For most of us, fireworks are a fun and exciting part of autumn and winter celebrations. For our pets, they can be an absolutely terrifying experience. 😔
Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali — the UK fireworks season seems to stretch longer every year. And while we're oohing and aahing at the sky, millions of dogs and cats across the country are hiding under beds, trembling behind sofas and desperately searching for somewhere safe.
If your pet struggles with fireworks you are absolutely not alone. It is one of the most common concerns among UK pet owners every single year. And the good news is — there is plenty you can do about it.
Here is everything you need to know to keep your pet calm, safe and as comfortable as possible this fireworks season.
Why Are Pets So Scared of Fireworks?
It helps to understand why fireworks are so frightening for animals before we talk about solutions.
Dogs and cats have hearing that is significantly more sensitive than ours. A firework that sounds loud to us is genuinely overwhelming to them. The unpredictable bangs, flashes of light and smell of smoke all combine to create a sensory experience that their instincts tell them is dangerous.
Unlike us they have no way of understanding that fireworks are harmless. All they know is that something loud, bright and unpredictable is happening outside and there is nothing they can do about it.
For some pets the anxiety starts before the fireworks even begin — they can sense changes in the atmosphere and pick up on our anticipation. For others the panic sets in the moment the first bang goes off and doesn't subside until long after the last one.
Signs your pet is stressed by fireworks include trembling, hiding, panting, pacing, barking, refusing to eat, destructive behaviour and trying to escape.
Before Fireworks Season — Preparation Makes All the Difference
The best thing you can do for your pet is prepare in advance rather than scrambling on the night.
Create a safe space Set up a cosy den or hiding spot for your pet well before fireworks season begins. A covered crate, a quiet corner with their favourite blanket or a space under the bed with soft bedding all work well. The key is to let them discover it and get comfortable with it before they need it — don't wait until Bonfire Night to introduce it.
Place familiar smelling items in the space — your worn clothing works brilliantly as your scent is naturally calming for dogs and cats.
Walk your dog earlier in the day On known fireworks nights like Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve make sure your dog is walked and exercised well before dark. A tired dog is a calmer dog and you don't want to be outside when fireworks start going off unexpectedly.
Keep pets indoors This sounds obvious but it is worth saying — keep dogs and cats indoors once it gets dark during fireworks season. More pets go missing around Bonfire Night than at almost any other time of year as frightened animals bolt and escape.
Make sure all windows, doors and cat flaps are secured before fireworks begin.
Check your pet's microchip details Just in case the worst happens — make sure your pet's microchip details are up to date so they can be reunited with you quickly if they do escape.
During Fireworks — What to Do on the Night
Close windows, curtains and blinds This reduces the sound and blocks out the flashes of light that can be just as frightening as the bangs themselves.
Put on background noise A television, radio or music playing at a normal volume can help mask the sound of fireworks. There are playlists specifically designed to calm anxious pets available on Spotify — worth looking up before the night.
Stay calm yourself Pets pick up on our emotions instantly. If you are anxious or fussing over them excessively they will sense your stress and become more unsettled. Stay calm, act normally and speak to them in a relaxed reassuring voice.
Don't punish fearful behaviour Never scold a pet for being frightened. They cannot help it. Comfort them gently if they come to you but don't force interaction if they prefer to hide — let them do what makes them feel safest.
Never leave them alone If at all possible stay home with your pet on known fireworks nights. Having you there makes an enormous difference to an anxious animal.
Products That Can Help 🐾
Sometimes preparation and comfort measures aren't quite enough on their own — especially for pets with severe fireworks anxiety. Here are some products that can make a real difference:
Calming Dog Collar Designed to release calming pheromones that help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. Simply put it on a few days before fireworks season begins and let it do its work. Completely drug free and safe for daily wear.
Cat Calming Collar The same concept for cats — a pheromone releasing collar that helps keep anxious cats calm during stressful events like fireworks, thunderstorms and changes in routine.
Calming Heartbeat Comfort Plush The gentle simulated heartbeat mimics the feeling of being with their mum and littermates — providing deep comfort for anxious pets during frightening situations. Particularly effective for puppies, rescue dogs and highly sensitive animals.
Calming Dog Hoodie The gentle compression of a snug fitting hoodie applies light pressure to your dog's body — similar to swaddling a baby — which has a naturally calming effect on anxious dogs. Many owners swear by these for fireworks nights.
Calming Dog Cave Bed A fully enclosed cave style bed gives anxious dogs and cats a safe, den-like space to retreat to during fireworks. The enclosed design naturally reduces sensory input and helps them feel hidden and protected.
Ultrasonic Bark Stopper & Anti-Bark Device For dogs who respond to fireworks by barking excessively and uncontrollably — which can go on for hours and cause distress for both your dog and your household — an ultrasonic bark stopper can be a genuinely effective solution.
The device emits a safe ultrasonic sound that is inaudible to humans but immediately distracts your dog from barking, helping to interrupt the anxiety cycle and bring them back to a calmer state. Completely safe, humane and drug free — it works alongside your other calming measures to help keep your dog as settled as possible on fireworks nights.
After Fireworks Season
Once fireworks season is over check your pet for any signs of stress related health issues — hair loss, digestive problems or prolonged anxiety can all be signs that the season took more of a toll than it appeared to.
If your pet has extreme fireworks anxiety that significantly impacts their quality of life it is worth speaking to your vet about additional support options. Some pets benefit from professional desensitisation training or short term medication during the most intense periods.
Key Dates to Prepare For in the UK
- Late October — Halloween, some early fireworks displays
- 5th November — Bonfire Night, peak fireworks activity
- 6th-10th November — Diwali celebrations in some areas
- Throughout November — organised community displays
- 31st December — New Year's Eve, second biggest fireworks night of the year
Start preparing at least two weeks before Bonfire Night for the best results.
A Final Word
Fireworks season is tough for pets but with the right preparation, the right environment and the right products it is absolutely manageable. Your pet trusts you completely to keep them safe — and now you have everything you need to do exactly that. 💛
Shop our full Calming & Health collection at UrbanPetShop.co.uk — everything your pet needs to get through fireworks season safely and calmly.
Free shipping on all orders over £24.99 across the UK. 🐾
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