Fireworks can be confusing and overwhelming for dogs, they don't understand the sudden bangs and flashes of light. It's something a lot of the MUTTS community have experienced first hand with their own dogs at this time of year.
Why fireworks can be unsettling
Dogs experience the world very differently from us. Their hearing is much more sensitive, so the sudden, loud bangs of fireworks can feel overwhelming and even painful. Fireworks are also unpredictable, which can make dogs feel unsafe because they cannot anticipate what will happen next. The combination of intense sound, bright flashes, and vibrations through the ground can trigger a stress response, similar to a fight-or-flight reaction.
Because they do not understand that the noise is harmless, dogs may become anxious, hide, pace, whine, or seek reassurance. This is a natural reaction to something their senses perceive as threatening. Understanding why fireworks feel so unsettling is the first step in helping dogs feel safe, and we’ve heard from so many people in the MUTTS community about how they help their dogs through fireworks season.
What helps our community
There are a few simple ways to create a calm, reassuring space for your dog. Many start by setting up a small den in the quietest corner of the house, filled with familiar things like a favourite toy, blanket, and a few treats. Gentle scents such as lavender or chamomile are known to help reduce anxiety in dogs, and dog-friendly candles can be very effective, though they should still be used in small doses and in a well-ventilated space. Others in the community use a pheromone plug-in or room spray to create a sense of calm before the fireworks begin.
One important way many in our community help their dogs is by playing music. We’re introducing MUTTS Radio, a new series of playlists created for life with dogs. The first edition is made for fireworks season, featuring gentle, soothing tracks. Playing it while your dog settles in helps create a calmer, more predictable environment and can soften the sounds of fireworks from outside.
Chewing, sniffing, and licking are all naturally calming behaviours for dogs. A long-lasting chew can help release tension, while a lick mat filled with peanut butter or their favourite treat encourages slow, rhythmic licking. You can also hide treats in a snuffle toy or scatter them in a blanket or rolled-up towel, turning these calming activities into a comforting ritual.
Some members of the community also use training to help their dogs feel more comfortable over time. Playing recordings of fireworks very quietly at first, and gradually increasing the volume over the weeks leading up to the season while pairing the sound with something positive like treats or play, can help desensitise dogs. Combined with the den and calming music from MUTTS Radio, it can make a real difference when the real fireworks begin.
Keeping to your usual routine also helps. Feeding, walking, and winding down at the same times each day gives dogs a sense of rhythm and safety, even when the world outside feels chaotic.
MUTTS co-founder Sami’s dog, Cherub, was caught off guard by a firework that went off a little too close two years ago. Since then, fireworks have been difficult for her. When they start, she likes to be covered with a blanket and will often stay tucked away until they pass. At her most anxious, she used to hide in her crate while Sami sat nearby so she knew she wasn’t alone, even if she didn’t want to come out.
By contrast, MUTTS co-founder Louise’s dog, Chicken, isn’t bothered by fireworks at all. Recently, we’ve found that when the two spend time together during fireworks, Cherub stays noticeably calmer. It’s a reminder of how much our dogs pick up from one another, and that sometimes, simply having a friend nearby can make all the difference.
After the noise fades
Once the fireworks have passed, a walk or a bit of extra play helps your dog decompress. Keeping routines steady and making sure your dogs get enough exercise during the day gives them the best chance to stay calm in case the fireworks return.
You can listen to MUTTS Radio: 001 Fireworks here.
