Do Guy Fawkes and The Sound Of Fireworks Terrify Your Dog?

For many Kiwi households, Guy Fawkes means sparklers and backyard displays. For a lot of dogs, it means shaking, panting or hiding behind the couch. If that sounds like your dog, you're not alone: a New Zealand Veterinary Journal survey found that around three in four pets show fear of fireworks.

This year, fireworks are on sale from Monday 2 to Thursday 5 November. But as most dog guardians know, the noise doesn't stop on the 5th. Stockpiled crackers go off for weeks afterwards, often right through to New Year. So it pays to plan for a season, not just one night.

Here are four strategies to help your dog feel safer.

1. Start gentle fireworks sound work.

This technique is called desensitisation and counter-conditioning, and it works by changing how your dog feels about the sound.

Spend five minutes each day playing a recording of crackers at a volume so low your dog barely notices it. Each time the sound plays, follow it with a high-value treat, something your dog loves. The goal is for the bang to predict something delicious.

Over the following days, gradually and randomly increase the volume, mixing in plenty of easy, quiet repetitions so your dog keeps succeeding. Watch closely for signs of stress: lip licking, yawning, ears back, turning away, moving away or refusing food. If your dog becomes distressed, you have progressed too fast. Go back to a volume where your dog is comfortable and build up again from there.

A note of honesty: speakers cannot reproduce the deep boom and vibration of real fireworks, and two weeks is a short runway. Think of this as a head start rather than a cure, and keep practising year-round for next season. If even a very quiet recording upsets your dog, stop and seek professional support.

2. Create a calm haven on the day.

Being prepared can make a big difference.

• Walk and toilet early. Take your dog out well before dusk, and keep evening toilet trips on lead to avoid your dog bolting with any unexpected bang.

• Close up the house. Shut windows, doors and curtains to muffle the noise and block the flashes.

• Offer a den. A covered crate or a nook under a table with their bed and a familiar blanket gives your dog somewhere to retreat. Let your dog choose where to hide, and never drag them out.

• Play soft music. Classical piano or white noise can help mask the bangs. Research by the Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow found classical music reduced stress behaviours in kennelled dogs, but the dogs got used to it quickly, so vary your playlist and save it for the night.

• Have high-value treats on hand. Reward calm behaviour, and drop a treat after each bang. A lick mat or stuffed food toy also gives your dog something soothing to focus on.

• Comfort your dog. You cannot reinforce fear by comforting a frightened dog. Stay calm, stay close if they want you, and never punish fearful behaviour.

3. Talk to your vet this week

For dogs with genuine fear, medication can help, and there's no reason for your dog to suffer through the night.

Book in with your vet as soon as possible. Most of the short-acting medications vets prescribe for noise fear start working within about an hour, so the reason to go early is so you can do a trial run at home before Guy Fawkes, check how your dog responds, and give your vet time to adjust the dose if needed. Clinics can get busy in the lead-up.

If your dog's fear and response is severe, or seems to get worse each year, ask your vet about longer-term options as well. Never give your dog human medication without veterinary advice.

4. Add your voice for change

In April 2026 for the first time, Parliament's Petitions Committee recommended banning the public sale and private use of fireworks. In July despite strong support from the SPCA and Fire and Emergency NZ, the Government rejected it maintaining the current rules.

The campaign isn't over. New petitions have been launched, and you can also write to your local MP. Adding your name supports your own dog along with every anxious dog, cat, horse and native bird in your community.

Bonus: make sure your dog can find their way home

Auckland Council reports that Guy Fawkes season sees an increase in dogs entering its shelters. Before the 2nd, check that your dog's microchip details are up to date, that they wear an ID tag and council registration tag, and that your fences and gates are secure. On the night, keep your dog inside.

Your dog isn't being silly

Fear of fireworks is real, not misbehaviour. With a little preparation, you can help your dog get through the season feeling safer.

If your dog's fear of loud noises is severe or affecting everyday life, get in touch with The Dog Behaviour Academy for a tailored, force-free behaviour plan.