Every autumn, the same question comes up: what do I do about my dog (or cat, or rabbit) when the fireworks start? It's a fair concern. PDSA data shows that around 62% of UK dog owners say their pet is negatively affected by fireworks, and the RSPCA receives roughly 400 firework-related animal welfare calls every year, peaking in October and November. Our guide to why there are fireworks tonight covers every key date so you know when to prepare.
We're dog owners as well as fireworks sellers, so this is personal for us, too. The good news is that with a bit of planning, you can absolutely enjoy a garden display and keep your pets comfortable. Here are the facts and some practical steps that actually work.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Dogs can hear sounds at roughly four times the distance humans can, across a much wider frequency range. A firework bang registers between 120 and 175 decibels, well above the 85 dB threshold where hearing damage starts in humans. For a dog, that's overwhelming. Our firework noise levels guide has the full decibel breakdown by category and distance.
But volume alone isn't the whole story. Professor Daniel Mills at the University of Lincoln, one of the UK's leading veterinary behaviourists, points out that unpredictability is the real trigger. Dogs can't anticipate when the next bang will come or where it'll come from, which activates a primal fight-or-flight response. Unlike a thunderstorm, there are no warning signs. No change in air pressure, no distant rumbles building up.
Common signs of firework anxiety in dogs include trembling, panting, hiding, pacing, barking, refusing food, and trying to escape. Fear of fireworks also tends to get worse with age, partly because older dogs may associate the noise with pain from conditions like arthritis.
Are cats scared of fireworks too?
Yes. Cats have even more sensitive hearing than dogs. About three times sharper than human hearing, in fact. PDSA research found that around 54% of cats show distress during fireworks.
The difference is in how they cope. Dogs tend to panic visibly: barking, pacing, trying to bolt. Cats are more likely to hide and go very quiet, which means owners often underestimate how stressed their cat actually is. A Dutch study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that only 23% of cat owners seek professional help for firework anxiety, compared to 54% of dog owners. Cat distress is simply less obvious.
Look for signs such as refusing to come inside, hiding in unusual places, over-grooming, or loss of appetite in the days leading up to firework events.
What about rabbits and small pets?
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals are arguably the most vulnerable. Their hearing is extremely sensitive, and as prey animals, loud sudden noises trigger an intense fear response. The RSPCA has documented cases where rabbits and guinea pigs have died from firework-induced stress.
If your small pets live outdoors, partly cover their enclosure with blankets to muffle sound and provide extra bedding so they can burrow. Make sure they have a companion — rabbits cope far worse alone. If possible, bring them indoors for peak firework nights (Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali).
How to calm dogs during fireworks
UK vets recommend a layered approach, and the key word is preparation. Don't wait until 5th November to start thinking about this.
Create a safe den. Set up a quiet, enclosed space: under a table, in a cupboard, behind a sofa. Line it with familiar blankets. Let your dog find it themselves rather than forcing them in. Many dogs will naturally retreat to wherever they feel most secure.
Mask the noise. Close all windows and curtains. Turn on the TV, radio, or a music playlist at moderate volume. Classical music has been shown to reduce canine stress, but honestly, anything with a steady beat works better than silence.
Stay calm yourself. Dogs pick up on your anxiety. Carry on as normal. Comfort them if they come to you, but don't make a big fuss. That can reinforce the idea that there's something to be worried about.
Walk them early. Get your dog's walk done well before dark. A tired dog copes better, and you avoid being caught outside when displays start.
Consider pheromone products. Adaptil (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) diffusers and collars mimic the calming pheromones produced by nursing dogs. They're not a magic fix, but vets recommend starting them a week or two before firework season for best results.
Talk to your vet about medication. For dogs with severe firework phobia, prescription medication can make a real difference. Options include fast-acting drugs like Sileo (dexmedetomidine gel), alprazolam, or gabapentin. Diazepam is sometimes preferred because it has amnesic properties, so the dog can't remember being frightened. That helps prevent the fear from getting worse year on year. Your vet will want to do a trial dose beforehand, so book an appointment in September or October, not the day before Bonfire Night.
