Surviving Bonfire Night with Dogs: The Ulti-mutt Guide

This time of year is filled with so many magical things for us humans and our dogs. The fact we’ve covered cosy cafes, woodland walks and autumnal recipes for dogs on our blog already probably shows you just how much the team here at WOOOF love this time of year. There is so much to enjoy and appreciate, but equally, there are a few occasions during the autumn that aren’t a favourite… and Bonfire Night with dogs is one of them.

For many of us, it’s the one date in autumn we dread, not because of the noise itself, but because of how it affects our four-legged friends. Some dogs barely bat an eyelid at the loud bangs and bright flashes, while others find it utterly terrifying. Neither reaction is wrong or unusual; just like people, every dog has their own personality, sensitivities and ways of coping with the world around them.

So, if you have a dog that doesn’t appreciate the noises and sights of bonfire night, often found shaking, hiding and just generally on edge, you’re absolutely not alone – and you’re definitely not failing as a dog owner. It just means your dog needs a little extra reassurance and care to get through the festivities.

We’ve put together this friendly, practical guide to Bonfire Night with dogs to help you understand what’s going on, why some dogs react the way they do, and most importantly, how you can help them feel safe and calm. Whether it’s their first fireworks season or they’re a seasoned (but still nervous) pup, these tips will help you make Bonfire Night with dogs a little less stressful for the both of you.

If your dog becomes clingier than normal or hides away when fireworks start, you’re definitely not the only one wondering why. Bonfire Night with dogs can be stressful for everyone involved and while some pups can be fine with the strange noises and sights, others find it really frightening. Here’s why those bangs and flashes can be such a big deal for our four-legged friends.

Their Hearing Is Super Sensitive

We all know dogs have amazing hearing, but it’s easy to forget just how powerful it is. They can pick up sounds four times farther away than we can, and at much higher frequencies. So when a firework goes off, that loud bang that makes even us humans flinch can feel explosive to your dog. Add in those high pitched catherine wheels and unpredictable rockets and it’s no surprise our pups are on edge.

They Don’t Understand What’s Happening

For us humans, fireworks are a bit of noisy fun but when we stand and watch them, we’ve been given the context of what’s to come. Dogs, on the other hand, have no idea what’s going on. To them, Bonfire Night is just another evening until the sky starts flashing and booming for no apparent reason. The unpredictability of the noise and light means they struggle to get used to it, with each bang and flash feeling like a brand-new threat.

The Flashes and Smells Can Be Overwhelming

It’s not just the noise either. Fireworks are filled with bright flashes and strange chemical smells too, and since dogs rely so heavily on their senses to make sense of the world, fireworks can overwhelm all of them at once. The intense lights can seem disorienting and the smell of smoke and gunpowder, something they might not be familiar with, can cause anxiety and stress.

They Can’t Escape the Noise

And of course, unlike us humans who can drive away or put on headphones when things are too loud or stressful, dogs don’t have that option. Instead, their natural instinct to things that are scary is to run away and find somewhere safe. But on Bonfire Night, that’s not possible since the noise is everywhere. It’s one of the reasons why more dogs go missing around fireworks season than any other time of year.

Not every dog shows fear in the same way. Some might bark the house down the moment fireworks start, while others will retreat and tremble in a corner. Knowing the signs of stress can help you recognise when your dog needs a little extra comfort.

• Shaking and Trembling
• Panting and Drooling
• Hiding or Trying to Escape
• Clinginess and Seeking Comfort
• Whining and Barking
• Restlessness
• Loss of Appetite
• Toilet Accidents

All of these behaviours are completely normal reactions for a dog that’s feeling stressed or anxious. Bonfire night with dogs is understandably overwhelming, especially for dogs who don’t understand what’s happening. That’s why it’s so important not to leave your dog alone when fireworks are expected.

Being there with them means you can offer reassurance, keep them safe and step in quickly if they start showing any of these signs of distress. Sometimes, your calm presence is all they need to feel a little more secure until the noise passes.

