From Halloween to Bonfire Night: Getting Your Dog Through Fireworks Season

For many dogs in the UK, the hardest stretch of the year begins at the end of October. Halloween brings unexpected knocks at the door and strangers in costume, and the fireworks that follow rarely stop at Bonfire Night. Most of what helps a worried dog can be done in advance, which is why the best time to prepare is now, before the first bang.

Why this season is hard on dogs

Fear of loud noises is more common than many owners realise. A Bristol study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science in 2013 found that around a quarter of owners surveyed described their dog as fearful of noises, yet almost half of those interviewed in more depth reported at least one behavioural sign of fear when their dog heard noises such as fireworks, thunder or gunshots. Fireworks were the most common trigger. In other words, plenty of dogs who are struggling are not recognised as frightened by the people who love them.

Dogs Trust describes Halloween as the start of a disruptive and noisy week for dogs, with fireworks continuing in the run-up to Bonfire Night. That is why it makes sense to plan for the whole period, not a single evening.

What the law says about fireworks dates and times

Knowing when fireworks are likely helps you plan walks and evenings. In England and Wales, shops without a year-round licence can only sell adult fireworks during set periods, and one of those runs from 15 October to 10 November under the Fireworks Regulations 2004.

The same regulations ban the use of adult fireworks between 11pm and 7am, but the night-time curfew is extended to midnight on 5 November, and to 1am on New Year's Eve, Diwali and the first day of Chinese New Year. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate rules. In Scotland, the Scottish Government says adult fireworks can only be used in private places between 6pm and 11pm, extended to midnight on 5 November and to 1am on New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali, and in firework control zones set by local councils, members of the public cannot set off fireworks other than low-hazard ones such as sparklers and party poppers, though organised public displays can still take place. In practice, fireworks can appear in many shops from mid-October, and on Bonfire Night itself they can legally continue until midnight.

Getting ready before Halloween

Start by learning what fear looks like in your own dog. The Dogs Trust fireworks guidance lists signs including trembling, hiding, excessive panting or drooling, pacing, a tucked tail, loss of appetite and trying to escape. Some of these can also point to a health problem, and the charity advises speaking to your vet as soon as possible if your dog shows fear of fireworks. A vet can check for medical causes, refer you to a behaviourist, and advise on other treatments, including medication where appropriate.

Dogs Trust also recommends giving your dog a safe space: a quiet, cosy and familiar spot where they can settle undisturbed. Set it up well before the season starts so it already feels like theirs. Dogs Trust advises checking that doors, windows and fences are secure, and that your dog's microchip details are up to date, because a frightened dog may try to run. It is a good moment, too, to make sure your dog's collar still fits well and that the details on their tag are current. If you are replacing one before the season, Bhooki's Halloween collection brings together darker, bolder prints, including collars and leads.

Halloween night: doors, sweets and costumes

Trick-or-treaters mean the door opens far more often than usual. Dogs Trust suggests popping your dog on a lead before you open the door, or closing off their access to it altogether, so they cannot slip out or jump up at visitors. If that is not possible, teaching your dog to wait at doorways in the days beforehand can help.

The charity's other Halloween advice is straightforward. Walk your dog before the festivities begin, and turn away if you meet trick-or-treaters while you are out. Feed main meals early so your dog can eat at a relaxed time. Keep sweets well out of reach, because many human treats, especially chocolate, are toxic to dogs. Keep costumes for humans only, since an unfamiliar item can make a dog uncomfortable or stop them behaving normally. And think twice before taking your dog trick-or-treating: even a dog who seems unbothered may not enjoy it for as long as you do.

On fireworks nights

On evenings when you expect fireworks, Dogs Trust advises staying with your dog, getting settled indoors well before dark, and never forcing them outside while fireworks are going off. Close windows and curtains and turn the lights on to block out flashes. Music or the television can help disguise the noise, and the charity has developed a Sound Blanket of masking sounds with the University of Salford for exactly this purpose.

Let your dog choose how they cope. If they want to hide, let them stay where they feel safe. If they come to you for reassurance, calmly give them attention and comfort: Dogs Trust notes that research shows ignoring them will not help. Try to stay relaxed yourself, and never tell your dog off for anything they do out of fear, as this may make them more scared.

After the season

Once the bangs stop, return to your normal routine and keep an eye on how your dog is coping day to day. If they showed signs of fear, speak to your vet before next year, as they may refer you to a clinical behaviourist who can build a plan for the next fireworks season. Dogs Trust also runs a free Behaviour Support Line for owners who are struggling.

Fireworks season cannot be avoided, but it can be planned for. A safe space, a secure home, well-timed walks and a calm owner go a long way, and the earlier you start, the better your dog's chances of getting through it with less fear.