A black background with white text that reads 'Preparing your dog for Fireworks' and decorated with white fireworks graphics.

The loud bangs, bright flashes and unexpected noises that come with fireworks around Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and other celebrations can leave even the most confident of dogs trembling in fear. To help make these times a little easier, we’ve provided some practical advice for before, during and after fireworks.

Black background poster with fireworks, titled 'Before'. Provides tips for building calm foundations for dogs, including creating a cozy den, maintaining routines, checking ID, gentle sound work, watching for stress signs, and trying calming tools. Contact info and social media at bottom.
Black background poster with fireworks, titled 'During'. Provides tips for maintaining calm amongst the chaos, including a pre-fireworks walk, blocking out the noise and providing enrichment. Contact info and social media at bottom.
A black background graphic with fireworks, white text, and icons promoting relaxation and reflection after an event, with tips to relax, keep calm, and reflect, along with contact information and social media icons.
A brown, curly-haired dog with a pink collar sitting on green grass, looking up with an open mouth and tongue out.

1. Create a Safe Space
• Set up a cosy “den” where your dog can retreat when things get loud - soft bedding, favourite blankets, maybe an old t-shirt that smells like you.
• Keep it dimly lit, away from windows and most importantly, let them choose to use it.
• Think of it as their VIP (Very Important Puppy) area.

2. Keep Routines Predictable (with a Mini-Shift)
• Dogs love routine. 
• Keep mealtimes steady, just shift walks a bit earlier so you’re home before the bangs.
• A calm, sniffy Mooch before tea can help them settle for the evening.

3. Check Safety & ID
• Double-check that collars, tags, microchip details and harnesses are secure and up to date.
• Even the most confident dogs can bolt when startled. Prevention beats panic every time.

4. Start Sound Work Gently
• Play firework sounds quietly while you go about normal life - telly on, kettle boiling, dinner cooking.
• Toss a few treats when your dog stays relaxed.
• We’re creating positive associations, not testing their bravery.

5. Learn to Spot Early Signs of Stress
• Keep an eye out for small changes like ears back, tail tucked, yawning, lip licking or pacing.
• If you notice these, give space and reassurance - don’t push them to ‘face their fears’.

6. Bonus Calming Tools (Optional)
• Pheromone diffusers, pressure wraps, soft background noise - whatever helps your dog.
• There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Before: Build Calm Foundations

Close-up of a happy, tan-colored dog with floppy ears, open mouth, and visible teeth, outdoors in green grass.

1. Pre-Fireworks Mooch
• A calm dog handles noise better. 
• Give them a gentle, sniffy walk earlier in the day so they’re relaxed and ready to settle in for the evening.

2. Block Out the Bangs
• Close curtains, shut windows and pop on some background noise - telly, music, or white noise.
• Keeping lighting soft and steady helps too.

3. You Set the Tone
• Your dog reads you like a book.
• If you’re calm, they’re calmer too.
• So, deep breaths, soft voice and act like it’s just another cosy night in with your Best Fur-iend. 

4. Comfort on Their Terms
• If they come for cuddles, quietly reassure them.
• If they hide, that’s fine too - don’t drag them out or insist on cuddles.
• Give them choice and control.

4. Enrichment Over Excitement
• Offer something to lick or chew - stuffed Kongs, snuffle mats, lick mats.
• Licking and sniffing are naturally calming and help shift focus away from the noise.

6. Keep Perspective
• If they shake, bark or hide - they’re not being naughty, they’re scared.
• Stay patient and kind. You’re their safe place.

During: Stay Calm Through the Chaos

Close-up of a happy golden retriever with long ears, black nose, and tongue out, lying on green grass.

• When it’s finally quiet again, let your dog rest and reset.
• Keep things calm and predictable for a few days - gentle walks, calm evenings, no big outings.
• Reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) so next firework season you can be even better equipped.

