29/10/2026
Two layers after dark: our fireworks safety rule 🔒
Fireworks can be really, really scary to many dogs. Even if they don't seem to scare your dog right now, all it takes to move a dog into that extreme fear space is being startled by one big bang.
That's why safety comes first in our fireworks first aid.
No walks after dark
We advise everyone, and we even do this with our own dogs who aren't worried by fireworks: in fireworks season, we don't walk them after dark. Imagine being 30 minutes into a walk when a firework goes off, and your dog is panicking, scrambling and trying to get home. Walk in daylight instead.
Toilet trips on lead, even in the garden
Even when we take our dogs out to the toilet in the garden after dark at this time of year, we make sure they're on lead. We know many dogs who have gone into such a state of panic that they've managed to scale a six-foot fence and run away, with search parties out looking for them.
Two layers of containment
So we have a simple rule: two layers of safety, or two layers of containment, any time after dark at this time of year. For example, a lead plus a fence.
Why this matters so much
Keeping your dog safe also protects them from becoming even more worried. There's no more traumatic experience for a dog than running away in blind panic and then not knowing where they are, going from one scary thing to another scary thing because they're lost and away from home. Fear stacks up.
Once safety is sorted, you can prep for the evenings:
• Have passive calming activities ready way before dusk, such as frozen stuffed Kongs, long-lasting chews and, for dogs who suit them, lick mats.
• Put drum-style music on early at a moderate volume, so when the fireworks start they're just accompanying the music.
• Close the blinds and curtains, because for some dogs it's the flashes as well as the noise.
• Talk to your vet team about whether an extra layer of support, like an appropriate supplement or medication, would help your dog.
And if the bangs catch you out, move first, calm second: get your dog moving and playing, then slowly bring their arousal down.
Your dog does not need to suffer through fireworks season. Save this, and share it with a friend who walks their dog in the evenings.
Save this, share it with another dog owner, and tell us which behaviour we should explain next 👇
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