Bonfire Night might be full of excitement for us humans: fireworks, sparklers, and cosy gatherings, but for dogs, it can be downright scary. 

If loud bangs and flashing lights turn your pup into a trembling mess, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll share how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night, from practical steps to natural treats that ease anxiety and make the evening a little less frightening.

Why Dogs Get Scared of Fireworks

Before we dive into how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night, it helps to understand why fireworks can be so distressing.

Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing - up to four times stronger than ours, so those loud bangs, screeches, and crackles can sound like thunder right in their ears. Combine that with flashing lights and unfamiliar smells, and you’ve got a recipe for anxiety.

Common signs of Bonfire Night fear include:

• Pacing or shaking

• Hiding under furniture

• Excessive drooling

• Barking or whining

• Trying to escape or run away

Knowing these signs means you can act quickly and focus on keeping your dog calm on Bonfire Night.

10 Tried-and-Tested Tips: How to Keep Your Dog Calm on Bonfire Night

These easy, effective steps will help you prepare for fireworks season and keep your furry friend relaxed and happy.

1. Create a Safe Space

In the days leading up to fireworks, set up a quiet corner in your home with your dog’s bed, toys, and blankets. Add familiar smells like your worn jumper, it comforts them instantly.

Close windows, draw curtains, and turn on the TV or radio to drown out outside noise. This “den” will help massively when you’re figuring out how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night.

2. Stick to Their Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Keep their feeding and walking times consistent to maintain a sense of normalcy. A long afternoon walk before fireworks start helps burn energy, so they’re more likely to nap through the noise.

3. Keep Calm Yourself

Dogs pick up on your emotions. If you’re anxious, they’ll be too. Stay relaxed, speak softly, and act as if nothing unusual is happening. This emotional stability is key in how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night.

4. Distract with Play or TV

Try engaging them with a favourite toy, puzzle feeder, or a chew. Dog-friendly TV channels or soft background music can help mask the bangs and shift their focus away from the chaos outside.

5. Close Doors and Windows Early

Before the fireworks begin, shut all windows and doors to reduce noise and prevent your dog from trying to bolt outside. Even if your garden is secure, frightened dogs can do surprising things to escape.

6. Use Calming Scents and Sounds

Natural remedies like lavender sprays or plug-in pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil) can create a calming atmosphere. Play classical music or soft “dog relaxation” playlists to reduce stress levels - both are gentle ways to work on how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night without medication.

7. Offer Natural, Healthy Snacks

When you’re thinking about how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night, the right snack can make all the difference. Chewing releases endorphins and helps relieve anxiety naturally.

Try these calming, plant-based snacks that keep your pup occupied:

Or, for smaller breeds and seniors:

8. Don’t Over-Coddle

It’s natural to want to cuddle and comfort your dog, but too much fuss can unintentionally reinforce fear. Stay close and calm, but act like everything is normal, this is a subtle yet powerful part of how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night.

9. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward calm behaviour during fireworks with praise and small treats. It teaches your dog that staying relaxed earns rewards, helping them build confidence for future firework nights.

10. Plan Ahead Every Year

The best approach to how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night is preparation. Start desensitising them weeks before. Play gentle fireworks sounds on low volume while offering treats, slowly building tolerance.

Bonus Tip: Check Your Garden & ID Tags

If your dog needs to go outside, ensure gates and fences are secure. Keep their ID tag and microchip details up to date - just in case they panic and bolt.

These small steps can prevent big heartaches and complete your plan for how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night the safe, smart way.

Final Thoughts

Every year, thousands of pet owners search for how to keep your dog calm on Bonfire Night and for good reason. It’s a stressful time for pets, but with the right preparation, environment, and healthy natural snacks, your dog can feel safe, soothed, and loved.

So, close the curtains, grab a blanket, put the kettle on and give your pup a pumpkin treat to remind them: there’s nothing to fear when you’re home, safe, and Soopa calm.