Remember: you’re not alone
Fireworks season can be tough, but a little preparation, patience and understanding can make a world of difference for our dogs. Every small step you take helps them feel safer and more supported. Celebrate their progress, be kind to yourself, and know that you’re doing your best for your four-legged friend. Together, we can help make fireworks season calmer for dogs everywhere.

After: Decompress & Reflect

Logo with the text "Mutts Minds by Martyn's Mutts" and an illustration of a brain inside a dog silhouette.

For extra, tailored support and structured behavioural help, visit:

Learn more

The Martyn’s Mutts Pack

  • A happy tan dog with one ear up and one ear down, standing on grass with open mouth and tongue out, wearing a collar and leash.
  • Smiling black and white Australian Shepherd dog with its tongue out, sitting on a grassy field with mountains, trees, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
  • A happy small dog running on green grass in a clear outdoor setting, wearing a blue harness, with a joyful expression and its tongue slightly out.
  • A black Labrador Retriever dog with brown eyes and a pink tongue hanging out, standing in a grassy area with tall green grass around.
  • Black Labrador mix dog wearing an orange harness sitting on grass with a yellow flower and water in the background, smiling at the camera.
  • Happy brindle-colored dog with large ears sitting on green grass with fallen leaves, wearing a harness and a red collar.
  • Looking up at a happy, cream-colored Labrador Retriever standing on muddy ground with small plants and twigs.
  • Close-up of a happy, tan curly-haired dog standing on green grass, looking up with an open mouth and bright eyes.
  • A happy dog with black and white fur, sitting on grass near a dirt path on a sunny day.
  • Two smiling Pomeranian dogs with fluffy coats and expressive faces outdoors in grassy area.
  • A wet, scruffy dog with a happy expression standing on grass.
  • Close-up of a playful Basset Hound puppy with big expressive eyes and floppy ears, sitting on grass and looking up at the camera.
  • Group of five dogs on grassy lawn, facing upward toward the camera, with sunlight and shadows visible on the grass.
  • A brown dachshund puppy with floppy ears sitting on green grass in an open field with yellow flowers and trees in the background, under a cloudy sky.
  • Close-up of a wet, cream-colored spaniel dog with curly ears and big eyes, standing on a grassy field during daytime, with trees and hills in the background.
  • A brown dog with a red collar and blue harness lying on its back in green grass.
  • A close-up of a dachshund dog with a brown and tan coat lying on green grass, wearing a purple harness with butterfly patterns, in a park with trees in the background.
  • Close-up of a happy golden retriever with floppy ears, wearing a harness, outdoors in a park with green grass and trees, under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A happy black Labrador dog wearing an orange harness sitting on a sidewalk next to a flower garden with white, yellow, pink, and red blooms.
  • A happy, wet dog with a black nose and light brown and cream fur, sitting among green foliage and looking up.
  • A happy, fluffy white dog with a black nose and bright eyes, standing on green grass with its mouth open and tongue out.
  • A brown, curly-haired dog sitting on green grass, looking up with its mouth open and tongue out.
  • A brown puppy with curly ears standing on green grass in a wooded area, on a leash.
  • A happy tan dog with pointy ears and brown eyes outdoors on grass, looking up with its tongue out, with part of another black dog visible in the background.
  • Close-up of a happy Chow Chow dog with a fluffy golden-brown coat, showing its tongue out, outdoors in tall green grass.
  • A small brown dog on a leash standing on green grass in a park with trees in the background on a sunny day.
  • A black, curly-haired dog with a red collar lying in a grassy field with yellow flowers, against a background of trees and cloudy sky.
  • Happy brown and white dog with long ears and floppy fur, on a leash, standing on green grass, looking up with mouth open
  • A black puppy walking on a grassy trail with a red leash, under a cloudy sky surrounded by green trees and tall grass.
  • A happy yellow and white dog standing on a dirt path in a grassy field, with hills and a blue sky with few clouds in the background.