Helping Your Dog Stay Calm During Fireworks Season

Fireworks might be a joy for many. It’s a fun way to mark celebrations, holidays, and special events. But for our beloved dogs, they can be deeply distressing. The loud bangs, bright flashes, and unfamiliar smells can trigger anxiety and fear, leaving even the most confident dogs trembling or hiding.

As caring pet parents and groomers, we can take simple, practical steps to help our dogs feel safe and secure during firework-heavy times of year. Here are ten simple ways to support calmness, comfort, and confidence when the sky starts to sparkle.

1. Create a quiet, secure space indoors
Before fireworks begin, set up a calm space where your dog can retreat. Choose a quiet room away from windows, ideally one they already associate with comfort — such as a bedroom or a cozy corner of the living room. Add soft blankets, their bed, and a few favourite toys. For dogs who enjoy den-like spaces, an open crate draped with a blanket can feel reassuring and safe.

2. Close curtains and windows
Reducing sensory overload helps enormously. Closing your curtains and windows can muffle the sound and block out flashing lights that might startle your dog. You could even use heavier curtains or a towel over smaller windows for extra insulation against noise.

3. Play calming background sounds
Gentle background noise can help mask the sound of fireworks. Try playing soft music, a white noise machine, or even the TV at a low, steady volume. Classical or acoustic music often works well. Research suggests certain tempos can lower stress in dogs. The goal isn’t to drown out the noise entirely but to create a more consistent, soothing sound environment that helps your dog relax.

4. Keep your dog indoors well before fireworks begin
As night falls and celebrations start, it’s best to have your dog safely indoors. Walk them earlier in the evening, before the first fireworks go off, to reduce stress and the risk of them bolting if startled. Once inside, make sure doors, gates, and windows are secure. Having their collar and ID tag on (just in case) is a sensible precaution.

5. Stick to your regular routine
Dogs find comfort in consistency. Keeping mealtimes, walks, and bedtime routines the same (wherever possible) can help signal that everything is normal. Sudden changes can add to their anxiety, so try to maintain a calm, predictable rhythm to the day, even if you have to adjust slightly around the fireworks schedule.

6. Try an anxiety wrap or calming vest
Snug-fitting garments apply gentle, constant pressure around your dog’s torso — similar to a reassuring hug. This pressure can have a grounding, calming effect on the nervous system. Even a drying towel or snug T-shirt can provide mild comfort in a pinch.

7. Offer a long-lasting chew or lick mat
Chewing and licking are natural stress-relievers for dogs. A stuffed Kong, a soothing chew, or a lick mat spread with peanut butter or dog-safe yoghurt can help redirect anxious energy. These activities encourage your dog to focus and self-soothe, keeping their mind occupied while fireworks are happening outside.

8. Use pheromone diffusers or calming sprays
Synthetic pheromones mimic the natural comforting scent that mother dogs release when nursing. Diffusers, sprays, and collars using these pheromones can help create a sense of calm and safety. They work best when introduced a few days before fireworks are expected, giving your dog time to associate the scent with relaxation.

9. Stay calm yourself
Dogs are highly attuned to our emotions. If you act anxious or overly sympathetic, they may interpret it as a sign something is wrong. Instead, stay calm, speak softly, and behave as you normally would. If your dog seeks reassurance, comfort them in a low-key, steady way. Gentle strokes and a calm tone go a long way toward helping them feel grounded.

10. Seek help from your vet if anxiety is severe
If your dog’s fear is extreme (trembling, panting heavily, pacing, or trying to escape) speak to your vet. They can advise on professional behavioural support or short-term medication to make the experience less traumatic. Managing noise sensitivity early can also prevent it from worsening over time.

Helping your dog feel safe, every season
Firework season doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, patience, and a calm environment, you can help your dog cope more comfortably. The key is to stay plan ahead. Set up their safe space, create soothing distractions, and project calm reassurance.
At Groom + Kind, we believe grooming and care go hand in hand with wellbeing. Whether it’s a soothing bath, a gentle massage brush, or simply a quiet evening together, these small moments of care help build trust and confidence. Both of which are the best foundations for a calmer, happier dog, no matter what’s happening outside.