Dog being gently and calmly handled during a quiet one-to-one grooming session

Bonfire Night & Dogs: How to Prepare for Fireworks

Help your dog cope with Bonfire Night fireworks with practical advice on walks, safe spaces, curtains, reassurance and when to speak to your vet.

Bonfire Night rarely means one isolated bang. Fireworks can start before 5 November and continue on surrounding evenings, so preparation is more useful than reacting after a dog is already frightened.

Know when fireworks are likely

Check for local displays and keep an eye on neighbourhood information so you can plan around the likely noisy evenings. If possible, arrange for someone your dog knows to be at home with them.

Walk and toilet before dark

Move the main walk earlier on evenings when fireworks are expected, and leave enough time for food and a toilet break before the noise starts. Do not force a frightened dog outside while fireworks are going off.

Make the house feel safer

Close windows and curtains to reduce flashes and muffle the noise. Check that doors, gates and garden boundaries are secure — frightened dogs can try to bolt — and make sure your dog's microchip details are up to date. Offer access to a familiar safe place, such as a covered bed or a quiet corner they already like.

Let your dog choose how they cope

If your dog wants to hide, let them, and don't try to coax them out. If they come to you for reassurance, it's fine to calmly comfort them. Never punish fearful behaviour, and don't deliberately expose your dog to fireworks to “get them used to it”.

Use familiar sound and activity

Having the TV, radio or music on can reduce the contrast between a quiet house and sudden bangs outside. Keep activities familiar and low pressure — a favourite chew or a calm game, if your dog wants it.

When to speak to your vet

If fireworks cause your dog significant fear or anxiety, speak to your vet as early as possible, ideally well before the season. They can check for any medical factors and discuss behaviour support or medication where appropriate.

After the fireworks

Return to your normal routine, notice what seemed to help, and plan earlier for future events such as New Year. Halloween often comes first — see our Halloween dog safety guide. For general tips on helping a nervous dog with new experiences, read how to prepare your dog for grooming.