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How to keep a dog calm during fireworks (Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year)

In short: Walk your dog in daylight on a lead, shut windows, doors and curtains before dark, play music, and let it hide in a den or stay close to you. Stay home and calm, never scold it, and see your vet early if it panics: some help must start before the bangs.

By Published 30 October 20268 min readPublisher: Saadat Rafiq

✓ Reviewed by Dr Ramin Khan, veterinarian (DVM) · 30 October 2026

Illustration of a dog lying relaxed in a blanket-covered den in a living room with the curtains closed, while its owner sits calmly nearbyIllustration

At a glance

Fireworks season
UK 5 November, Diwali (8 November 2026), New Year; Germany New Year only; US July 4 and New Year
Walks
In daylight, on a lead, harness and collar (Dogs Trust, TASSO)
Loudness
Fireworks can reach 120 to 175 decibels (RSPCA)
Medicine
Only from your vet, sometimes started before the night (Dogs Trust, Bundestierärztekammer)
ID
Microchip registered with current details (gov.uk, TASSO)
Advice from
Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Bundestierärztekammer, TASSO, gov.uk, read 29 October 2026
Checked
October 2026

Fireworks can reach 120 to 175 decibels, and dogs hear sounds we can't, so many find them frightening (RSPCA). This guide covers what to do in the weeks before, on the day, during the bangs and afterwards. The dates and rules differ a lot between the UK, Germany, the US, Pakistan and India, so a table near the end shows when to expect fireworks where you live.

How long have you got?

Weeks before

Vet, sound therapy, den, ID. Start at Weeks before.

It's today

Daylight walk, shut everything, stay in. Go to On the day.

The bangs have started

Let it hide, stay calm. Go to During the fireworks.

Weeks before

  1. Talk to your vet early if your dog has been scared before.

    Illustration of a vet gently checking a dog on the consulting table while its owner stands beside it, listening
    Illustration

    Your vet can check for a medical cause, refer you to a behaviourist and talk about medication (Dogs Trust). Some medicines have to be started before the fireworks begin, so don't leave it to the day (Dogs Trust). Anxiety medication is only for very anxious animals and only as your vet advises (Bundestierärztekammer).

  2. Start sound therapy at a low volume while your dog is happy.

    Illustration of a dog licking a treat-filled puzzle toy while a speaker plays quietly across the room, with an inset of a worried dog and an arrow for turning the volume lower
    Illustration

    The RSPCA recommends playing your dog high-quality recordings of fireworks so it gets used to the noise, starting well before the season; how much training it needs varies from dog to dog (RSPCA). Dogs Trust has free sound therapy resources. Start very quietly while your dog eats or plays and raise the volume only slowly. If its ears go back or it stops eating, turn it down. Follow the guidance that comes with the recordings.

  3. Build a den in the quietest room.

    Illustration of an owner draping a blanket over a small table to make a den, with a dog bed, an old jumper and a chew toy inside, while the dog sniffs the entrance
    Illustration

    Choose one of the quietest rooms and cover a crate or a piece of furniture to make a cosy den (RSPCA). Set it up before the season and leave favourite toys there, so your dog links it with good things (RSPCA). It must be able to get in at any time, even when you're out, and don't disturb it there (RSPCA). Never shut it in.

  4. Check its tag and microchip details.

    Illustration of an owner checking the round tag on his dog's collar, with an inset of a microchip scanner passed over the back of the dog's neck
    Illustration

    Frightened dogs can bolt. A microchip can only be read with a scanner, so a visible tag on the collar or harness helps too, and the chip must be registered with your current details; not every vet registers it for you (TASSO). In the UK every dog must be microchipped and registered by 8 weeks old, and you must update the details when you move (gov.uk). In Germany, register the chip with TASSO or FINDEFIX.