Long-term desensitisation. Between firework seasons, you can gradually expose your dog to recorded firework sounds at low volume, paired with treats and positive experiences. Research shows this counterconditioning approach can reduce anxiety by up to 70% compared to untreated dogs. It takes weeks of consistent work, but it's the only method that addresses the root cause.
Do quiet fireworks actually exist?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and the honest answer is: sort of.
There's no such thing as a completely silent firework. Every firework needs a propellant charge to launch it and a burst charge to open the effects — both produce some level of sound. "Low-noise" fireworks are designed to minimise the sharp, concussive bangs that cause the most distress. They replace loud reports with softer effects: crackles, hisses, and gentle pops.
The result is noticeably quieter than standard fireworks, but not silent. You'll still hear a whoosh on launch and a soft thud when effects open. For many pets, removing the sudden sharp bangs makes a big difference — the sustained crackle of a quiet fountain is far less alarming than a single loud aerial bomb.
We stock a dedicated low-noise fireworks range specifically for people with pets, nearby livestock, or neighbours who are sensitive to noise. Our complete guide to low-noise fireworks covers what to expect and which products work best for garden displays.
We also stock non-pyro accessories – portfires, firing equipment, and safety sundries – if you want more distance from the display while lighting or just a tidier setup on the night.
Can fireworks harm animals under UK law?
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal, with penalties of up to £20,000 or six months in prison. In theory, this covers distress caused by fireworks. In practice, enforcement is difficult when it comes to private displays.
There's no specific law that bans fireworks near animals. The Fireworks Regulations 2004 restrict when fireworks can be set off (not after 11 pm, or midnight on Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year) but don't mention animal welfare directly.
If you're setting off fireworks and you know there are horses, livestock, or kennels nearby, it's worth giving them a heads-up so they can make their own preparations. It's not a legal requirement, but most people appreciate the thought.
For a full breakdown of what you can and can't do with fireworks in the UK, see our firework laws guide.
A note from us
We love fireworks and our dogs. Millions of UK households manage both every year without any drama. Choose low-noise products if you've got pets nearby, let your neighbours know in advance, keep your displays to a sensible time, and follow the tips above. Most pets cope absolutely fine with a bit of preparation.
If you're planning a garden display and want advice on which fireworks work well when you've got pets at home, get in touch. We can help you put together a selection that still looks brilliant but keeps the noise to a minimum.
Related guides
- Low Noise Fireworks UK — A Complete 2026 Guide
- Are Quiet Fireworks Really Possible?
- Fireworks Safety Guide: The Complete UK Firework Code
- Firework Laws UK 2026: Are Fireworks Legal?
Frequently asked questions
Why are dogs more scared of fireworks than thunder?
Fireworks are unpredictable — there's no build-up like the pressure changes before a thunderstorm. Dogs can't anticipate when the next bang will come, which makes the fear response more intense. Fireworks also produce a wider range of frequencies and flashing lights, adding to the sensory overload.
Should I comfort my dog during fireworks or ignore them?
Comfort them calmly if they come to you. The old advice about "ignoring them so you don't reinforce the fear" has been largely debunked by veterinary behaviourists. What you should avoid is acting panicked yourself — stay calm, speak quietly, and let your dog choose whether to sit with you or retreat to their safe space.
How far away can dogs hear fireworks?
Dogs can hear sounds at roughly four times the distance humans can. A large aerial firework audible to humans at 1-2 miles could potentially be heard by a dog at 4-8 miles, depending on wind, terrain, and the size of the firework.
Are low-noise fireworks completely silent?
No. Low-noise fireworks reduce the sharpest bangs but still produce launch sounds, soft pops, and crackles. They're significantly quieter than standard fireworks and remove the sudden explosive reports that cause the most animal distress, but they're not silent.
When should I talk to my vet about firework anxiety?
Book a vet appointment in September or October — well before Bonfire Night. Your vet may want to trial medication doses in advance to check your dog's response. Leaving it until the last minute limits your options.
Can fireworks kill small animals like rabbits?
In extreme cases, yes. The RSPCA has documented deaths in rabbits and guinea pigs from firework-induced stress. Small prey animals are particularly vulnerable because their instinct is to freeze or flee, and sustained loud noise can cause fatal cardiac events. Take extra precautions for outdoor small pets during firework season.