Now that you know the signs your dog might be feeling anxious, it’s time to focus on what you can do to help. Bonfire Night with dogs doesn’t have to be stressful, we promise. All it takes is a few precautions in place, a bit of patience and some good dog enrichment toys to make the evening so much calmer.

Stay at Home With Them

We know it’s tempting to go out and enjoy Bonfire Night yourself, but if you have a dog, especially one that’s anxious around fireworks, please don’t leave them alone! Having you there offers the kind of comfort no treat or enrichment toy can replace. Your presence helps them feel secure, especially when the noises outside start. Instead, make a night of it and settle in together. Trust us, a night in with your furry bestie knowing their calmer with you by your side is so much more rewarding than some fireworks.

Keep Them Indoors

We highly suggest keeping all doors, windows and curtains closed to muffle the sound and block out the flashes of light once the fireworks begin. You can also turn on the TV or play some background music to help mask the noise further. If your dog usually has access to the garden, make sure it’s secure before letting them out for toilet breaks, as we’d hate for an unexpected firework to spook them into running off!

Create a Safe Space

With the curtains and windows closed and the TV on in the background, create a cosy den where your dog can retreat if things get too much. This could be their crate, a blanket-covered corner, or even under a table with a few of their favourite dog toys. Add their favourite bedding or blanket, maybe even one of your unwashed jumpers, and give them a space in the house they can go to when they need to feel comforted and safe.

Use Scented Dog Toys, Candles and Sprays

Calming scents can make a big difference on Bonfire Night with dogs. Dog-safe candles, diffusers or sprays with lavender or chamomile can help take the edge off your dog’s anxiety. You could also use scented dog toys which are not only infused with dog-safe essential oils to help relaxation but also give them something to sniff and play with which helps lower stress in itself!

Use Enrichment Toys

Enrichment is one of the best ways to distract a worried dog. Try lick mats, stuffed Kongs or treat-dispensing toys like the Woof Pupsicle to keep your dog busy and help release feel-good endorphins through licking and chewing.

At WOOOF, we’re big believers in the power of enrichment. It not only keeps your dog’s mind occupied but studies show that licking and chewing provides comfort when things are stressful for them. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy either! If you don’t have any dog enrichment toys in the house, create a homemade snuffle mat with a blanket or towel and some treats or slather some dog-safe peanut butter onto a textured mat for them to lick off.

Walk Them Before It Gets Dark

Plan your walks earlier in the day, ideally before sunset, to avoid fireworks starting while you’re out. A good walk or play session helps tire your dog out physically and mentally, which means they’ll be more relaxed later on.

Stay Somewhere Remote

If it’s really difficult on Bonfire Night with dogs for you, maybe consider escaping the festivities altogether. If you live somewhere that is renowned for its extensive firework displays, you might be better off escaping for a night or two to a dog-friendly cottage in the countryside. Not only is it the perfect way to avoid the chaos but you can use it as an excuse to enjoy some quality downtime together.

Praise and Reward Calm Behaviour

If your dog manages to settle down, reward them with calm praise, cuddles and their favourite treats. Reinforcing calm behaviour helps them learn that fireworks aren’t something to fear. Like enrichment toys, it can also be a good idea to have some long-lasting chews on hand to keep them distracted longer.

Bonfire Night with dogs doesn’t have to be a night of stress and worry, we promise. With a little planning and patience, it can be a calm, comforting evening instead. The fact that you’re here, learning why your dog reacts the way they do is half the battle, and taking steps to make them feel safe, secure and distracted can make all the difference. It’s okay to do things differently and skip the fireworks, find somewhere quiet and make the night about them instead.

If you’re looking to stock up on all the calming essentials before the big night, we’ve got you covered at WOOOF. From enrichment toys like lick mats and treat dispensers to tasty treats, soothing sprays and soft toys and blankets, we have everything you need to help your dog feel safe, calm and cared for.

All information sourced from DogsTrust and Gov.uk

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