Bonfire Night is one of those evenings a lot of us look forward to. A crackling fire, toffee apples, sparklers in the garden and, of course, the fireworks. For people, it’s fun and exciting. For dogs? Not so much. All those loud bangs and sudden flashes can be really frightening, and it’s something almost half of UK dog owners have to deal with every November.
The RSPCA reckons around 45% of dogs show clear signs of fear during fireworks. And Sean Wensley, former President of the British Veterinary Association, once explained it perfectly: “many animals are extremely frightened of the loud noises and flashes that accompany fireworks.” You only have to see a dog cower or shake to know how true that is.
So, what can you actually do about it? At Postman Pooch, we’ve put together a handful of simple things that really help. None of them are magic fixes, but together they can make Bonfire Night a whole lot calmer for your pup.
Give Them a Safe Spot
When dogs are scared, they usually want somewhere to hide. Think of it like their own little bunker. You can make one by setting up a cosy den in a quiet room — maybe drape a blanket over a crate or clear a corner and fill it with their favourite bed and toys. The trick is to have it ready a few days before, so they know it’s theirs.
If they choose to curl up in there when the fireworks start, let them. Don’t drag them out or fuss too much; just knowing they’ve got a safe bolt-hole makes a big difference.
Get the Walks in Early
Most fireworks kick off once it’s dark, so use the daytime wisely. A long walk in the afternoon can help burn off nervous energy, and it’s worth feeding them earlier than usual too. A lot of dogs go off their food once they’re anxious, so you don’t want them missing dinner. Top up their water bowl while you’re at it, because panting and stress can make them thirsty.
Drown Out the Noise
You’ll never get rid of the bangs completely, but you can make them less obvious. Shut windows and curtains, pop the radio or telly on a bit louder than normal, and if your dog likes music, even better. Some people swear by white noise or fans as a distraction. The point is just to make the outside world feel further away.
Stay Cool Yourself
Dogs look to us for clues on how to react. If you’re jumpy, they’ll be jumpy. Try not to over-comfort them either, tempting as it is. A calm “it’s fine” and carrying on with your normal evening often works better than constant cuddles. By all means give them a treat or a toy if they’re settled — reward the calm, not the panic.
Double-Check Their Safety
This one’s huge. Agria Pet Insurance has reported that 35% more dogs go missing on Bonfire Night than any other night of the year. Don’t take chances — keep them indoors if you can, and if you need to let them out for a toilet break, keep them on a lead. Make sure their ID tag has your up-to-date details and check their microchip info is current. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be grateful for if you do.
Extra Help if Needed
For some dogs, the usual tricks aren’t enough. That’s when things like calming diffusers, herbal drinks like Anxious Hound, special anti-anxiety dog beds or even all natural chews can help as a distraction. They’re not miracle cures, but they can take the edge off. And if your dog is really struggling, it’s worth chatting with your vet — they may suggest a behaviourist or, in severe cases, medication.
Think About Next Year Too
This isn’t much help the week of Bonfire Night, but it’s worth keeping in mind. You can actually train your dog to cope better with fireworks using sound desensitisation programmes. Start months in advance, play firework sounds quietly, and reward calm behaviour. Over time, they learn the noises aren’t a threat. By next November, you might notice a real difference.
Final Thought
Bonfire Night doesn’t have to be miserable for your dog. With a bit of prep, some patience, and a calm approach, you can make the evening far less stressful. At the end of the day, your dog just wants to feel safe — and that’s something you can give them, even when the skies are lit up with fireworks.
So while we’re all busy remembering, remembering the 5th of November, don’t forget about your four-legged best mate too.
