Fireworks in the November Night Sky
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Fireworks can be frightening for pets, with loud bangs, bright flashes and unfamiliar noises causing stress and anxiety. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to help your pets feel safer and more comfortable during firework season.

Whether you have a noise-sensitive dog, a nervous cat or another pet who struggles with unexpected noises, a little preparation can make a real difference.

Bonfire Night checklist: 7 things to do first

Start with these essentials to help keep your pets safe when the fireworks begin.

  • Keep pets indoors and secure cat flaps, doors and windows to prevent escapes.

  • Walk your dog before dark, ideally before fireworks are likely to start.

  • Create a safe hiding place where your pet can retreat if they feel frightened.

  • Close curtains and windows to reduce flashes of light and muffle outside noises.

  • Put the TV or radio on at a comfortable volume to provide background noise.

    Top tip: Tune in to Classic FM's Pet Classics — created in partnership with the RSPCA to provide soothing classical music during the busiest nights in firework season. 

  • Keep your pet's routine as normal as possible, including feeding times and familiar activities.

  • Check collars and ID tags are up to date, and ensure your pet is microchipped with current contact details.

With these basics covered, you can focus on helping your pet feel as settled as possible.

How to prepare your pet for Bonfire Night

Preparation is key, particularly if your pet has struggled with fireworks in previous years. Ideally, start making changes several days or weeks beforehand rather than waiting until Bonfire Night itself.

1. Create a safe space

Give your pet somewhere quiet and comfortable to retreat when the noise becomes overwhelming.

For dogs, this might be their usual bed, a favourite corner of the room or a den made with blankets. If your dog uses a crate, make sure it is somewhere they already feel comfortable and never force them inside.

Cats often prefer enclosed, elevated or hidden spaces. Leave their usual hiding places accessible, and consider providing an extra cosy bed or covered box in a quiet room.

Keep windows and doors closed, draw the curtains and, if practical, place a draught excluder at the bottom of doors to help reduce outside noise.

Top tip: Set up your pet's safe space well in advance, with familiar bedding, toys and fresh water, so they can explore it at their own pace.

2. Get your pet used to firework noises

For some pets, gradual exposure to firework sounds can help them become less sensitive to unexpected bangs.

Start by playing recordings of fireworks at a very low volume while your pet is relaxed, eating or enjoying a favourite activity. Increase the volume gradually over multiple sessions, but only if your pet remains comfortable.

Never turn the volume up if your pet shows signs of fear, and don't force them to remain near the sound.

If your pet already experiences significant firework anxiety, speak to your vet about an appropriate desensitisation and counterconditioning programme. A qualified animal behaviourist may also be able to help.

3. Keep to your usual routine

Pets often feel more secure when their day follows a familiar pattern. Try to keep feeding, walks, playtime and bedtime as consistent as possible.

On Bonfire Night itself:

  • Bring your dog's evening walk forward and aim to finish before fireworks are expected.

  • Keep cats indoors before dusk, particularly if they usually spend time outside.

  • Consider feeding your pet a little earlier than usual, as some animals may lose their appetite when they're anxious.

  • Check whether neighbours are planning fireworks so you can prepare accordingly.

Avoid taking your dog to a firework display, and never leave pets outside unattended when fireworks are being set off.

Could calming support help your pet?

Alongside changes to your pet's environment and routine, calming supplements and other supportive products may help some animals cope with stressful situations.

The most suitable option will depend on your pet, the severity of their anxiety and any existing health conditions or medication. It's worth planning ahead, as some products are intended for regular use rather than providing immediate relief.

Calming products for pets

Calming supplements for dogs

We stock a range of products designed to support relaxation and help dogs cope with stressful situations.

Some options to explore include:

Browse our full range of calming and behaviour supplements for dogs.

Calming sprays and diffusers

Environmental calming products may also be worth considering alongside the practical measures above.

Pet Remedy calming spray can be used as part of a calming routine, while a Pet Remedy plug-in diffuser provides ongoing release of its aromatic ingredients into the surrounding environment.

Introduce these products before Bonfire Night, following the manufacturer's instructions. Remember that responses vary between animals, and these products may not be sufficient for pets experiencing severe anxiety.

Always follow the product's directions and check with your vet before combining supplements, particularly if your pet takes medication or has an existing health condition.

What to do when the fireworks start

Even with careful preparation, your pet may still become frightened. Here's how to help them feel more secure.

Stay calm and offer reassurance

If your pet seeks comfort, it's absolutely fine to reassure them with gentle affection.

Let them choose whether they want attention or prefer to hide somewhere quiet. Never punish a frightened pet or force them to confront the noises.

Try to remain as relaxed as possible yourself, too. Keeping things calm and familiar can help your pet feel more secure.

Play music or white noise to help mask fireworks

Putting on some gentle music, the TV or other background sounds can help muffle the sudden bangs of fireworks and make your home feel a little less noisy.

Dogs Trust has developed its Sound Blanket, a collection of specially designed sounds intended to help mask firework noise and support dogs during firework season.

Give it a try: We've embedded the Dogs Trust Sound Blanket below, so you can give it a listen and see whether it helps your dog settle.

Play the sounds at a comfortable volume and watch how your dog responds. Some dogs may find background music reassuring, while others may prefer a quieter environment. If your dog seems more unsettled, turn it off and let them retreat to their safe space.

Remember, background sounds work best alongside other measures, such as closing windows and curtains, providing a cosy hiding place and staying nearby to reassure your dog.

Keep them occupied

Distraction can help some pets take their mind off the noise, particularly if they are only mildly unsettled.

For dogs, try offering a favourite toy, a treat-filled puzzle toy or a suitable chew. You can explore our range of dog puzzle toys and feeding accessories or discover West Paw enrichment toys.

For more ideas, take a look at our blog on the benefits of mental exercise for dogs.

Don't force your pet to play or eat if they're too anxious. Some animals simply need somewhere quiet to retreat.

Make sure they have everything they need

Keep fresh water readily available, particularly for dogs who are panting more than usual.

Check that doors, windows and cat flaps remain secure, and ensure your pet has access to their safe space throughout the evening.

Even pets who are usually confident can become startled by sudden bangs, so it's best to take precautions rather than assume they'll be fine.

How to help cats during firework season

Dogs often get most of the attention when it comes to firework anxiety, but cats can be just as unsettled by loud noises and flashes of light.

Alongside keeping your cat indoors, make sure they have access to hiding places, familiar bedding, food, water and a litter tray. Avoid pulling them out of hiding or trying to coax them into interacting if they'd rather be left alone.

If your cat usually spends most of their time outside, bring them in before dusk and keep them indoors until the fireworks have stopped. Check that their microchip details are up to date in case they do manage to escape.

What if your pet has severe firework anxiety?

If your dog becomes extremely distressed, tries to escape, trembles uncontrollably or struggles to settle despite your best efforts, speak to your vet.

They can help you explore appropriate treatment options and, where needed, refer you to a qualified clinical animal behaviourist. Don't wait until the next firework season to seek help if your pet experiences significant fear.

For more advice, read our blog on supporting anxious pets with Dorwest Herbs.

The RSPCA's fireworks advice also provides helpful guidance on keeping pets safe during firework season.

Plan ahead for a calmer Bonfire Night

The most important thing is to prepare early, create a secure environment and give your pet the freedom to cope in whichever way feels safest to them.

For some animals, a few simple changes to their routine will be enough. Others may need additional calming support or help from a veterinary professional.

If you're unsure which products might suit your pet, our team is happy to help you explore the options.

Call us on 01565 740 777 to discuss your pet's needs with the Healthful Pets team.