Fireworks are already in the shops. You can occasionally hear a strange bang at night. If your dog tenses at every crackle or your cat disappears under the bed, you’re not alone. Many pets find fireworks frightening. Loud bangs, flashes and the smell of spent explosives can make even the most confident animal feel unsafe. The good news is that you can make a real difference with simple steps at home, a plan for regular walks, and a few longer-term changes.
I’ve compiled practical advice that works for dogs, cats, and small animals. I’ll show you how to spot the early signs of fear, build a safe den, handle walks and toilet breaks, and support your pet with sound training. I’ll also cover which calming products may help, when to call your vet, and what to do if a pet bolts.
You’ll see me reference data and guidance from trusted UK organisations so you can feel confident acting on it. For example, the RSPCA estimates that around 62 percent of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. Their latest pages also explain how backyard displays are now a major concern for many.
If you’re unsure whether your pet struggles with noise, keep reading. I’ve included common signs for dogs and cats so you can spot the early warning signals. I’ll also show you how to create a calm, predictable setup at home. That can help right away. In the long term, we’ll consider gentle sound training to help reduce fear over time. If any advice seems new, that’s because I’ve updated older tips to reflect current charity guidance and new rules on microchipping cats in England.
The aim is simple. Keep your pet safe—lower stress. Help you feel prepared. Let’s get you through Bonfire Night and the rest of the season with a plan that’s kind, sensible and realistic for family life.
Spot the signs of fear early
Knowing what fear looks like helps you step in before things escalate. What do you notice first at home?
Dogs and signs of fear
Look for:
- Pacing, panting, trembling or drooling
- Yawning when not tired and frequent lip or nose licking
- Clinginess or hiding under furniture
- Tail tucked low, pupils wide, ears pinned back
- Refusing food, barking more than usual, trying to escape
Dogs Trust lists these signs and reminds us that some can overlap with health issues. If you’re unsure, speak to your vet.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Does your dog stop eating when a bang goes off?
- Do they shadow you from room to room?
- Do they head straight to a particular spot to hide?
Please note what you see and when you see it. It helps you plan.
Cats and signs of fear
Cats often go quiet rather than being obvious. Watch for:
- Hiding more than usual
- Over-grooming one area
- Pacing, toileting changes, loss of appetite
- Bolting outside if a door or flap is open
Blue Cross and Cats Protection advise keeping cats inside on noisy evenings, letting them hide, and avoiding attempts to lure them out. Over-grooming can be a sign of stress and is worth discussing with your vet. (Blue Cross)
Small animals and signs of fear
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and birds startle easily. Freezing, hiding, and frantic digging are common. Bring the hutches or cages into a quiet indoor space if possible. Add deep bedding to the burrow. If they must stay outside, turn the hutch to face a wall and cover it with a thick blanket while keeping ventilation open.
Build a safe den your pet will actually use
A den gives your pet a predictable retreat. Many dogs prefer a covered space. Some cats choose a high hideout. Where does your pet go when they’re unsure?
Dogs and dens
Pick the quietest spot in your home. A bathroom or inner hallway with no windows can work well. Set out:
- A comfy bed with blankets
- A favourite toy and long-lasting chew
- A bowl of fresh water
- An unwashed T-shirt of yours for scent comfort
Drape a thick duvet or blanket over the top to muffle sound. Make sure it’s secure and cannot fall on your dog. Leave the entrance open. Never lock a crate. The Kennel Club recommends starting this setup well in advance of the season so that your dog views it as their choice, not a trap.
Questions:
- Does your dog already choose a corner or cupboard when spooked?
- Can you move their bed there now and start feeding treats in that space?
Cats and dens
Offer options. A cardboard box with a blanket inside. A cosy bed on top of a sturdy shelf or wardrobe. A room with curtains drawn, lights on, and the radio or TV at normal volume. Add a litter tray, water and food. Let your cat move in and out as they please.
Small pets and safe setups
Indoors is best. If moving isn’t possible, add extra bedding and partially cover the enclosure to block flashes. Check ventilation. Top up hay and water before dark.
Plan your day around fireworks.
Your routine matters. Small changes help your pet feel settled.
- Walk dogs well before dusk. Many displays start after dark. The Kennel Club advises taking dogs on daytime walks and keeping them on a lead if there are likely to be bangs.
- Feed earlier. Some dogs won’t eat once they feel anxious. Top up water because anxious dogs pant more.
- Close windows and curtains. Turn the lights on to reduce flashes. Use the TV or radio at normal volume to mask sounds.
- Stay home if you can. A familiar person makes a big difference. Dogs Trust recommends a company on nights you expect fireworks.
