Bonfire Night can be stressful for pets. From preparing a safe space before 5 November to blocking out flashes and giving them room to hide, these practical steps can help dogs, cats and small pets feel more secure around fireworks.
🕒 5 min read
Fireworks combine sudden bangs, bright flashes and unfamiliar smells, and pets have no way of knowing where they are coming from or when they will stop. Some animals barely react, while others show clear signs of fear or anxiety.
The most useful approach is to think ahead rather than react once the fireworks have already started. Preparing your home, recognising your pet's individual needs and giving them somewhere they feel safe can all make Bonfire Night easier to manage.
How can you tell if your pet is anxious about fireworks?
Every pet reacts differently to fireworks. Common signs of stress include:
- Shaking, trembling or excessive panting
- Hiding behind furniture or trying to escape
- Pacing, whining, barking or other unusual vocalisation
- Becoming unusually clingy or, in contrast, withdrawing
- Accidents indoors or destructive behaviour
Being able to recognise these signals early means you can respond calmly and give your pet the space, reassurance or safe place they need.
Think ahead, rather than react
Creating a safe, secure environment before Bonfire Night is one of the most useful things you can do. Rather than waiting until the first bang, work through your preparations in advance.
In the run-up to 5 November
- Set up a quiet den or hideaway with familiar bedding, blankets and favourite toys.
- Let your pet explore the space freely so it becomes somewhere they already associate with feeling comfortable.
- Check that doors, windows, fences and other possible escape routes are secure.
- Make sure your dog or cat's microchip contact details are up to date.
- If your pet is particularly nervous around noise, begin gradual sound desensitisation well in advance.
On Bonfire Night
- Walk dogs during daylight hours and aim to be safely home before fireworks are likely to begin.
- Keep cats indoors once it gets dark and make sure doors, windows and cat flaps are secure.
- If possible, move rabbits, guinea pigs and other outdoor pets to a quieter, protected area.
- Keep feeding, walking and settling times as close to your pet's normal routine as possible.
When the fireworks start
- Close curtains and windows to reduce noise and block flashes of light.
- Use familiar background noise such as the TV, radio or calming music to help mask sudden bangs.
- Stay calm yourself and behave as normally as possible.
- Offer reassurance if your pet seeks you out, but don't force them to interact.
After the fireworks
- Give your pet time to settle and return to their normal routine.
- Keep their safe space available rather than removing it as soon as the noise stops.
- Keep an eye on their appetite, drinking and behaviour afterwards.
- If anxiety is severe, persists or has appeared suddenly, speak to your vet for advice.
If your pet chooses to hide, let them. You don't need to coax them out. Give them space and stay calm and reassuring nearby until they are ready to emerge.
Can you help your pet get used to fireworks?
If your pet is particularly nervous around loud noises, gradual desensitisation may help when it is started well before fireworks season.
This involves introducing firework sounds at a very low level, low enough that your pet remains relaxed, and pairing the experience with something positive such as a treat, game or calm attention.
Over time, you can very gradually increase the volume while continuing to watch your pet's behaviour. If they begin to show signs of stress, reduce the volume again rather than trying to push through it.
Little and often is the way to go. Trying to do too much too quickly could make your pet more worried rather than less. The aim isn't to make them "get used to it" overnight, but to gradually help them build a more positive association with sounds that previously worried them.
For more year-round advice, read our guide to how to keep dogs calm during fireworks.
Where does natural calming support fit?
Practical preparation should form the foundation of your Bonfire Night plan. For dogs, some owners also choose to use a pet-specific calming supplement alongside reassurance, positive training and a consistent routine.
MagiCalm® for Dogs combines two forms of magnesium with a B vitamin complex, the amino acids L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine, and chamomile.
If you plan to use MagiCalm®, follow the directions on the pack rather than waiting until the fireworks have already started. The product directions state that continuous daily dosing is more likely to have the desired effect than one-off dosing.
MagiCalm® is designed for dogs over nine months old. Always follow the directions and warnings on the product before use and speak to your vet if you're unsure whether a supplement is suitable for your dog.
MagiCalm® for Dogs
Daily calming support with magnesium, B vitamins, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine and chamomile
- Dual-source magnesium
- B vitamin complex with L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine
- Chamomile for its natural soothing effects
Bonfire Night FAQs
Which dog breed is most scared of fireworks?
There isn't one dog breed that will always be the most frightened by fireworks. Research suggests that breed and genetics can influence noise sensitivity, but age, health, early experiences, socialisation and the individual dog's temperament can also make a difference. Pay attention to how your own dog responds rather than assuming they will or won't be frightened because of their breed.
How long does it take a dog to calm down after fireworks?
Recovery time varies from dog to dog. Some settle quickly once the noise stops, while others can remain unsettled for hours or into the following day. Give your dog access to their safe space, keep things calm and return to their familiar routine. If they remain unusually distressed, stop eating or drinking, or their anxiety continues, speak to your vet.
Should I comfort my pet if they are scared of fireworks?
Yes, if your pet seeks reassurance from you, you can offer calm company and comfort. Equally, if they prefer to hide or keep their distance, let them. Avoid forcing them out of a hiding place or punishing fearful behaviour.
When should you speak to your vet?
Every pet is different, so what works for one won't necessarily work for another. If your pet's anxiety is severe, persistent or has appeared suddenly, speak to your vet. They can check whether there may be an underlying health issue, discuss appropriate support and, where necessary, recommend further behavioural help.
Preparing early, keeping the environment calm and secure, and responding to your pet's individual needs can make Bonfire Night feel much more manageable for both of you.
