Fireworks light up our skies, but many dogs don’t see the beauty, they feel the stress. Loud bangs, unexpected flashes, the rumble of noise can unsettle even the most grounded pup. But as country folk who know the land, the rhythms, the seasons, we have tools to help our dogs through. With a few gentle adjustments, good food, and familiar comforts, we can make fireworks nights a lot easier on them.
Why fireworks can trouble dogs
Out in the countryside or the village, silence and steady sounds are our norm. When fireworks break that peace, dogs feel it sharply. Their ears pick up ricochets of noise, their bodies tense for danger. Some shake, some hide, some simply freeze in fear. Recognising those signs: pacing, panting, seeking shelter, is our first chance to act.
Ways to help dogs stay calm during fireworks
Create a safe space
Pick a room or corner in your home where your dog already feels secure. Close the windows and curtains to soften lights and muffled sounds. Add their favourite bed or blanket, maybe even your coat, something with your scent helps. If possible, play soft music or low volume radio to mask distant bangs.
Hold steady routines
Routines are reassuring. Try to keep feeding times, walks, rest periods all as normal as possible even when fireworks are expected. A long walk earlier in the day helps too, a tired dog is often calmer when the noise starts.
Offer natural calming support with food you trust
What we feed our dogs matters, especially when stress is high. A well-balanced, gentle diet supports their digestion and keeps them steady during anxious moments. Pairing this with a favourite treat can also work wonders, offering a positive focus when the world outside feels unsettling.
Feeding as a ritual of reassurance
Food has a way of grounding us all, and it’s no different for our dogs. Creating a calm mealtime ritual in their safe space helps turn the noise of fireworks into something less threatening. After dinner, you might offer a little reward, like Judge's Choice Grain Free Mini Cheese Bones. They’re small, crunchy, and tasty, making them a simple way to distract and comfort your dog while also reinforcing calm behaviour.
A gentle final thought
Fireworks will always be part of certain nights, celebrations, festivity, maybe even tradition. But they don’t have to mean distress. By leaning into the comforts of home, keeping to what dogs already trust eg good food, calm routines, safe spaces, and rewarding treats, we can preserve peace in the storm.