Can’t be home early enough for that pre-dusk walk? Book a trusted dog walker for a mid-afternoon visit in the weeks when fireworks are most common. Many owners find that this reduces evening toilet trips and keeps dogs calmer when the barking begins.
Dog safety outdoors and what to do if your pet bolts
We all hope it won’t happen, but a sudden bang can make any pet run.
- Use a well-fitted collar and ID tag. For harness users, check that you can slip only two fingers under the straps. Keep your dog on a lead near dusk, even if recall is excellent. The Kennel Club stresses that lead walks can prevent bolting and reduce road risks.
- Check the microchip details are up to date. Many missing pets can’t get home because the contact details are wrong.
- Dogs in England must be microchipped by law. In England, all owned cats must now also be chipped (as of June 2024)
If a dog or cat does bolt:
- Search nearby hiding spots first. Many stay close to home
- Tell local vets, wardens and rescue centres
- Post clear, recent photos in community groups
- Keep phones on and with volume up
You can reduce the chance of a bolt by double-checking fences and gates during firework weeks and supervising toilet breaks on a lead in the garden.
Sound training for long-term change
Short-term steps help. Long-term training alters how your dog perceives loud noises.
This is a two-part process.
- Desensitisation. You introduce very low-volume firework sounds in short sessions.
- Counterconditioning. Pair those sounds with something your dog loves, such as gentle play or high-value food.
Start months before autumn. The PDSA explains desensitisation and counterconditioning in plain terms and suggests beginning outside the season so fear doesn’t spike. The Kennel Club also provides step-by-step guidance and playlists to support owners. Go slowly and stop if your dog shows signs of stress.
Questions:
- What food or game does your dog find rewarding enough to ignore mild noise?
- Where in your home can you run a two-minute sound session undisturbed?
If your dog is already very noise-sensitive, work with your vet and an accredited behaviour professional. You can find qualified help through the Animal Behaviour and Training Council directory.
Calming products, medication and when to see your vet
You have options, but timing and tailoring matter.
- Pheromone diffusers. Manufactured versions of dog or cat calming pheromones can help some pets. Plug a diffuser in a couple of weeks before peak dates and keep it topped up through the season. The PDSA recommends introducing these early for the best effect.
- Herbal or nutraceutical products. Some owners find products like scullcap and valerian help their pet relax. Evidence varies, and these can interact with other medicines. Always consult your veterinarian first and follow the product’s directions if you decide to proceed. The Kennel Club also advises consulting your veterinarian before administering any remedy or medication.
- Prescription medication. If fear is severe, medication can help alleviate panic and prevent the problem from worsening. Please book well in advance so your vet can assess the correct option and explain when to give it. Dogs Trust and Blue Cross both encourage contacting your vet six to twelve weeks before firework season if your pet struggles.
Questions:
- Have you tried a diffuser early enough to judge the effect?
- Do you know how your dog responds to a trial dose of any prescribed medication in daylight and calm conditions?
Extra support for cats and small animals
Cats
Keep cats inside from late afternoon. Close windows and block the cat flap
Set up a quiet room with hiding places, a litter tray, water and food
Use a pheromone diffuser in the room your cat spends most time in
Let your cat hide. Offer calm company if they seek you out. Don’t pull them from their safe spot
These steps are consistent across Blue Cross and Cats Protection guidance.
Small pets
- Bring hutches and cages into a quiet indoor space if possible
- Add deep bedding to the burrow and partially cover the enclosure
- Check ventilation and keep water topped up
- If outdoors, turn the hutch to face a wall or fence
Blue Cross has clear, species-specific tips you can follow tonight.
Honest updates to older advice
You may have heard mixed messages over the years. Here are the key updates I recommend you follow now.
- Comfort is allowed. If your dog comes to you for reassurance, it’s fine to offer calm stroking and a soothing voice. This does not reward fear. The Kennel Club is clear that comfort given on your dog’s terms can help. (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Plan earlier. Book your vet check and behaviour support weeks ahead. Order any diffusers or training downloads in good time. Dogs Trust and Blue Cross both encourage early planning so you’re ready. (Dogs Trust)
- Microchipping rules for cats in England have changed. All owned cats must noJune 10crochipped by June 10, 2024, and their details kept up to date. Dogs still must be chipped by law. (GOV.UK)
- Back gardens: Expect bangs on ordinary evenings, not only on 5 November. Keep walks early and gardens supervised. The RSPCA highlights the growing impact of private displays. (RSPCA)
- Dogs hear more than we do. Fireworks can reach painful decibel levels. This is one reason even resilient dogs may struggle to cope with them. Set up the environment to reduce impact. (RSPCA)
My step-by-step plan for Bonfire Night
Use this checklist for dogs, cats and small animals. Adjust to suit your home.
