How to Help Your Dog During Fireworks
Fireworks season is one of the most stressful times of year for our four-legged friends.
With New Year's coming up, there’ll soon be an array of unexpected noises, sudden flashes and unfamiliar smells during the end-of-year celebrations.
These tend to pose a real challenge for dogs. That’s why, at Soothe and Settle, we’ve made it our mission to ease your dog’s anxiety, making them feel safe, comforted and settled.
In this guide, we’ll outline the practical steps you can take to help your dog during fireworks, making the experience much more enjoyable for both of you.
Why Are Dogs Frightened of Fireworks?
Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing, meaning that the loud, unexpected sounds fireworks make create lots of chaos for them.
These noises, combined with flashing, colourful lights, confuse dogs and activate their fight-or-flight response. They don’t understand fireworks and therefore can’t tell the difference between harmless celebrations and being truly in danger.
In particular, if your dog has had frightening experiences with thunderstorms or loud noises in the past, their memories can intensify the response even further.
How to Relax Your Dog During Fireworks
Now that you’re clear on the reasons why your furry friend is so scared of fireworks, let’s explore 5 ways you can help them relax:
1. Prepare Early & Maintain Routine
Routine creates security. Stick to your dog's regular routine, keeping things as normal as possible, with a few tweaks on firework day.
Feed them at their normal times and maintain consistent household noise and activity levels. However, alter their walk time by walking them earlier in the day, before the fireworks begin.
Keep to your dog's regular routine on firework day with a few small tweaks, such as walking them earlier before fireworks start.
Consider making their walk longer and more calming to release pent-up energy and reduce the intensity of their stress response later.
2. Create a Safe, Cosy Retreat
Before the fireworks are supposed to start, create a quiet ‘safe zone’ in a room away from windows or doors, or as far away as possible.
Include key items that will help your dog feel safe, such as:
- Their Favourite Blanket or Bed: A cosy item they love provides a comforting scent and texture to help your dog feel grounded during stressful times.
- Familiar Toys: Their favourite toys help distract and reassure them, giving your dog something fun to focus on during the fireworks.
- Soft Lighting: Gentle lighting creates a calm atmosphere and gives your dog a break from the bright flashes outside.
- A Bowl of Fresh Water: When your dog is stressed, they may pant and become restless. Ensuring they have fresh water helps keep them hydrated and soothed.
This area acts as a comfort den where your dog can retreat and feel secure.
You can add some wheat bags to deepen relaxation by providing gentle warmth and physical comfort. Place one in your dog’s bed to help them settle naturally.
3. Reduce Noise Sensitivity with Calming Audio & Protection
One of the main reasons dogs feel stressed during fireworks is the loud bangs. Masking these sounds can significantly reduce their stress.
Simple actions, such as turning on the TV, playing soft music, or turning on a fan, can create consistent background noise to dull the intensity of the fireworks.
If you want to take it a few steps further, Soothe and Settle’s Hush Muff is designed specifically to help reduce sound input. Shop the collection now.
Hush Muffs help reduce the intensity of the loud noises fireworks create, allowing your dog to feel calmer and more comforted.
Introduce it gently beforehand so your dog associates it with calm, positive experiences; then use it on firework night to soften the bursts.
4. Use Natural Calming Aids to Support Relaxation
In addition to all the external things you can do to help your dog, why not also support them internally?
Introducing gentle, calming supplements during high-stress periods can relax your dog from the inside.
At Soothe and Settle, we offer a range of supplements that are ideal for dogs who struggle with noise anxiety. Try our scullcap and valerian tablets or our valerian compound, or even both.
On firework night, give your dog the supplement with food and allow 30 to 60 minutes for it to take effect. Always consult your vet before starting any new supplement regimen.
5. Stay Calm
Dogs are emotional mirrors, meaning your dog feels what you feel. If you’re pacing around, acting tense or worried, they’ll sense it immediately.
Keeping yourself calm and not reacting dramatically to the loud noises helps your dog understand that there’s nothing to be scared of.
Do your best to stay calm, as dogs mirror your emotional state. The calmer you act, the calmer your dog will be.
We know it’s easier said than done when you’re concerned about your pet’s well-being, but some helpful tips include being “normal” and doing what you would normally do. This is important so that the dog doesn't feel like something is wrong.
If they’re open to touch, slowly stroke them and remember to avoid telling them off for being scared of the fireworks, as this will only increase their distress.
Ready to Help Your Dog Feel Calmer This Firework Season?
Fireworks don’t have to mean fear.
We hope this guide has alleviated some of your concerns about the New Year's fireworks and shown you that, with the right preparations and tools, your dog can face noisy nights with far more comfort.
At Soothe and Settle, our mission is to help dogs around the world feel safe, be calm, and form a better bond with their owners.
From our Hush Muffs, to our natural calming supplements and warm wheat bags, our products can help you keep your dog calm during fireworks.
Give your dog the calm they deserve. Shop our full product range and start preparing today.
