Bonfire Night 2026: 12 Ways to Keep Dogs and Cats Calm During Fireworks

Published: 24 October 2026 | SHOW ROOM

Bonfire Night is approaching in the United Kingdom, with celebrations taking place on Thursday, 5 November 2026.

For many families, the occasion means colourful fireworks, bonfires and outdoor celebrations.

However, for dogs, cats and other household pets, loud explosions and unexpected flashes of light can make the evening frightening.

Animals have sensitive hearing, and sudden noises can trigger fear, shaking, hiding and attempts to escape.

Fortunately, preparing your home and understanding your pet's behaviour can help reduce the risks.

Here are 12 practical ways to keep your dogs and cats safer and more comfortable during Bonfire Night 2026.

1. Create a Comfortable Safe Space

One of the most important preparations is giving your pet somewhere secure to retreat.

Choose a quiet area of your home, preferably away from windows.

For dogs, you might prepare a comfortable bed with familiar blankets and favourite toys.

Cats often prefer enclosed spaces, such as a cardboard box, a covered bed or a quiet area beneath furniture.

Allow your pet to enter and leave their hiding place freely.

Never force a frightened animal into a confined space.

2. Walk Your Dog Before Fireworks Begin

Plan your dog's daily exercise during daylight hours.

Fireworks are more likely to occur after dark, although unexpected displays can happen earlier.

An afternoon walk may help your dog maintain its normal routine while reducing exposure to loud evening noises.

Keep your dog on a secure lead when necessary, particularly if fireworks are already being heard.

Avoid taking dogs to fireworks displays.

3. Keep Cats Indoors After Dark

Outdoor cats may become frightened by fireworks and run away unexpectedly.

Try to bring your cat indoors before evening celebrations begin.

Close cat flaps and ensure windows and external doors are secure.

Provide a clean litter tray, fresh water, food and comfortable resting places.

Cats that normally spend considerable time outdoors may need extra enrichment while staying inside.

4. Close Curtains and Windows

Fireworks create both loud sounds and bright flashes.

Closing curtains can help reduce visual stimulation, while shutting windows may limit some outside noise.

Choose a room where your pet already feels comfortable.

Avoid making sudden changes to your pet's surroundings immediately before the fireworks begin.

5. Play Familiar Background Music

Soft music or familiar television sounds may help mask some firework noise.

Choose something your pet is already accustomed to hearing.

Keep the volume comfortable rather than turning it up excessively.

Some pets may benefit from gentle classical music or familiar household background sounds.

Remember that music cannot completely block fireworks.

6. Stay Calm and Maintain Normal Routines

Animals can respond to changes in their surroundings and their owners' behaviour.

Try to remain calm and continue familiar activities.

If your dog approaches you for reassurance, gentle attention is appropriate.

If your cat prefers to hide, allow it to remain undisturbed.

Never punish an animal for barking, trembling, hiding or showing fear.

These reactions are signs of distress rather than deliberate misbehaviour.

7. Check Microchip and Identification Details

Fireworks can cause frightened pets to escape.

Before Bonfire Night, check that your pet's microchip registration details are accurate.

Ensure your current telephone number and address are recorded.

Dogs should also wear appropriate identification tags.

Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs and for cats over 20 weeks old in England, subject to the applicable rules.

Keeping identification information current improves the chances of being reunited with a lost pet.

8. Offer Familiar Toys and Gentle Activities

Some pets may enjoy familiar toys, food puzzles or gentle games during fireworks.

These activities can provide a positive distraction.

However, not every frightened animal will want to play or eat.

Never force your pet to participate.

If your dog or cat chooses to hide, respect that decision.

9. Avoid Leaving Pets Alone

If possible, arrange to stay at home during the busiest fireworks periods.

Your presence may provide reassurance, particularly for animals that become distressed by loud noises.

If you must leave home, consider asking a trusted family member or experienced pet sitter to stay with your animal.

Avoid leaving frightened dogs outdoors, tied up or unattended in vehicles.

10. Ask Your Vet About Calming Products

Some pets experience significant fireworks anxiety despite careful preparation.

Veterinary professionals may recommend appropriate behavioural strategies, pheromone products or prescribed medication.

The effectiveness of calming products varies between animals.

Consult your vet before using any new treatment.

Important: Never give your pet human sleeping tablets, painkillers or anti-anxiety medicines unless specifically prescribed by a veterinarian.

11. Recognise the Signs of Fireworks Anxiety

Dogs and cats express fear in different ways.

Common signs of stress may include:

Trembling or shaking
Excessive panting
Hiding
Pacing
Unusual vocalisation
Reduced appetite
Attempts to escape
Excessive drooling
Restlessness

If your pet becomes severely distressed, injures itself, collapses or experiences breathing difficulties, seek urgent veterinary assistance.

12. Prepare for Fireworks Beyond Bonfire Night

Fireworks may occur on several evenings around 5 November, rather than on Bonfire Night alone.

Some neighbourhoods also hold celebrations during weekends.

Check local event announcements to identify planned displays.

Maintain your pet's safe space throughout the fireworks season.

For animals with persistent noise-related fears, ask your vet about a long-term behavioural support plan.

Gradual sound desensitisation should be introduced well ahead of future fireworks seasons under suitable professional guidance, rather than started during a frightening display.

Bonfire Night 2026 Pet Safety Checklist

Before the celebrations begin, check that you have completed these preparations:

Prepare a quiet, comfortable hiding place.
Walk your dog during daylight hours.
Bring cats indoors before dark.
Close windows, doors and curtains.
Check microchip and identification details.
Provide fresh water and familiar bedding.
Prepare suitable toys and enrichment.
Arrange for someone to stay with anxious pets.
Contact your vet if your pet has severe fireworks anxiety.
Check local fireworks event information.

What About Rabbits and Other Small Pets?

Bonfire Night can also affect rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals.

Where practical, move outdoor enclosures to a quiet, suitable indoor environment.

Provide additional bedding and hiding spaces.

If an enclosure must remain outside, protect it from flashes and some noise without restricting essential ventilation.

Small animals should also be monitored for changes in eating, drinking and behaviour.

Contact a veterinarian if you notice concerning symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Bonfire Night 2026?

Bonfire Night falls on Thursday, 5 November 2026, in the United Kingdom.

Why are dogs afraid of fireworks?

Dogs have sensitive hearing, and unexpected loud explosions can trigger fear and stress responses.

Should I comfort my dog during fireworks?

Yes. If your dog seeks reassurance, gentle comfort is appropriate. Allow it to choose whether to stay close or retreat to a safe space.

Should cats stay indoors on Bonfire Night?

Yes. Keeping cats indoors during fireworks reduces their exposure to loud noises and lowers the risk of escaping in fear.

Can I give my dog calming medication?

Only use medication prescribed or specifically recommended by a veterinarian for your pet.

What if my pet remains frightened after the fireworks stop?

Provide a calm environment and allow time to recover. Contact your vet if distress persists or you notice concerning changes in behaviour or health.

Final Thoughts

Bonfire Night 2026 can be enjoyable for families, but it is important to remember that fireworks can be distressing for animals.

Creating a comfortable hiding place, keeping pets indoors, checking identification details and maintaining calm routines can help reduce unnecessary risks.

For animals with severe fireworks anxiety, professional veterinary advice is particularly important.

With preparation and patience, pet owners can make the celebrations safer and less stressful for their four-legged companions.

A little preparation today can make a meaningful difference to your pet's comfort on Bonfire Night.