Quick answer: Dogs are scared of fireworks because they are loud, sudden and unpredictable, and nothing in nature sounds or looks like them. If your dog is scared of fireworks, keep them indoors with curtains closed, mask the noise with TV or white noise, walk them before dark, give them a den to hide in, and stay with them. Make sure their ID tag and microchip details are up to date in case they bolt.
There’s nothing quite like celebrating the holiday season — unless you’re a dog who dreads fireworks. For many owners, firework nights mean anxious pups, worried faces and a fair bit of heartache. Seeing your dog so distressed is tough, and it’s only natural to wish you could make it all go away.
Fireworks are exciting for us, but for our four-legged friends they can feel as if the sky is falling in. Most dogs haven’t a clue what’s going on, or that it’s supposed to be fun. Importantly, dogs don’t simply “get used” to fireworks by being left to cope on their own. They look to us for comfort, and that’s where we can help.
In this guide, we cover:
- why dogs fear fireworks
- the signs your dog is worried
- practical ways to keep your dog calm and safe
- whether puppies can overcome firework anxiety
- when to speak to your vet about medication
The Zigzag app is packed with step-by-step sound-socialisation plans that help your puppy breeze through life’s noisy moments as an adult. And if you ever need backup, just send a message – our professional dog trainers are ready to help any day of the week.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Dogs are scared of fireworks because they’re loud, unpredictable and impossible to ignore. Sudden noises trigger a deeply hardwired “fight or flight” response, and fireworks sound — and look — like nothing found in nature.
Some dogs are more sensitive to noise
Some dogs are especially sensitive to sound because of their breed or genetics. Others missed the chance to get used to odd noises through positive socialisation as youngsters. Dogs from a rescue or puppy farm may find noise even harder to cope with.
Firework fear often comes with other noise fears
Dogs fearful of fireworks often feel the same about thunderstorms, busy traffic or even the vacuum cleaner. As with us, an early negative experience can stick, so a little empathy and early training go a long way.
To read what your dog is telling you, see our guide to understanding puppy body language.
How will I know if my dog is scared of fireworks?
The most common signs a dog is scared of fireworks are shaking, panting, drooling, digging, whining, barking, hiding and shutting down. You might also notice your dog trying to make a little den, disappearing under the table or sticking to you like glue. Learn more in our guide to understanding puppy behaviour.
Shaking and trembling
A dog scared of fireworks will often shake uncontrollably. When a dog is frightened, hormones like adrenaline are released, and high levels can cause muscle twitching and even spasm.
Panting or drooling
Sudden panting or drooling when fireworks begin is a common sign of stress. While we might get sweaty or short of breath in a tense moment, dogs are more likely to breathe heavily and dribble.
Digging
Frantic digging at their bed, your carpet or the sofa is usually a displacement behaviour, not den-making. When your dog feels overwhelmed, they channel that stress into digging to self-soothe. Context matters: digging for fun in the garden is play, but burrowing indoors during fireworks is stress relief. Our puppy digging guide explains more.
Whining
Whining is a sure sign your dog feels unsettled. It helps them self-soothe, while also telling you they could use some extra reassurance.
Loud barking
Dogs often bark to manage their own stress or to “tell off” whatever’s causing the commotion. It’s their way of saying, “I’m not too sure about this!”
Hiding
Many dogs retreat to the smallest, cosiest spot they can find — behind the sofa, under the bed or in their crate. It helps them feel more secure, away from the noise.
Shutting down
A really overwhelmed dog may go very still or seem to “switch off”. This isn’t them ignoring you. It’s a sign of “learned helplessness”, which happens when other ways of coping haven’t worked. If you spot this, give them as much gentle comfort as you can.
How to keep my dog calm during fireworks
To keep your dog calm during fireworks, make your home a quiet retreat, mask the noise, tire them out before dark and give them somewhere safe to hide. There’s no need to feel helpless — these 10 practical steps can make a real difference. For more ideas, see our guide on how to calm a puppy down.
1. Close the windows and curtains
Draw the curtains, close the windows and pop on your slippers. Blocking out sudden flashes and bangs creates a peaceful sanctuary — and it’s a good excuse to get extra cosy together.
2. Muffle firework noise with other sounds
Keep the TV on, play calming music or use a white noise machine to soften sharp bangs. Thick curtains, or blankets hung over the windows, will dampen the din too. Your lounge may look a bit pillow-fort chic, but your dog will thank you. Our guide to white noise for puppies explains how to use it.
3. Walk your dog before it gets dark
Most displays start after sundown, so get walks, exercise and play done while it’s light. A good, enriching walk helps your dog unwind before the evening kicks off.
