Fireworks night can be great fun, but for our animal companions it can be a truly terrifying time.
I have two dogs - one who wants to go outside and watch and listen to the fireworks, and another who wants to try and climb into my lap and hide under my desk for the entire ordeal.
So how can we help our nervous dogs to have a more comfortable fireworks night? Here are my top tips.
- Try the Dogs Trust's "Sounds Scary" guide to help to desensitise your dog to the sounds of fireworks.
- Plan ahead. Check the calendar, see which days of the week Guy Fawkes Night and Diwali fall on, and try to anticipate the busiest nights. In 2026, Guy Fawkes Night is a Thursday, and Diwali is the following Sunday, the 8th, so we can expect lots of fireworks from the 5th through to the 8th of November, before things begin to quiet down a bit.
- Check our website using the "Plan for pets" search mode, and see which displays have been listed for your area. Make sure you also sign up for notifications, so you don't get caught out by fireworks on unexpected days (alerts will go out year round where displays have been added).
- Get your walks in early, and get home before dark. Make sure your dogs have one more chance to go to the toilet before it gets dark, as it may be difficult to let them out for a while.
In Scotland: fireworks cannot legally be set off before 6pm, so you have an extra hour or so to get back before the fireworks should be starting. - Create a safe space for your dog to hide. Whether it's a crate, some blankets under a desk or table, or a cosy spot under your bed, give them somewhere to retreat to if they get scared, where they can feel safe. Don't force a particular spot on them, let them go to where they're most comfortable, and set them up with some blankets and cushions to snuggle up with.
- Try some "doggy earmuffs". You can find some on Amazon, but I like my dogs' "anti-panic snoods" from Pip's Bootique, which is a small business in Wales, and they donate £1 from the sale of each snood to dog charities. They continue to offer Royal Mail Tracked 24 for next day delivery, and are sending orders out the same day, to get them out to as many dogs as possible.
- Put calming music on to help your dog relax. Classic FM usually have a special show on just for nervous dogs.
- Offer them chews or lick mats. Chewing and licking are naturally calming activities for dogs and it can help to keep them busy and distract them a little from the noise.
- Try supplements, or if it's very hard for your dog, consider medication. Local shops like Raw Paws Emporium in Welwyn Garden City have very knowledgeable and friendly staff who can help with natural remedies, or if you need to go the medication route then speak to your vet as soon as possible.
If you have any products or ideas to add to the list, please send them in to beta@whizbanglocal.co.uk so I can add them to the list!