Bonfire Night (Thursday 5 November) is one of the toughest dates in the calendar for many dogs. Fireworks are loud, unpredictable and impossible to explain to an animal — but a little preparation in the days before can make the evening itself much more manageable.
In the days before
- Walk earlier. Get the day's main walk done well before dark, so you're not outside when the first fireworks start.
- Check the details. Make sure your dog's microchip details are up to date and they wear an ID tag — even careful owners can be caught out by a sudden bang and an open door.
- Build a den. A crate or a corner with blankets, in the quietest room, gives your dog a place that already feels safe before the night itself. Let them discover it in their own time.
On the night
- Close curtains and windows to muffle sound and block the flashes.
- Put familiar sound on — the TV or radio at a normal volume helps cover the bangs.
- Keep your own routine calm. Dogs read us. A normal evening, from you, is the clearest signal that there's nothing to fear.
- Let them choose. Some dogs want company, some want their den. Both are fine — don't force cuddles or shut them away from you.
A small addition to the routine
Some owners like to add a calming product to their dog's evening routine in the run-up to Bonfire Night. Our Fireworks Calming for Dogs collection brings together the options we stock — Pawer Water Calming sticks (from £9.99) and Calming Treats (£29.99) — so you can pick what suits your dog. If your dog is very distressed by fireworks, it's always worth a chat with your vet ahead of the night, too.
A settled dog makes for a settled household — and you get to enjoy the fireworks stories the next day instead of recovering from the night before.