4. Set up an indoor toilet area
If you live in a flat or are toilet training a puppy, set up an indoor toilet spot, such as a puppy pad in the bathroom. That way, there’s no need to dash outside once the bangs begin.
5. Give your dog a den
Offer a covered crate or cosy nook so your dog can tuck themselves away when it all feels too much. For tips on creating the perfect den, see our crate training guide.
6. Provide plenty of chews
Chewing helps dogs relax and keeps them busy. Offer safe chews, or stuff a Kong with treats or peanut butter for extra enrichment.
7. Use interactive feeders
Puzzle toys and brain games distract your dog and help them settle. Mental stimulation is as tiring as a good walk, so it can help them relax and sleep when things get noisy.
8. Try pheromones and natural calming products
Some owners see good results with calming products like Adaptil, or natural options such as scullcap, valerian or lavender. These can take the edge off firework stress for many dogs.
9. Try an anxiety wrap
Body wraps or Thundershirts help some dogs feel more secure. Some dogs find them calming and others don’t, but they’re safe to try if your dog struggles with loud noises.
10. Comfort your dog if they want it
If your dog wants extra cuddles, go for it. If they’d rather have space, that’s fine too. The aim is to meet your dog’s emotional needs, whatever those are — it’s all about them at this point.
How to keep my dog safe during fireworks
Keeping your dog safe during fireworks is just as important as keeping them calm, because a panicked dog may try to bolt.
Check their ID tag and microchip
Make sure your dog wears a collar with an up-to-date ID tag, and check their microchip details are current. Read more about the benefits of microchips in our guide.
Put barriers between your dog and the door
Keep at least one barrier — ideally two, such as closed internal doors — between your dog and any outside exit during noisy periods. A secure, comfortable crate can also give them a safe base.
Don’t leave a worried dog alone
Whenever possible, avoid leaving an anxious dog alone on firework nights. Most feel much happier with someone they trust nearby.
Will puppies ever overcome their fear of fireworks?
Yes — many puppies and dogs do overcome their fear of fireworks with gentle support and carefully planned training.
Start sound socialisation early
Early socialisation makes a world of difference. If you have a youngster, introduce a range of sounds in a calm, positive way.
Get help for deep-rooted anxiety
If your dog’s fear runs deeper, work with a behaviourist for tailored help. They’ll guide you through counter-conditioning, which turns scary noises into background nothingness over time. Noise fears can also overlap with puppy separation anxiety.
Should my dog be on medication for their phobia of fireworks?
Some dogs need a helping hand from medicine, but it should always be prescribed by your vet. Today’s options can take the edge off without leaving your dog completely zonked. Speak to your vet for advice tailored to your pup — and if it’s your puppy’s first appointment, our guide to your puppy’s first visit to the vet will help you prepare.
Frequently asked questions
Shaking is your dog’s body reacting to fear, and it usually eases once the bangs stop and they’ve had time to settle. If the shaking carries on long after the fireworks end, or happens when there’s nothing obvious to trigger it, speak to your vet to rule out other causes.
Don’t give your dog any human medication, including Benadryl, without speaking to your vet first. They can recommend a safe option and the right dose for your dog.
Yes, if they want it. Comforting a frightened dog won’t make their fear worse. If they’d rather be left alone in their den, let them choose.
Usually not. Leaving a dog to cope alone rarely helps. Gentle support, sound socialisation and, where needed, counter-conditioning with a behaviourist work far better.
Yes. Repeated exposure to fireworks without support can increase anxiety over time, particularly in sensitive dogs. Early intervention and training can help prevent long-term issues.
You should speak to a vet if your dog’s firework anxiety is severe, worsening, or affecting their quality of life. A vet can advise on behavioural support or medication options if needed.
Somewhere quiet and enclosed, away from windows — ideally a covered crate or cosy den in an inner room where they can hide if they want to.
You can reduce the risk by introducing your puppy to a wide range of sounds early on, in a calm and positive way. The Zigzag app includes step-by-step sound-socialisation plans to help.
Final thoughts on dogs and fireworks
Fireworks will likely always be part of life in the UK, but they don’t have to spell disaster for you or your dog. A mix of management, comfort, confidence-building exercises and, sometimes, expert help can make all the difference.
Noise and firework sensitivity often appear alongside separation anxiety. For advice, see our full guide to separation anxiety in dogs. Or, for other common behaviour questions, read why dogs hump.
The Zigzag team is here to help — whether you want practical tips, a tailored training plan or simply to talk through your concerns. Find out how Zigzag works and download the Zigzag puppy training app today to help prevent firework anxiety.
