Bonfire Night: How to Keep Your Dogs and Horses Calm During Fireworks

Bonfire Night can be unsettling for our four-legged friends. Discover our top tips for keeping dogs and horses calm during fireworks, from creating a safe environment to exploring suitable calming products and supplements for extra support.

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Bonfire Night: How to Keep Your Dogs and Horses Calm During Fireworks

Bonfire Night can be an exciting time of year, but for many pets, the loud bangs, bright flashes and unpredictable noise can be frightening. Dogs may become restless or hide, while horses can be startled by fireworks and react by bolting or injuring themselves.

With Bonfire Night falling on 5 November, now is a good time to prepare your animals and make sure you have everything you need to help them feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

At R&R Country, we know how important our four-legged friends are. From practical advice to suitable calming products for dogs and horses, here's how to prepare for fireworks season.

How to prepare your dog for Bonfire Night

Fireworks can be particularly challenging for dogs because of their sensitive hearing and the sudden, unpredictable noises. Preparing a quiet, familiar environment and maintaining their usual routine can help.

1. Walk your dog before dark

Plan your dog's main walk earlier in the day, before fireworks are likely to begin. Keep them on a lead, particularly in areas where fireworks may be set off, and ensure their identification details are up to date.

Keep dogs indoors during fireworks and take extra care when opening doors and gates, as frightened dogs may try to escape.

2. Create a safe, cosy space

Choose a familiar area where your dog can retreat if they become worried. Their usual bed, blankets and favourite toys can help make the space feel reassuring.

Close curtains to reduce flashes of light and use familiar background noise, such as the television or music, to help soften the sound of fireworks. Let your dog choose where they feel most comfortable, and offer reassurance if they seek it.

3. Consider suitable calming products

Some dogs benefit from additional support during noisy or stressful situations. Depending on your dog's needs, this might include suitable calming supplements or noise-reducing accessories.

At R&R Country, the Soothe & Settle Hush Muff is designed to help reduce external noise and may be worth considering for noise-sensitive dogs. Introduce it gradually before fireworks night and check that your dog is comfortable wearing it.

You can also explore our dog healthcare range, including Natural VetCare Calm & Vetspec.

Calming products can offer additional support, but they are not guaranteed to prevent fear. If your dog becomes severely distressed, speak to your vet well before fireworks night to discuss an appropriate plan.


How to keep your horse safe during fireworks

Horses can react strongly to sudden noises and flashes of light. Because their natural response to danger is often to flee, planning ahead is particularly important for their safety.

1. Plan your horse's environment in advance

Check whether there are any organised firework displays or celebrations taking place near your yard or fields. If possible, speak to neighbours and organisers ahead of time.

Decide whether your horse is likely to feel safer in their usual stable or familiar field. There is no single solution for every horse, so consider their normal routine, temperament and surroundings.

Whichever environment you choose, check fencing, gates and the surrounding area for hazards. Make sure any stable is safe and secure, and arrange for a knowledgeable person to check on your horse.

2. Keep their routine familiar

Sudden changes can add to an already unsettling evening. Where possible, maintain your horse's usual feeding and turnout routine.

Providing suitable forage and keeping familiar companions nearby may help them remain occupied. If your horse is stabled, familiar background noise and appropriate lighting may also help reduce the impact of sudden sounds and flashes.

3. Explore horse calming supplements

Some horse owners use calming supplements to support their horse during periods of increased stress. The right option will depend on the individual horse, the ingredients and how the product is intended to be used.

R&R Country stocks a range of horse supplements, including:

Always follow the individual product's feeding instructions, check whether it needs to be introduced in advance and consult your vet if your horse has significant anxiety. Supplements are not a substitute for a safe environment or veterinary treatment where needed. 

When should you introduce calming products?

It's best not to leave preparation until the last minute. Some products are intended for daily use and may need to be introduced ahead of a stressful event, while others have different directions for use.

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and check suitability for your animal before starting a new product. Never give your pet human medication or sedatives unless specifically prescribed by your vet.

If your dog or horse has a history of severe fireworks anxiety, speak to your vet early. They can help you develop a plan that suits your animal rather than relying on calming products alone.


Your Bonfire Night pet safety checklist

Before the fireworks begin, make sure you've considered the following:

Prepare for Bonfire Night with R&R Country

A little planning can make a real difference to how you and your animals approach fireworks season. Whether you're preparing a cosy space for your dog or looking for suitable calming support for your horse, R&R Country is here to help you explore practical products for their needs.

Browse our dog healthcare range and horse supplements to prepare ahead of Bonfire Night.

Here's to a safer, more settled fireworks season for all our four-legged friends.

Advice note: This article provides general pet-care information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Product suitability and results vary between animals.

FAQ's

When should I start preparing my dog for Bonfire Night?

Start as early as possible. Preparing a safe space and adjusting routines can begin straight away, while some calming products need to be introduced in advance.

Can horses have calming supplements for fireworks?

Some horse calming supplements are designed to support relaxation during stressful situations. Always check the ingredients and feeding instructions, and consult your vet if your horse experiences significant anxiety.

Should I keep my dog indoors during fireworks?

Yes. Keep your dog indoors while fireworks are going off, close windows and curtains, and take precautions to prevent them escaping through open doors or gates.

What should I do if my pet is extremely frightened of fireworks?

Speak to your vet before fireworks season if possible. Severe anxiety may need an individual management plan or veterinary treatment rather than calming products alone.