Relax with our Pets' Playlist this firework season
Tune in for a peaceful night with your pooch 🐾
Last updated 29th Oct 2025
We might play the Greatest Hits all day and all of the night, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some empathy for our four-legged friends when it comes to needing a bit of calm every now and again.
And that’s never more apparent than on Bonfire Night, when dogs up and down the country get spooked and stressed by the sound of fireworks and the sight of flashing lights.
We've put together a feel-good Pets Playlist for you and your pooch to enjoy when you want a distraction from unsettling noises outside. Our Pets Playlist will be available from Saturday 1st November - bookmark this page now!
And our friends at Dogs Trust have shared some really useful advice to help dog owners reduce the upset fireworks can cause, advising owners to help their pets by preparing early.
Plan ahead
Don’t wait until fireworks begin. Start preparing your dog ahead of Bonfire Night to minimise the impact fireworks have on them.
Adjust your schedule
Plan your walks to make sure your dog is indoors when any fireworks are likely. This might mean changing your routine to walk them earlier in the day and changing your feeding schedule to give your dog time to eat and go to the toilet before dark.
Ensure your dog has their own safe space
Some dogs will benefit from having a safe place to retreat to if they feel worried by fireworks, even if they’ve never shown signs of worry before. Introduce this safe place well in advance and encourage them there by building up positive associations. Other dogs will cope best by seeking reassurance, so give them attention and comfort if they need it.
Recognise the individual needs of your dog
Dogs can react very differently to fireworks. Some appear relaxed and unbothered by the whizzes and bangs; others show signs of anxiety or fear. They may show subtle signs, such as panting or licking their lips, finding somewhere to hide or seeking attention from their human family. Or they may show more obvious signs, such as pacing, barking or even having accidents in the house.
Plan your dates
Arrange your plans around key fireworks dates to make sure you, or someone your dog knows well, will be at home with them when scary sounds are likely. Research local events to find out when firework displays are on and talk to your neighbours to see if they’re planning on having fireworks in their gardens.
Speak to your vet well ahead of fireworks events
Your vet can help with advice and may also prescribe medication to help your dog cope. Medication can be extremely useful when dogs are fearful as it can not only help them cope during the fireworks event but also stop their fear escalating after each event.
For more advice visit the Dogs Trust website.
Find out how Ken Bruce has been helping Dogs Trust Underdogs and take a look at some perfectly imperfect pups looking for their forever homes.