Fireworks season is coming...it's time to start preparing your dog

Many people start to worry about fireworks around October, when the evenings begin drawing in. In fact, August or September is a much better time to start preparing your dog for what can be a terrifying ordeal.

Once fireworks have begun and a dog is panicking (panting, trembling, pacing, hiding, barking, trying to escape or unable to eat), learning becomes extremely difficult. Starting early gives you time to help your dog feel safer, introduce firework sounds carefully and speak to your vet if your dog is likely to need additional support.

Know your dog’s signs of stress

Not every frightened dog shows obvious signs such as hiding or shaking. Some dogs become clingier, restless or more vocal, while others refuse food or try to squeeze themselves into small spaces. Signs of stress can include:

• Panting or pacing

• Freezing or trembling

• Scanning the room

• Lip licking or repeated yawning

• Being unable to eat

• Trying to hide or escape

• Being unable to settle

You know your dog better than anyone, so watch for changes in their usual behaviour.

Create a safe place before it is needed

Your dog should have access to a quiet place where they can retreat if they feel worried. This might be behind a sofa, under a table, inside an open crate they are already comfortable using or in a familiar room. The important thing is that your dog chooses to use the space and is free to come and go. Begin making this area comfortable and positive now rather than introducing it for the first time when fireworks have already started.

Introduce firework sounds carefully

Recordings can be used to help dogs become more comfortable with firework sounds, but this work needs to be approached very gradually. The recording should begin at such a low volume that your dog remains completely relaxed. If they stop eating, stiffen, leave, scan for the sound or show any other sign of worry, the volume may be too high or the training may be progressing too quickly.

Dogs with an established fear of fireworks or other noises may need a professionally tailored plan.

Remember that recordings have limitations

Firework recordings cannot fully reproduce the volume, vibration, flashes and unpredictability of real fireworks.  Sound training can be helpful, but it should form part of a wider preparation plan.

Speak to your vet early

If your dog has previously been extremely frightened by fireworks, don’t wait until firework night to ask for help. Speak to your vet well in advance. They can check whether pain or another medical problem may be contributing to your dog’s sensitivity and discuss whether medication or additional support would be appropriate.

Never give your dog human medication or anything that has not been prescribed for them.

Get your free fireworks preparation guide

I have created a free guide to help you begin preparing your dog before fireworks season arrives. It includes more detailed guidance on:

• Recognising your dog’s signs of stress

• Creating a safe place they genuinely want to use

• Introducing firework recordings gradually

• Building positive associations with the sounds

• Knowing when to slow down or seek professional help

The guide is available free inside the Delightful Dogs WhatsApp community, alongside practical dog-training advice, useful resources, seasonal reminders and information about upcoming walks and online masterclasses.

Join our friendly WhatsApp community

If your dog already has a severe fear of fireworks and you would like help creating an individual preparation plan, please get in touch. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to help your dog feel safe.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Christine x