Bonfire Night can be one of the most exciting evenings of the year for people, but for our dogs, it’s often a completely different story. The loud bangs, flashing lights, and unfamiliar smells can leave even the bravest pups trembling with fear.
But with the right preparation, comfort, and care, you can help your dog stay calm, happy, and safe while the fireworks light up the sky.
Here’s how to make this Bonfire Night as stress-free as possible for your four-legged friend.
Start planning a few days before the fireworks begin. Early preparation helps your dog feel more secure, reducing any potential anxiety when the noise starts.
Give your dog a good walk before the evening begins so they’ve had plenty of exercise and are less restless later on.
You could offer their evening meal before fireworks start, as some dogs are too anxious to eat once the noise begins. See our range of high - quality dog food to let your dog try something new, making those tails wag before something new disturbs their normal return.
One of our best selling dog food options is the Canagan Free Range Chicken Grain Free Dry Dog Food, which has been formulated by experts to deliver the nutritional requirements your dog's body requires.
You can also turn on the TV, radio, or a calming music playlist to help mask the sounds of fireworks as comforting background noise. This can help keep your dog more relaxed and content.
It is great to reward calm behaviour, see our range of tasty treats and chews that your dog will love.
From premium quality biscuits to specially made canine chocolates, our dog treats and chews aren’t just tasty rewards; they’re made with hypoallergenic ingredients that encourage good health and digestion, and can even help your doggy’s dental hygiene.
Try Calming Aids
If your dog is particularly sensitive to noise, calming products can make a big difference.
Our wide range of dog calming/anxiety treatments are perfect for dogs that get scared or anxious during fireworks and thunderstorms. These anxiety relief aids are designed specifically to relax and soothe your dog to stop them from feeling unsafe or panicked.
Here are some of our top picks…
These are natural, grain-free dog treats, designed to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Made with high-quality turkey, a lean source of protein, and hemp, known for its soothing properties, these Turkey & Hemp Meaty Calming Treats are perfect for anxious or excitable dogs.
Enriched with chamomile and L-tryptophan, they support calm behaviour and emotional balance, making them perfect to give during bonfire night and Halloween, when more knocks on the door might be happening than usual, making your pooch unsettled and wary.
The Beaphar Calming Collar effectively reduces problem behaviour arising from stressful situations in dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. Using Valerian and lavender, which are often used in human healthcare to manage stress, it leaves dogs feeling calm, settled and relaxed, reducing potentially destructive problem behaviour.
Once fitted, Valerian will be released immediately and the dog will begin to relax within approximately one hour.
Calm & Relax Powder for dogs is made from 100% natural unprocessed ingredients. It has been specifically developed to naturally soothe and calm your pet in times of stress and anxiety.
This powder is a blend of raw and pure herbs, which helps calm your pet in times of stress, such as noisy and unfamiliar environments, as well as other uncertain situations where worry may occur for your canine friend.
This Pet Remedy Natural De-Stress & Calming Plug-in, comes with a 40ml bottle containing a blend of valerian and essential oils, which is suitable for all mammals including cats, dogs, rodents and horses as well as all birds.
This plug in works with your pet’s own natural calming mechanisms, mimicking GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), so when your pet becomes stressed or anxious, the Pet Remedy actives help trick red-up nerve cells into thinking they are getting a message from the brain to calm. This is why it starts to help instantly.
Each 40ml bottle will last approximately 8 weeks, keep your pet calm throughout any changes to your routine, or new additions to your home during the festive season, such as bright decorations, or busy households of family members and friends.
Keep Them Distracted
Distraction can be a powerful tool during noisy nights. From balls and boomerangs designed to be thrown at astonishingly long distances, to totally off the wall activities like dog treat balls, puzzles and mazes, our interactive dog toys will redefine the way your best friend gets their much needed exercise and mental stimulation.
The KONG Licks Treat Dispenser has ridges and grooves, holding treats and paste for long-lasting licking, fighting boredom and offering a rewarding distraction during nail trims and baths. Plus, licking releases endorphins that help soothe dogs who are frightened by what they can see out the window.
The KONG Ballistic Hide N Treat acts as a mentally challenging treat puzzle, and doubles as a fetch toy when closed. This toy offers mental stimulation and a fun way to keep your dog distracted with something they’ll love to explore and play with.
Bonfire Night doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for your dog. With a bit of preparation, patience, and the right calming aids, you can help them feel secure and even enjoy a peaceful night by your side.
Here at The Pet Express, we’re passionate about helping pets stay happy and healthy all year round. From anxiety treatments to tasty treats, explore our range of calming products for your dogs and make this Bonfire Night your dog’s most comfortable one yet.
