunderShirts, calming products and medication?

You might see lots of products advertised around firework season, from pressure garments and pheromones to supplements.

A ThunderShirt or similar pressure garment may appear to help some dogs, while others won't enjoy wearing one at all. If you're going to try one, introduce it well before firework season and make sure your dog is genuinely comfortable wearing it.

Pheromone products and supplements may also form part of a dog's overall support plan, but don't wait until the night before Bonfire Night and expect an instant transformation. If you're considering supplements, speak to your vet about what's appropriate for your dog.

For dogs who are really struggling, medication may also be an option. That's a conversation to have with your vet.

Needing veterinary support doesn't mean you've failed at training. A severe noise phobia is a welfare issue, not simply a training problem.

When should I ask for help?

Speak to your vet or a suitably qualified behaviour professional if your dog's fear is getting worse, they're becoming frightened by more everyday noises, they're anxious before fireworks even begin or their fear is starting to affect everyday life.

A sudden change in an adult or older dog's behaviour is also worth discussing with your vet, particularly because pain or another medical problem could be contributing.

You don't need to wait until every November becomes a crisis before asking for help.

The main thing to remember

The goal doesn't necessarily need to be a dog who sleeps through every single firework.

If your dog hears something scary and chooses to take themselves off to their safe space, that can actually be a really good coping strategy.

What we're trying to prevent is their world becoming smaller because they're constantly anticipating the next scary noise.

So prepare early, give them choices, watch what they're telling you and don't be afraid to ask for extra help if they're struggling.

And remember, you don’t have to work through this alone. If you’re worried about your dog and fireworks, we’re here to support you every step of the way and help you put together a personalised firework protocol. Enquire today!