How to prepare your dog for fireworks season

Almost two-thirds of UK dogs experience fireworks anxiety, yet most owners don’t prepare for Bonfire Night. Here’s what the research tells us about helping dogs cope.

Research published by Guide Dogs in 2026 found that 63% of UK dogs are affected by fireworks anxiety. Despite this, 79% of dog owners said they did nothing to prepare for Bonfire Night, while 35% didn’t know dogs could be desensitised to fireworks.

Fireworks can cause dogs to tremble, pant, pace, whine, hide or attempt to escape. Some dogs recover quickly once the fireworks have stopped, but others can be stressed into the night, long after the fireworks have finished.

There are ways to help keep your dog safe and become more comfortable with fireworks, although dogs with existing fears may need longer-term training or support from a vet.

Fireworks and missing dogs

Figures published by the Royal Kennel Club in October 2024 showed an 81% increase in dogs reported missing to Petlog during the two weeks covering Bonfire Night and Diwali in 2023, compared with the preceding two weeks.

The figures can't tell us why individual dogs went missing and only represent reports to Petlog, rather than all missing dogs in the UK.

A separate Royal Kennel Club survey of over 1,000 UK dog owners found that more than one in ten said their dog had attempted to bolt during fireworks.

Before fireworks season, owners should check that their dog’s microchip registration and collar tag contain current contact details. Garden gates, fences, doors and windows should also be double checked for potential escape routes.

Can dogs be desensitised to fireworks?

Yes, they can. Desensitisation involves introducing firework sounds at a volume that doesn’t frighten them, then very gradually increasing the volume and intensity as they become comfortable.

It’s best combined with counterconditioning, where the sounds are paired with positive experiences such as food, treats or play.

Earlier this summer, Guide Dogs launched its first National Fireworks Archive training video. This free resource contains fireworks clips organised by sound intensity, allowing owners to introduce the sounds gradually.

⁠Visit Guide Dogs for the free fireworks training video.

How to begin

Guide Dogs recommends starting with short sessions of around two to five minutes.

Start by playing the recordings quietly, giving them treats or play whilst the sounds are on. Only increase the volume if and while your dog remains relaxed, if they show signs of worry or panic, stop the session and return to an easier level in the next training session.

The most common signs of discomfort or stress can include freezing, panting, moving/turning away, restlessness, refusing food or hyper-alert scanning.

Full desensitisation can take several months. Starting two weeks before Bonfire Night may be useful, but generally isn’t enough time to expect an established phobia to disappear.

Recordings also cannot reproduce every aspect of fireworks, including flashes, vibrations, smells and unpredictability.

Dogs with severe firework phobias may need a training programme developed with a vet or qualified behaviour professional.

Create a safe retreat

Dogs should have access to a safe, quiet, familiar space where they can settle during fireworks.

This could be a covered crate, a bedroom, a cosy nook or their usual resting place. Familiar bedding or throws can help make the area more comforting.

Allow your dog a choice in where they settle. Some prefer hiding, while others will want to remain close to you. Don’t force a frightened dog into a crate or confine them somewhere they don’t want to be, this will only add to their stress levels and compound the fear.

Closing curtains can reduce flashes of light, while television or music may help cover some of the noise. These can help make the environment more comfortable, but they aren’t a substitute for proper treatment when a dog has a severe noise phobia.

Does comforting a frightened dog reinforce their fear?

There’s a common belief that comforting a frightened dog only reinforces their anxiety. However, research doesn’t support this belief.

In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Stefanie Riemer examined owner-reported approaches to managing fireworks fears. Comforting behaviours, including physical contact and talking to the dog, were not associated with worsening fireworks fears. The study also found that offering food or play during the fireworks was associated with an improvement in owner-reported fear responses. The findings were based on owner reports, so they don’t establish that any particular approach caused the improvement. Owners can reassure dogs who seek comfort without assuming they’re making the fear worse. Equally, dogs who prefer to hide should be allowed to do so.

Food, chews and play can be offered if the dog is comfortable engaging with them, but shouldn’t be forced.

When to contact your vet

Dogs with significant fireworks anxiety may need veterinary support. Signs of severe distress can include persistent full-body trembling, heavy panting, prolonged pacing, frantic attempts to escape or an inability to settle.

A vet can assess the dog’s anxiety and discuss treatment options, including behaviour modification, referral to a qualified behaviourist and prescription medication where appropriate.

Contact your vet before fireworks season rather than waiting until your dog is already distressed.

Preparing for fireworks night

There are several precautions owners can take on evenings when fireworks are expected.

Before dark: Walk your dog on a lead and allow time for a toilet break before the fireworks begin.

At home: Close curtains and windows, ensure external doors and garden gates are closed, and put the TV or music on.

During fireworks: Allow your dog to hide or stay close to you. Offer special treats, chews or activities if they’re interested.

Outside: Avoid outdoor activity whilst a display is underway. Supervise necessary toilet breaks and avoid forcing a frightened dog into the garden. Fireworks aren’t limited to 5 November. Displays may take place throughout the surrounding weeks, including during Diwali celebrations.

Start preparing now

Training should progress at the dog’s pace, and dogs with established fears may need several months of specialist support.

In the meantime, checking microchip and collar ID, securing the home, preparing a quiet retreat and planning walks around expected displays can reduce the risks associated with fireworks season.

Sources

• Royal Kennel Club (2024): https://www.royalkennelclub.com/about-us/resources/media-centre/2024/october/fireworks-season-sees-81-increase-in-dogs-going-missing/

• Guide Dogs (2026): https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/information-and-advice/dog-care-and-welfare/dogs-and-fireworks/

• Riemer (2020), Journal of Veterinary Behavior: https://boris.unibe.ch/145121

• Riemer (2019), PLOS ONE: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31490926/