On the day

  1. Walk your dog in daylight, on a lead, with harness and collar.

    Illustration of an owner walking his dog on a lead in a park in afternoon daylight, the dog wearing a harness and a collar
    Illustration

    Plan walks for daylight hours, before any bangs start (Dogs Trust), and keep your dog on a lead (Bundestierärztekammer). TASSO advises a well-fitting harness as well as the collar, ideally with a lead on each, and a safety harness with an extra belly strap for nervous dogs (TASSO). Exercise earlier in the day can also use up energy before the evening (AVMA).

  2. Check that windows, doors and the garden are secure.

    Illustration in two panels: an owner closing and latching a window, and closing the garden gate firmly, with an inset of an open gate crossed out
    Illustration

    A panicking dog can squeeze through gaps it would normally ignore, so check doors, windows and fences (Dogs Trust). If your dog needs the toilet after dark, take it into the garden on a lead.

  3. Before dark, close the curtains, turn the lights on and put music on.

    Illustration of an owner closing thick curtains in a lamp-lit living room while a small speaker plays softly and the dog lies on its bed
    Illustration

    Closed windows and curtains with the lights on block the flashes and some of the noise (Dogs Trust). Music, radio or TV helps mask the bangs (Dogs Trust). Start it before the fireworks, so the sound is already normal when they begin.

    You should see: your dog settled indoors before the first bang.

  4. Stay at home with your dog.

    Illustration of an owner sitting at home on the sofa with his dog at his feet, with an inset of the owner leaving the dog alone crossed out
    Illustration

    Dogs may panic if they're left alone during fireworks (Dogs Trust). If you have to go out, arrange for someone your dog knows to stay with it.

During the fireworks

  1. Let your dog hide if it wants to.

    Illustration of a dog lying inside a covered den with only its nose and paws showing, its owner sitting calmly a little way off, with an inset of pulling the dog out by the collar crossed out
    Illustration

    If your dog goes to its den or under furniture, leave it there (Dogs Trust). The animal should decide for itself whether it wants to be near you or to retreat (Bundestierärztekammer). Pulling it out takes away the place where it feels safest.

  2. If it comes to you, comfort it calmly.

    Illustration of a dog resting its head on its owner's knee while he strokes its neck slowly and calmly
    Illustration

    A dog that looks for reassurance should get calm attention; ignoring it doesn't help (Dogs Trust). Slow strokes and a quiet voice are enough. Spending time with your dog during the fireworks helps (Bundestierärztekammer).

  3. Stay calm yourself, and offer a chew or a game.

    Illustration of an owner sitting on the floor offering a chew toy to a calm dog, which takes it
    Illustration

    Your dog picks up on your mood, so keep yours relaxed (Dogs Trust). If it doesn't seem worried, keep it busy with a favourite toy or game (Dogs Trust). Chewing and licking are calming for many dogs.

  4. Never scold it, and never take it outside during the bangs.

    Illustration in two panels: an owner shouting at his dog beside a wet patch, crossed out, and the owner calmly wiping the floor while the dog rests, with a green tick
    Illustration

    A scared dog may have an accident or chew something. Telling it off can make its fear worse (Dogs Trust), so clean up quietly. Never force your dog outside while fireworks are going off (Dogs Trust).

Afterwards

  1. Check the garden for firework debris before letting your dog out.

    Illustration of an owner picking up spent firework tubes in a back garden in the morning while his dog waits behind the closed glass door
    Illustration

    Spent fireworks and sticks can land in gardens and parks. Pick them up before your dog sniffs or chews them. This is our general advice.

  2. Go back to your normal routine and watch how your dog is.

    Illustration of a dog eating breakfast from its bowl as usual while its owner makes breakfast nearby, the lead hanging ready
    Illustration

    A normal routine in the following days helps your dog settle (Dogs Trust). Keep an eye on it on walks and at home, because fireworks often go on for several nights around Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year.

    You should see: your dog eating, walking and sleeping as usual within a day or two.

