Fireworks - Diwali, Bonfire Night & New Year’s Eve: How to Help Your Dog with Firework Anxiety and Noise Sensitivity.

Summary: Helping Your Dog Through Fireworks Season with Calm, Connection & Kindness

As fireworks begin lighting up the skies across Reading and beyond—from Diwali to Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve—many dogs will be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or frightened. This gentle guide is packed with practical, positive steps to help your dog feel safe, supported, and understood during the noisy months ahead.

With advice on firework desensitisation, calming routines, and creating a cosy safe haven, you’ll find everything you need to navigate fireworks season with your dog using patience and compassion. Whether your dog is a nervous pup or just needs a little extra comfort, these tips are designed to strengthen your bond and help them thrive—even when the skies are booming.

Fireworks often spark a powerful mix of emotions—joy, wonder, and nostalgia for many, yet for others, including our dogs, they can bring on fear, anxiety, and deep discomfort, turning a night of celebration into a source of real distress.

While some dogs will happily watch fireworks from the window, many others—perhaps like yours—may tremble, bark, hide, or even try to escape. It might seem like Bonfire Night, Diwali, Eid, and New Year’s Eve are still a way off—but if your dog has fireworks anxiety, now is the time to start preparing.

💡 Why prepare now?

Whether you're here in Reading, Berkshire or anywhere in the UK, fireworks are no longer just a one-night-a-year event. They can start in October—especially this year, with Diwali on 20th October 2025—and pop up sporadically right through to January. Diwali celebrations, Bonfire Night, and New Year’s Eve are all causes for joy—but they can also be really tough for our four-legged family members.

The good news is that with some Patience, Connection, and a sprinkle of Fun, you can help your dog feel more confident, secure, and supported.

🐾 How to Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks Season

1. Start fireworks desensitisation training now

Even if your puppy or dog doesn’t seem scared of loud noises yet, it’s a great idea to begin gentle sound training. Use everyday household sounds (dropping spoons, vacuuming, washing up) or play very quiet firework sounds for dogs on your phone using YouTube or a dog calming playlist on Spotify (links below).

I recommend using your phone because you can control the volume extremely precisely—and if your dog shows any signs of uncertainty, you can move further away to reduce the sound even more.

👉 For puppies, keep it super quiet and brief. For sound-sensitive dogs, play just a few seconds and follow it with a rain shower of treats—then stop the sound right away. The key is to build positive associations.

2. Schedule a vet health check

If your dog has suddenly become sensitive to noise, it’s worth a visit to the vet. Pain, age, or underlying health issues can sometimes cause or contribute to sound anxiety in dogs.

3. Use calming products for dog fireworks anxiety

Speak to your vet about natural calming products, supplements, or dog pheromone diffusers. These work best when started at least 1–2 weeks before fireworks are expected.

I personally recommend Pet Remedy products—I’m proud to be one of their partners due to their wonderful, gentle approach. Their plug-ins and sprays can provide ongoing support throughout fireworks season. Just remember to use them regularly, not just on the night. For an extra calming boost, spray it onto your dog’s bedding or in their safe space before any loud events.

4. Try a ThunderShirt or anxiety wrap

Some dogs find comfort in gentle pressure. Calming wraps for dogs or ThunderShirts can help—but test them well in advance to ensure your dog is comfortable and used to wearing one.

5. Create a safe 'den' for your dog

A covered crate, cosy corner, or under-the-stairs hideaway can become your dog’s sanctuary. Start encouraging them to use it now, during calm times, so it feels familiar and safe later.

💡 Top Tip: Plan a cosy movie night with your dog! Our own emotions have a huge impact on our dogs. Watching a feel-good film (with the volume a little louder than usual) and laughing together can actually help mask the bangs—and your relaxed presence will work wonders.

Dogs watching a movie!

6. Check microchips and ID tags

Should your dog ever bolt due to fear, having up-to-date microchip details is vital. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in the event they run away due to fireworks.

On the Night – What You Can Do for a Calmer Dog

When the big nights arrive—whether it’s Diwali, Fireworks Night, or New Year’s Eve—there’s still lots you can do to support your dog and help them feel safe:

• Walk them early, in daylight, before fireworks begin

• Keep them on-lead, even during the day—fireworks can start early and unexpectedly

• Close curtains or blinds to block out flashing lights

• Turn on the TV or calming music to help mask outside bangs

• Try music for dogs – search TV & Music Calm on YouTube or use the Battersea Calming playlist on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4LOW2CwzmnGrZG9Pu6Zhg7?si=T67qUvWSSRyg5EybA2RWpg

  🎶 Classic FM even hosts a special firework calming music night for dogs on 5th November!

• Provide calming enrichment: LickiMats, snuffle mats, long-lasting chews, and sniffing games all help dogs decompress

• Keep water bowls topped up – anxious dogs often drink more

• Never take your dog to a fireworks display – even confident dogs can be startled

• Keep all pets safely indoors during fireworks

• Most importantly – stay close and offer comfort if they seek it. A cuddle won't reinforce fear—it provides reassurance and connection.

Connection, Comfort & Compassion

This season can be tough for so many dogs. It’s OK if your dog needs a little extra support. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong—it just means your dog is communicating that they need you. And isn’t that what connection is all about?

Every dog is different, and part of our role as their owner is learning what helps our dog feel safe and supported. That might be a quiet corner with soft music and a favourite chew, or it might be a cuddle on the sofa while the world bangs and booms outside.

Whatever you do, lead with kindness. Let this season be one of patience, understanding, and

connection. Because that’s what builds lasting trust—and a bond that will carry you and your dog through every noisy, sparkly season to come.

🌟 Need Extra Support?

If you're in Reading, Berkshire or surrounding areas and you’d like help creating a personalised fireworks support plan for your dog, feel free to get in touch. Whether you're working with a new puppy or supporting an older dog, we can create a plan that’s tailored to their needs—with calm, confidence, and kindness at the heart of it all.

Let’s make this fireworks season one where your dog feels seen, safe, and supported.