Fear of Fireworks in Dogs: How to Help Your Dog Stay Calm This Firework Season
Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, or unexpected local displays — while fireworks can be fun for humans, they can be terrifying for dogs. Studies suggest that up to 50% of dogs show fear of fireworks, with some developing full-blown phobias.
If your dog trembles, hides, or panics at loud bangs, you’re not alone — and there are proven, science-backed ways to help.
👋 I’m Clare, Registered Veterinary Nurse and behaviourist at Talking Pet Behaviour in Oxford. In this post, I’ll share:
Why fireworks are so frightening for dogs.
How to spot the difference between fear and phobia.
Quick strategies you can use this season.
How to get my free Firework Survival Guide to give your dog the best chance at calmer nights.
💡 Give your dog the best chance at calmer nights with my step-by-step Firework Survival Guide
Why Fireworks Are So Scary for Dogs
Dogs hear far more acutely than humans — around four times better. Add in unpredictable flashes of light, the smell of smoke, and bangs at night when they expect quiet, and you have a recipe for fear.
For some dogs, the occasional startle (“fright”) is normal. But ongoing fear — trembling, hiding, pacing — or escalating to a phobia (panic at even the faintest sound) means your dog needs support.
Spotting the Signs of Stress
Not every dog will howl or hide. Subtle signs include:
Panting or drooling when fireworks start.
Yawning, lip licking, or pacing.
Seeking constant reassurance.
Refusing food during noisy periods.
⚠️ If your dog injures themselves trying to escape, or their fear worsens every year, it’s time to get professional help.
Quick Wins for This Firework Season
Here are simple steps you can take right away:
Exercise your dog earlier in the day.
Feed before evening bangs begin.
Close curtains, play TV or calming music.
Build a safe den — a cosy spot with blankets and your scent where they can retreat.
Stay calm yourself — dogs mirror our emotions.
💡 Want more? My Firework Survival Guide includes a step-by-step desensitisation and counterconditioning plan you can follow at home.
Long-Term Training Matters
Short-term management helps, but long-term progress comes from:
Desensitisation – gradually exposing your dog to low-level firework sounds until they feel neutral.
Counterconditioning – pairing those sounds with good things (treats, play, affection).
Together, these methods retrain your dog’s emotional response from fear to calm.
This takes time, which is why starting before fireworks season gives the best results.
Want More Support?
Helping dogs through firework fears is part of what I do at Talking Pet Behaviour. I offer:
Behaviour consultations with vet liaison.
Tailored behaviour plans.
Ongoing 1:1 support in person across Oxfordshire or online across the UK.
💡 Free Resource for Dog Owners
Is your dog frightened by fireworks? I’ve created a step-by-step Firework Survival Guide to help you prepare.
👉 Normally £9.99 — yours free today when you join my email list.
📩 Simply enter your details below and I’ll send the Firework Survival Guide for Dogs straight to your inbox.
Why sign up?
You’ll not only get the full Firework Survival Guide, but also first access to my upcoming Fear of Fireworks Webinar, where I’ll share strategies in more depth and answer your questions live.
Firework fear is distressing for both dogs and their families, but you don’t have to face it alone. With preparation, patience, and support, calmer nights are possible. Start today by downloading your free guide.
✨ Next steps:
📥 Download your free Firework Survival Guide.
🎆 Sign up for the live Fear of Fireworks Webinar.
🐶 Book a behaviour consultation if your dog needs tailored support.