  3. If the fear lasts, plan next year with your vet and a behaviourist.

    Illustration of an owner and his dog sitting with a dog behaviourist who sketches a plan on a notepad
    Illustration

    If your dog is still scared, see your vet, who may refer you to a clinical behaviourist for a plan for next time (Dogs Trust). With proper treatment a dog can learn to be less afraid of loud noises, so start long before the next season (RSPCA).

When to expect fireworks

CountryMain nightsRules that help you planIf your dog goes missing
UKBonfire Night 5 November, Diwali, New Year, Chinese New YearNot between 11pm and 7am, except until midnight on Bonfire Night and 1am at New Year, Diwali and Chinese New Year; shops sell them 15 October to 10 November and 26 to 31 December (gov.uk)Contact your microchip database; Dogs Trust Behaviour Support Line 0303 003 6666
GermanyNew Year's Eve (Silvester)Adults may set off ordinary fireworks only on 31 December and 1 January, and never near churches, hospitals, children's or old people's homes (1. SprengV § 23); sold 29 to 31 December (§ 22); towns may add bansReport it to TASSO or FINDEFIX, where the chip is registered
USJuly 4 and New Year's EveRules depend on the state and cityKeep the microchip registry up to date (AVMA)
PakistanWeddings, New Year, some religious festivalsFireworks can happen on many nights with no warning, so keep evening walks on a leadTell local vets and animal shelters; a tag with your phone number helps most
IndiaDiwali (8 November 2026) and the days around it, weddings, New YearRules vary by state and cityTell local vets and animal welfare groups; a tag with your phone number helps most

How to tell it's working

  • Your dog goes to its den or to you, rather than pacing or trying to escape.
  • It will still take a treat or a chew while the fireworks are going on.
  • It is back to its normal self the next day (Dogs Trust).

If it doesn't work

What happensWhat it meansWhat to do
Trembling, panting, hiding, won't eatYour dog is frightened (Dogs Trust)Let it hide, stay close and calm; see your vet before the next fireworks
Tries to dig or claw its way outSevere fear: it could hurt itselfCall your vet or an out-of-hours vet
Won't settle in the denIt may want to be near youLet it choose; comfort it calmly (Bundestierärztekammer, Dogs Trust)
Music seems to bother itSome dogs are sensitive to music or radioTurn it down or off (Dogs Trust)
Still scared days laterThe fear has lastedVet and a clinical behaviourist (Dogs Trust)

Questions readers ask

Should I comfort my dog during fireworks, or ignore it?

Comfort it calmly if it comes to you. Dogs Trust says ignoring a frightened dog doesn't help, and the German Federal Chamber of Veterinarians says let the dog choose whether it wants to be close to you or to hide (Bundestierärztekammer).

Can I give my dog something to calm it?

Only what your vet prescribes. For very anxious dogs, anxiety medication is an option, but it must be agreed with your vet (Bundestierärztekammer), and some must be given before the fireworks start (Dogs Trust). Never give alcohol or human medicines.

Is it too late to start sound therapy?

For this year, usually yes: it works gradually and needs to start well before the season (RSPCA). Use the steps in "On the day" now, and start sound therapy afterwards ready for next time (Dogs Trust).

My dog was fine last year. Do I still need to prepare?

Yes. Any dog can be startled by a sudden bang, so keep it on a lead from when fireworks go on sale and keep its ID up to date (TASSO). Fireworks can reach 120 to 175 decibels, and dogs hear more than we do (RSPCA).

What if my dog runs away?

Call the database your dog's microchip is registered with, and local vets and rescue centres. In Germany, report it to TASSO or FINDEFIX. This is why the chip details must be up to date (Dogs Trust, TASSO).

How do I know if my dog is scared?

Signs include trembling, panting, drooling, pacing, hiding, a tucked tail, trying to escape, barking or whining, clinginess and not eating (Dogs Trust). Some of these can also be health problems, so ask your vet if you're not sure.

Sources

We base our articles on the makers' official documentation.

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