Fireworks and Dogs: Leeds Dog Owner’s Guide to Calmer Nights
- Storms Raw
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
The Season of Bangs Begins
Every year in Leeds, Bonfire Night lights up the sky — and turns my house upside down. This year is going to be a bad one, as the 5th of November falls on a Wednesday, which means at least two weekends of never-ending bangs, flashing lights, and living in terror for my poor dogs.
I know some of you will be lucky enough to have dogs that don’t seem to be bothered — or even like fireworks — but over 50% of dog owners aren’t that fortunate.
If you’ve followed my past blogs, you’ll know this isn’t my favourite time of year. I adore the colours, the celebrations, and the community spirit… but for Myst, my noise-sensitive collie, it’s a month of pure anxiety.
And this year, little Taz is about to experience her second fireworks season. Last year, we did okay with her, but you never know if they’ll be fine the following year — something small can trigger a reaction, and even age and hormones can play a part — so we’re doubling down on calm!
You might feel the same. You love your dogs, you hate seeing them shake or hide, and you just want to help them feel safe. The good news is — you can.
Let’s start with what the science tells us about why dogs fear fireworks, how widespread the problem is, and how to keep your dog calmer this Bonfire Night here in Leeds.
Why Dogs Fear Fireworks — The Science Behind It
Dogs hear nearly four times better than humans, picking up sounds up to 60,000 Hz. That means every whistle, crack, and boom is far louder and more unpredictable for them than for us.
Research shows that around one in four UK dogs suffers from true noise phobia — an intense, lasting fear response that can cause panic even after the noise stops. When we include milder reactions, that number almost doubles — nearly half of all dogs show some level of fear or distress during fireworks.
This isn’t just “being a bit nervous.” Fireworks trigger a physiological stress response: heart rate spikes, cortisol floods the body, and instinct tells them to hide or run.A 2020 Scientific Reports study found measurable increases in panting, pacing, and cortisol levels in dogs exposed to fireworks compared to control nights.
Even in quieter Leeds suburbs like Otley, Adel, or Morley, distant bangs can be enough to send a sensitive dog into panic mode.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
25% of UK dogs suffer from true noise phobia
49% show measurable distress during fireworks
Reports of missing dogs rise by 81% around Bonfire Night and Diwali
Less than one-third of owners ever seek professional help
That means tens of thousands of dogs right here in Leeds and West Yorkshire are struggling through this season each year. But with some planning, we can make it easier on them.
If we look at those numbers, the likelihood is your dog is reacting to fireworks — even if only with mild symptoms. This can worsen as the years pass.I personally don’t believe there’s a magic cure, but you can absolutely make it better for your dog and help them feel safer and happier at this difficult time of year.
👉 Further reading: 5 Solutions for Dogs Who Are Scared of Fireworks
How to Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks in Leeds
Whether this is your first year dealing with firework anxiety or your tenth, preparation makes a huge difference. Here’s what I do with Myst (and what I’ll be doing with Taz this year):
Now — Before the Fireworks Start
Set up a safe space — a familiar room with thick curtains, soft bedding, and a TV or radio on.
Start using calming aids early — Pet Remedy plug-ins or natural herbal blends like Verm-X Organic Calming Support.
Keep a steady routine for meals, walks, and rest to balance cortisol.
Put noise on to distract them and give them something to focus on. I use action movies — this works for Myst, as she watches the TV and blames me for the nasty noises! For others, classical music may help calm them. Test a few things and see what works for your dog.
The Week Before
Walk early — I’m usually out around 6 a.m. so Myst can enjoy a peaceful run.I never walk after 2 p.m. as it starts to get risky for surprise bangs. I want her to have a lovely, peaceful walk — time off-lead to run and explore — without risking her getting spooked.
Check ID tags and microchip details are up to date.
Add enrichment indoors — puzzles, lickimats, or tracheas stuffed with dinner to help release serotonin.
On the Night
Shut the curtains, turn the lights on, and mask the sound. Myst actually prefers all the lights on — she copes better when the room feels “normal.”
Stay calm yourself — dogs mirror our emotions.
Offer chews or food-based enrichment; chewing releases serotonin, the “happy hormone.”(Read more about why chewing helps calm dogs → From Fright to Delight: How Chewing Can Calm Your Dog During Fireworks)
Don’t punish or overly comfort; just stay relaxed and reassuring.
💡 Tip: Keep dogs indoors from 5 p.m. onwards, even on nights leading up to these events. Many
Leeds neighbourhoods start fireworks several days before Bonfire Night itself. If you live near these areas, plan early walks and prep your calming setup. Leeds City Council reports that escape incidents spike at this time — make sure gardens and gates are secure.
Calming from the Inside Out
Supporting your dog internally can make a huge difference.
I rely on nervine and adaptogenic herbs, which help the nervous system stay balanced. Some of my favourites include:
Valerian & Skullcap (as in Dorwest’s blend)
Lemon Balm
Passionflower
Ashwagandha
Chamomile
Hemp extract
If your dog refuses pills, Pet Remedy plug-ins and sprays are brilliant — especially in multi-dog homes.
And don’t underestimate chewing — it’s not just a distraction; it helps regulate serotonin and gives your dog a natural outlet for stress.
After the Fireworks
Even once the bangs stop, many dogs stay on edge for days. Keep routines calm and predictable. Continue enrichment, quiet walks, and gentle reassurance. If anxiety lingers for more than a week or appetite drops, chat with a holistic vet or behaviourist — early help prevents long-term phobias.
Final Thoughts
Here in Leeds, fireworks can stretch on for weeks — but with understanding, preparation, and the right support, you can help your dog feel safe and secure.
Myst and I have learned over the years that it’s never about stopping the noise — it’s about helping your dog feel calm despite it.
If you’ve found something that helps your dog, share it! Drop a comment or tag @StormsRawEmporium on Facebook — the more we share, the calmer this season becomes for all our dogs
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