Holiday Harmony - Navigating Fireworks this New Years

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The New Year is mere days away, and with it comes celebrations, excitement, and of course fireworks lighting up the sky in beautiful, blinding bangs. For many, it’s a time of joy, togetherness, and a little sparkle. 

For our dogs, however, it can feel very different. Loud bangs and explosions, flashing lights, smoke, and unpredictability can be overwhelming and frightening, especially for dogs with existing noise phobias, fear, pain and anxiety. It can even be scary for dogs who usually seem calm. While we humans may think they’re “just being dramatic,” their stress is very real.

You are your dog’s safe place, and knowing how to support them during fireworks is one of the most compassionate things you can do for them. So, now that you're here, read on for this S.E.R.E.N.E.™ guide to helping your dog feel calm and safe on New Year’s Eve.

Why are Fireworks Problematic?

When I was younger, I loved fireworks, after all what wasn't to like? Pretty colours, fascinating noises and bangs... but it didn't take me long to realise that Fireworks just really aren't that great. What purpose do they really serve? They are rockets filled with pollutants, we fire them into the sky and watch as they explode, scaring animals and wildlife (as well as humans with sensory issues and conditions like PTSD), and they are a MASSIVE wildfire risk.  

Working in kennels and seeing the dogs I loved have to suffer through fireworks events and seeing the aftermath the next day is scarring. We did what we did of course, shutters to block out the noise, radios turned up with calming music, chews and enrichment for decompression, meds for the dogs who needed it, and time out of kennels for those who really struggled... and yet it wasn't always enough. 

Dogs experience the world very differently from humans. Their hearing is far more sensitive, and sudden, unpredictable noises — like fireworks — can feel threatening and downright terrifying. Bright flashes, vibrations, and not to mention the acrid smell of smoke is intense with their extraordinary smell. All of this simply adds extra layers of confusion, stress and panic.

It’s important to remember: fear is a valid emotional response. It is not an over reaction or misbehaviour, and fun fact: comforting your dog doesn't reinforce fear. In fact, giving them reassurance and comfort has been proven to help calm them and support them through the stressful event. 

What is your dog really telling you?

Some dogs may appear calm, but even then, they might be internally overwhelmed, freezing or shutting down as a way to cope. Others may become highly reactive, trying to escape, bark, or seek protection.

Understanding these signals helps guardians respond with empathy and care, rather than frustration. By recognising that fireworks can be scary, we can better prepare, support, and reassure our dogs — giving them the safety, comfort, and calm they need to get through a noisy New Year’s Eve.

Common signs of fear or stress include:

• Panting

• Pinned Ears

• Restlessness or pacing

• Shaking or trembling

• Hiding or seeking shelter (Can also include digging)

• Barking, whining, or howling

• Clinginess or shadowing their guardian

• Freezing or shutting down

• Fainting (in extreme situations)

Even if a dog seems “quiet” during fireworks, they may still be experiencing intense anxiety internally. Our job as guardians is to notice, respect, and respond to these signals with kindness and care.

The S.E.R.E.N.E.™ Approach to New Year’s Eve (and other firework events)

The preparation for New Year's begins far before the Fireworks. If you know your dog struggles with Fireworks, talk to your Vet (advance medication or supplements may help better support your dog) as well as your trainer ahead of time to get support that is individually beneficial and supportive to your dog.

Other things that can help are:

• An early daytime walk
• Feeding a little earlier
• Prepare safe room/safe doggy area
• Setting up calming music, white noise, fans
• Block windows etc to avoid visual triggers
• Have chews, lick mats, stuffed Kongs ready
• Ensure ID tags and microchip info are current incase they get scared and escape
• Plan potty breaks before fireworks begin

I also highly recommend Blackwing Farms Essences for supporting dogs, their Drama/Trauma Spray is especially effective for firework and noise phobias. You can shop their products here. Don't forget to use my discount code: UltiMutt10

During the Fireworks:

• Close curtains or blinds to minimize flashes

• Keep lights on to avoid stark contrasts and shadows that can startle your dog

• Play calming music or white noise to help mask outside sounds

• Stay calm and present be supportive but don’t force interaction

• Allow hiding or safe spaces. Letting your dog choose where to be helps them feel calmer

• Provide enrichment like chew toys, stuffed Kongs, or scent games to redirect focus

• Never punish fear behaviours — barking, shaking, or pacing are normal responses. Comfort them

• Avoid taking your dog outside until the fireworks have ended and it’s safe and quiet.

• A Thundershirt may be beneficial for anxious dogs

• For dogs with extreme sensitivity, a quiet overnight stay in a safe location (like a trusted friend’s home, a pet-friendly boarding facility, or even a car with familiar bedding) can make a huge difference.

After the Fireworks:

• Allow your dog to decompress slowly the next day, offer calm activities and encourage sleep.

• Take a gentle sniffy walk for exercise and scent exploration/decompression

• Resume normal routines as soon as possible to restore predictability (if appropriate to your dog)

• Update your vet if your dog struggled

• Consider a consult with a trainer or behaviourist if your dog struggled, so you can plan for future firework events.

A note on highly sensitive dogs:

In addition to the above steps, seeking the help and working with a Professional can go a long way in supporting your sensitive dog. 

• Ensure you have your dog thoroughly checked medically to eliminate pain or discomfort being a factor in their behaviour.  
• Speak to your vet before fireworks and see if medication, pheromones, or supplements could help.
• Consulting with an Ethical Training Professional or behaviourist to help with desensitization, counter-conditioning and long-term support.

If your dog struggles, you are not failing them. Remember, your dog needs support, not to snap out of it. Support and comfort that takes time, but the end results are so worth it.

S.E.R.E.N.E™ steps to remember:

Safety — 

• Consider removing your dog from the noisy environment and taking a drive or staying in a quiet place
• Create a secure space they can hide in
• close blinds; provide white noise
• Manage outdoor access

Empathy — 

• Imagine what they are feeling. Picture your phobia and how you would want to be treated
• Be kind and comforting
• Don’t punish vocalizing or hiding

Regulation — 

• Provide grounding enrichment, lickmats, snuffle mats, scents and calming toys
• Support self-soothing behaviours (chewing, licking, sniffing games)
• Give supplements and medications if prescribed
• Use a Thundershirt if advised
• Use Blackwing Farm sprays if you purchased them to help your dog cope

Exploration — 

• Let them move around freely inside
• Do not confine them in a crate (this can worsen panic)
• Allow access to chosen safe spots
• Make good use of scent games and snuffle activities

Nurture — 

• Offer touch if they want it; be soothing and predictable
• Offer blankets and soft textures
• If comforting, leave something with your scent in your dogs safe space

Empowerment — 

• Give choices (Offer different beds, spaces, food and toys
• Respect their choice if they want to be close to you
• Respect their choice if they don't want to be near you

Hopefully soon we will live in a world that chooses to not utilize Fireworks, (and instead does drone shows or other silent alternatives!) but until then, be your dogs safety and their anchor in the storm.