Bonfire Night is almost here! While fireworks can be exciting for us, the sudden loud bangs and bright flashes can be frightening for our dogs. If your dog struggles with fireworks anxiety, you're certainly not alone. Although preparing for fireworks season in advance is always ideal, there are still plenty of simple things you can do on the day to help your dog feel more comfortable and secure.

From creating a cosy space to using our natural calming support, here are our last-minute tips to help you and your dog prepare for Bonfire Night.

1. Get your walks in before it gets dark

With fireworks often starting as soon as the sun goes down, it's a good idea to plan your dog's walks earlier in the day. Take them for a nice walk or enjoy some playtime to help burn off excess energy before the evening begins. Try to fit in their final toilet break before dusk, so they don't need to venture outside when fireworks are going off.

It's also worth checking that your dog's microchip details are up to date and that they're wearing a collar with an ID tag, just in case they become startled and manage to escape.

Our top tip: Keep your dog on a lead during walks throughout fireworks season, even if they're usually confident off-lead. An unexpected bang can frighten even the calmest dogs!

2. Create a cosy, safe space

Having somewhere familiar and comfortable to retreat to can make a big difference to a dog who's feeling anxious. Before the fireworks begin, set up a quiet area in your home with their favourite bed, blankets and toys. This could be a cosy corner of the living room, a quiet bedroom or somewhere they already enjoy relaxing.

If your dog prefers hiding under furniture or retreating to their crate, make sure they can access these spaces freely. The most important thing is to let your dog choose where they feel safest and avoid forcing them into a particular area.

3. Close the curtains and turn up the background noise

As the evening approaches, take a few simple steps to help reduce the sights and sounds of fireworks coming into your home.

• Close curtains and blinds: Help block out the sudden flashes of light from fireworks.
• Shut windows and doors: Reduce outside noise and help prevent your dog from escaping if they become frightened.
• Turn on the TV or radio: Familiar background noise can help soften the sound of fireworks outside.
• Keep the lights on: A well-lit room can make sudden flashes from outside less noticeable.

You don't need to make lots of changes to your dog's usual environment. Keeping things familiar and maintaining their normal evening routine can also help them feel more settled.

4. Have calming support ready

If you've left your fireworks preparations until the last minute, don't panic! There are still ways to offer your dog some extra support. Our Valerian Compound is a fast-acting herbal liquid, specially formulated to help dogs and cats feel calmer during stressful situations.

Containing extracts of three carefully selected herbs, Valerian Compound starts working in around 30 minutes, with effects lasting for up to two hours, making it ideal for unexpected fireworks or as additional support on Bonfire Night itself. It can be given directly into your dog's mouth or added to their food, making it easy to incorporate into their evening routine. Just follow the administration guidance on the product.

If your dog is already taking our Scullcap & Valerian Tablets, their daily amount can be doubled on the day fireworks are expected. Plus the Valerian Compound can also be used alongside them for additional calming support when needed.

Our top tip: Keep your Valerian Compound somewhere handy so you're prepared if fireworks start earlier than expected!

5. Prepare some calming activities

Keeping your dog occupied with something they enjoy can be a great way to help them settle as the evening gets underway. Before fireworks begin, have a few of their favourite activities ready, such as:

• Lick mats: Spread with a little dog-friendly yoghurt or their favourite suitable treat.
• Puzzle toys: Encourage your dog to focus on finding tasty rewards.
• Long-lasting chews: Give them something enjoyable to concentrate on.
• Snuffle mats: Let them use their nose to search for hidden treats.

These activities can provide a welcome distraction from what's happening outside. However, if your dog is too frightened to engage with toys or treats, don't worry. Let them retreat somewhere comfortable and offer reassurance instead.

6. Stay close and offer reassurance

If your dog becomes frightened when fireworks start, one of the best things you can do is simply be there for them. Try to keep your evening as normal as possible, whether that's watching your favourite programme on the sofa or spending some quiet time together.

If your dog seeks affection, it's absolutely fine to comfort them with gentle strokes and reassurance. Equally, if they'd rather curl up in their bed or hide somewhere quiet, give them the space they need. Avoid telling them off for barking, pacing or displaying other signs of anxiety. Remember, they're not being naughty; they're simply feeling frightened. A little patience, understanding and extra comfort can go a long way.

7. Keep your dog safely indoors

Once fireworks begin, it's safest to keep your dog inside until the noise has settled. Make sure all doors, windows and garden gates are securely closed, particularly if you have visitors coming and going throughout the evening.

If your dog needs to go outside for a toilet break, wait for a quieter moment, accompany them and keep them on a lead, even in your own garden. Remember, fireworks can continue well beyond Bonfire Night itself, so it's worth keeping these precautions in place throughout the fireworks season.

After the fireworks have finished

Even once the bangs have stopped, your dog might need a little extra time to settle. Keep their environment calm, allow them to rest and continue offering reassurance if they need it.

Some dogs may remain unsettled after a particularly stressful evening, so be mindful of their behaviour over the following days. Gentle walks, familiar routines and plenty of opportunities to relax can help them return to normal.

Helping your dog through Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night can be a worrying time for dogs, but a little preparation on the day can help make the evening more manageable. Whether it's getting their walks in early, creating a cosy space or having calming support ready, these small steps can help your dog feel safer and more comfortable when fireworks begin.

At Dorwest, we're here to help you support your pet through fireworks season and beyond. Explore our calming range or get in touch with our friendly team for advice on choosing the right products for your pet. If your dog experiences severe fireworks anxiety, we'd also recommend speaking to your vet about additional support.

Want to understand why fireworks can be so frightening for dogs? Read our blog on why dogs hate fireworks.