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Dogs and fireworks

05th November 2025

For many dog owners, turning the pages of the calendar to November can bring a jolt of stress and concern especially if they have a new puppy, or a dog who has made their feelings very clear on fireworks over past years.

  • Goodwoof

  • Canine wellbeing

As we know, fireworks are rarely confined to November 5th - there can be a flash and a bang in the sky anything from late October to mid-November, and beyond, so, we spoke to our bank of Goodwoof veterinary experts to find out how you can make this year’s firework season so much easier for everyone.

As with many things, preparation is key. Fireworks don’t sit well with an animal who has sensitive hearing and for whom the unpredictable nature of these strange loud noises can cause a dog to whine, pace, tremble and hide or, in some cases, display destructive behaviour so the first thing that you can do is to create a safe space in your home.  The space should be comfortable, familiar and a place to which the dog can retreat. Draw the curtains and close doors and blinds to block out as much of the external noise as possible. You might consider playing gentle classical music which has been proven to calm even the most anxious pup.

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Don’t take your dog out after dark if there’s a chance of fireworks. Make sure you’ve had your walk and fed your dog well before dusk so that they’re settled during the evening. You might also consider a short period of desensitisation in the days leading up to potentially exposure. Play firework noises at a low volume and offer treats and playtime whilst you do so that your dog might associate fireworks with a happy time together.

Some people swear by plug in pheromone diffusers which pulse out calming scents but probably the best thing you can offer your worried dog is yourself; make sure that you stay close to your four-legged friend as your presence will add heaps of reassurance.

If all else fails, your vet will always be happy to help with advice, behavioural therapy or even medication which will help your dog through a difficult period.

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We asked Dr Scott Miller, Goodwoof's chief vet spokesperson, for his thoughts on keeping your dog happy this month.

He said, "Music is definitely a great soother for many dogs - apparently they respond well to reggae. You might like to change your routine and walk your dog in the morning and feed them early to make sure that they're nice and sleepy before the bangs begin.


"There are a number of calming agents which can help dogs during times of noise stress such as MagiCalm by Vet Vits but your vet will have the perfect solution for dogs with phobias. Ultimately, the more you can keep the atmosphere in the house happy and positive, the more your dog will be able to relax during fireworks season."

 

 

Join us at Goodwoof in May and learn from vets, dentists and more experts in canine wellbeing. Early bird tickets are now on sale.

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  • Goodwoof

  • Canine wellbeing