Bonfire Night and Fireworks: How to Help Your Dog Feel Safe

With Bonfire Night approaching, I wanted to dedicate this post to something that affects so many of our dogs at this time of year.

Fireworks, fear and how we can support our dogs through an experience they may find incredibly overwhelming.

At Skool of Drool, our free-roaming doggy daycare in Blantyre, we’ve always believed in looking at the whole dog: how they experience the world through their nervous systems, and how important it is to recognise what they’re communicating.

Here, I want to take that understanding a little further and share some practical things we can do to help.

Because while we might not be able to stop the fireworks, there is so much we can do to support the dogs who find them difficult.

And remember, not every dog experiences fireworks in the same way. Some are completely comfortable, some become a little unsettled, and others experience genuine fear and panic.

Our responsibility is to recognise those differences and respond to the individual dog in front of us.

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1. Prepare their environment before the fireworks begin

One of the most valuable things we can do is prepare ahead of time, rather than waiting until our dogs are already frightened.

Think about where your dog naturally chooses to rest when they want peace and quiet.

Is it beside you on the sofa? Under a table? In their bed? Somewhere away from the windows?

Rather than deciding where they should feel safe, start by observing where they already feel comfortable.

You can then make that space more supportive by:

• Closing curtains and blinds before dark to reduce flashes.
• Keeping windows and doors closed to soften outside noise.
• Using familiar background sounds, such as television, music or gentle sound therapy.
• Providing comfortable bedding and familiar scents.
• Allowing your dog to move freely between their preferred resting spaces.

And please don’t force a dog into a crate or enclosed space if they don’t already feel comfortable there.

A safe space is only truly safe when the dog experiences it that way.

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2. Think about the whole day, not just the evening

Something we often overlook is how much our dogs experience before the fireworks even begin.

Their nervous systems have been processing information throughout the day.

For dogs who are particularly sensitive, I’d encourage a quieter, more predictable day where possible.

Enjoy their usual walks during daylight hours, allow plenty of opportunities for sniffing and exploring, and avoid introducing unnecessary excitement or unfamiliar experiences.

Natural activities such as sniffing, foraging and exploring can offer opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation.

You might also offer a favourite chew, lick mat or gentle enrichment activity if your dog enjoys them.

But remember, a frightened dog may not want food, toys or activities.

And that’s okay.

We don’t need to insist that they participate.

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3. Your presence and the importance of co-regulation

Something I’m particularly passionate about is the relationship between our nervous systems and those of our dogs.

When our dogs become frightened, it’s natural for us to become concerned too.

We might find ourselves watching their every movement, anticipating the next bang or feeling an urgency to make everything better.

Take a moment to notice what’s happening within you.

Soften your movements, allow your breathing to settle and be mindful of the tone of your voice.

If your dog seeks closeness, offer it.

If they want to retreat somewhere quiet, respect that.

If they prefer to move around, give them the freedom to do so safely.

And being calm ourselves doesn’t guarantee our dogs will feel calm. It simply means we’re offering a familiar, responsive presence alongside whatever they’re experiencing.

Sometimes that’s an incredibly important part of their support.

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4. Sound therapy: something you can try at home

One resource I’d particularly like to share is the Dogs Trust Sound Blanket.

It’s a collection of specially developed sounds designed to help mask fireworks noise.

You can introduce it before the fireworks begin, at a comfortable volume, alongside your dog’s other familiar routines.

Not every dog will enjoy background sound, so observe how yours responds.

Dogs Trust: Fireworks Support & Sound Blanket

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5. Somewhere quieter to escape the fireworks

For some dogs, being at home during Bonfire Night can be incredibly difficult.

And while we can’t guarantee any outdoor location will be completely silent, there are places where guardians may be able to find a little more peace.

Whitelee Windfarm is listed as hosting its Nae Fireworks Night, offering a fireworks-free destination for people looking to escape the celebrations with their dogs.

It’s a lovely initiative, particularly for guardians whose dogs struggle with fireworks in residential areas.

Event information: whatsoneastrenfrewshire.co.uk

Please check the event details with the organiser before travelling.

Please remember that travelling to a new environment at night may not suit every dog, especially those who become distressed in the car or frightened by unfamiliar surroundings.

If you decide to attend, plan your journey carefully and keep your dog securely attached to a suitable lead and harness.

For dogs who are already frightened, remaining somewhere familiar and secure may be the kinder choice.

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6. A little safe, enclosed fun before the fireworks

Another lovely option for dogs who enjoy exploring is booking some private time at an enclosed dog field during daylight hours.

Run Free Dog Fields: East Kilbride

Private, enclosed fields can be a wonderful opportunity for dogs to enjoy freedom, sniffing, exploring and movement at their own pace, without having to navigate encounters with unfamiliar dogs.

It’s a lovely way to offer some safe, enjoyable experiences before the evening begins.

You can find Run Free Dog Fields and booking information here: runfreedogfields.co.uk

Just remember that even enclosed fields aren’t guaranteed to be free from fireworks noise, so daytime visits are preferable.

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7. A few important safety reminders

Before Bonfire Night, please take a moment to check:

• Your dog’s microchip details are up to date.
• Your garden gates, fences and doors are secure.
• Walks and toilet opportunities are planned before dark where possible.
• Your dog has access to fresh water and their familiar resting places.
• Someone your dog knows and trusts can stay with them if they’re particularly frightened.

And please don’t force your dog outside during fireworks, even if they haven’t been to the toilet.

Safety and emotional wellbeing come first.

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8. More helpful guidance from Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust has some wonderful additional information about preparing for fireworks, understanding fear and supporting dogs during this time of year.

For anyone who would like to explore further, you can read their guidance here:

Dogs Trust: Preparing for Fireworks

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Finally, a little reminder from us at Skool of Drool

We spend so much of our lives asking our dogs to adapt to the human world.

Our routines, our environments, our celebrations and our expectations.

But sometimes, particularly during experiences like Bonfire Night, we have an opportunity to adapt our world a little more to theirs.

To recognise that what feels ordinary or enjoyable to us can be something very different for another living being.

And to remember that our dogs don’t have to experience the world the way we do for their experiences to deserve our understanding.

Our dogs have their own voices, their own experiences and their own ways of communicating.

The more we learn to listen, the more we can support them.

Sending lots of love to all our Skool dogs, to every dog who finds fireworks difficult, and to their wonderful guardians this Bonfire Night.

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