- Morning
Walk dogs for longer than usual. Add a short training game to build calm focus. - Afternoon
Book a trusted dog walker if needed, so you avoid evening walks. Feed dogs and cats early. Top up water. Move small pets inside. - One hour before dark
Close windows and curtains. Turn the lights on. Put on the TV or radio at normal volume. Plug in diffusers if using them. - Set up the den
Add blankets, toys, chew and water. Keep the entrance open. Let pets choose it. - ID and safety
Fit ID tags. Check collar and harness fit. Make sure microchip details are up to date. Block the cat flap. Supervise toilet breaks in the lead garden. - During fireworks
Stay calm. Sit with your pet if they want you. Offer a lick mat or scatter feed to dogs. Let cats hide without pressure. Ensure that small pets have access to fresh water and are settled. - If things get tough
Follow your vet’s advice on any medication timing. Try a simple scent game in another room. Keep doors closed to prevent escape.
Why this matters for dog safety and welfare
Fireworks and dogs can be a tricky combination. They are unpredictable and loud. Many dogs, cats, and small animals experience genuine fear. The RSPCA’s data, along with the lived experiences of owners, demonstrate the prevalence of this issue. When you plan and maintain steady routines, you reduce panic and lower the risk of injury or escape. That is dog safety in simple, daily actions.
Real stories from practice
I work with owners who used to dread October and November. One family moved their dog’s bed into an inner hallway two weeks before Bonfire Night and started feeding there once a day. They played gentle music in the evening and walked at lunchtime using a local trusted dog walker. Their dog still noticed bangs, but he stayed settled in his den instead of pacing. That was a win.
Another client with a cat set up two hideouts. One on top of a sturdy shelf. One under a side table with a blanket. They left the radio on, blocked the cat flap and sat nearby reading. The cat rotated between the two spaces, then came for a slow head rub once the bangs eased. That’s the power of choice and calm presence.
FAQs
Should I comfort my dog during fireworks?
Yes. If your dog seeks you out, offer calm contact and speak softly. Don’t force cuddles if they choose to hide. This approach is supported by current charity guidance. (
How early should I start sound training?
Start planning at least a month in advance, if possible. Keep sessions short, with very low volume, and pair them with food or play. Stop if you see stress and go slower next time.
Do pheromone diffusers work?
They help some pets. Plug them in a couple of weeks before peak dates and keep them topped up. Combine with a den and routine changes for best results.
Are herbal calming tablets safe?
Some owners report benefits, but evidence is mixed, and products can interact with medicines. Speak to your vet before giving anything new.
My dog won’t eat during fireworks. Is that normal?
Yes. Loss of appetite is a typical response to stress. Offer easy chews or lick-based treats. Feed earlier in the day on expected display nights.
Wrap-up and next steps
You’ve learned how to spot fear early, set up a den, plan walks, and use simple tools to lower stress from fireworks and loud noises. You’ve also seen how to support cats and small pets, as well as how microchipping and ID tags protect pets that bolt. This matters because unchecked fear can worsen each year. A calm plan helps your pet feel safe and keeps everyone out of harm’s way.
If you’d like help tailoring a routine, I can create a personal plan that covers daytime exercise, den setup, sound training and product choices for your home. If you’re busy on weeknights, I can also help you line up a trusted dog walker for safe, early walks.
As always, if you are unsure, consult A VET.
Explore more tips in the resources below and save them before the season starts.
Resources
- RSPCA: How fireworks impact animals. Precise data on noise levels, private displays and practical steps for dogs, cats and small animals. (RSPCA)
- RSPCA Political Animal: Fireworks Overview and the Estimate That Around 62 Per cent of Dogs Show Fear When They Hear Fireworks. (RSPCA Political Animal)
- Dogs Trust: Helping your dog cope with fireworks. Signs of fear, what to do on expected firework days, and when to speak to your vet. (Dogs Trust)
- The Kennel Club: Fireworks night and dogs. Den guidance, comfort advice, microchip reminders and safe walking tips. (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Blue Cross: Fireworks and pets. Specific steps for dogs, cats, small pets and horses, with timelines for seeking help. (Blue Cross)
- Cats Protection: Cats and fireworks. Room setup, hiding options, and pheromone advice. (Cats Protection)
- PDSA: Dogs and fireworks. Desensitisation and counterconditioning explained, and advice on pheromone diffusers. (pdsa.org.uk)
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