Remember, remember the fifth of November... and so will your dog, if last year's fireworks gave them a fright. For us, Bonfire Night is sparklers, toffee apples and a sky full of colour. For a lot of dogs, it's a night of sudden bangs, flashes and whizzes that they simply can't make sense of.
The good news is there's plenty you can do to help, and one of the simplest tools is probably already in your treat jar: a good, long-lasting chew.
Why fireworks are so hard on dogs
Dogs hear far better than we do. Their hearing is thought to be around four times more sensitive than ours, so a bang that makes us jump can feel enormous to them. Add in the fact that fireworks are sudden, unpredictable and bright, and it's easy to see why so many dogs find the whole thing overwhelming.
It's also really common. The RSPCA estimates that around 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear during fireworks. So if your dog shakes, pants, paces, whines, sticks to you like glue or disappears behind the sofa, you're very much not alone.
And it's rarely just one night. Displays often start the weekend before the fifth and carry on for a good while after, so it's worth planning for a whole fireworks season rather than a single evening.
Why chewing helps dogs settle
Chewing is one of the most natural things a dog does. It's a behaviour they've carried with them from their wild ancestors, and for many dogs it's a way of settling themselves, a bit like how some of us fidget, knit or squeeze a stress ball when we're on edge.
A good chew helps in a few ways:
- It's self-soothing. That steady, rhythmic gnawing gives a dog something calming to focus on, and it's something they can do all by themselves.
- It gives them a job. A long-lasting chew turns attention towards something satisfying and absorbing, rather than every bang outside the window.
- It builds a good association. If fireworks nights become "the nights I get my favourite chew in my cosy spot", that's a much nicer memory than one of pure panic.
Dog charities agree on this one too. Dogs Trust suggests giving your dog a long-lasting chew or a feeding toy packed with tasty goodies to help keep them busy and calm when the fireworks start.
It's worth being honest, though: a chew isn't a cure for a true noise phobia. It's a lovely, gentle helper, and it works best as part of a bit of planning (more on that below).
How to make chewing work on the night
Pick a chew that lasts
On fireworks night you want something your dog can settle into for a good while, not a treat that's gone in one gulp. Longer-lasting natural chews give far more of that calming chew time, which is exactly what you're after.
Use a chew they already know
Fireworks night isn't the time to try something brand new. Your dog is already a bit wound up, and a stressed tummy plus an unfamiliar treat isn't a great combination. Pick a chew you know your dog loves and gets on well with. If you want to try something new, do it this week, well before the bangs start.
Get them chewing early
Offer the chew before the fireworks begin, once your dog is settled in their safe spot. A dog that's already relaxed and happily gnawing is in a much better place than one you're trying to tempt after the first big bang.
Put it in their den
If you've set up a cosy den for your dog (see below), that's the perfect place for their chew. It ties the two together: safe space, favourite thing, calm dog.
Don't worry if they won't take it
A very frightened dog may refuse food altogether, even their favourite treat. That's not them being fussy, it's a sign of just how worried they are. Never force it. Let them be, stay calm nearby, and offer again once things quieten down. If your dog is regularly too scared to eat during fireworks, that's a good reason to have a chat with your vet.
Always supervise
A stressed dog may chew faster or try to swallow bigger pieces than usual, so stay in the room, keep an eye on how they're getting on, and take the chew away once it's small enough to be gulped down. This matters even more for flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs and pugs, who tend to gulp rather than chew. (Our French bulldog treats guide has more on that.)
And if your dog gets through a few extra treats over fireworks week, just trim back their dinner a little to keep things balanced.
Getting your home ready for Bonfire Night
A chew works best as part of a calm, well-prepared evening. A few simple steps, taken from the advice of the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and PDSA, make a real difference:
- Walk them before dark. Get the walk and the toilet break done in daylight, well before fireworks are likely to start. Keep your dog on the lead, even if they don't usually mind loud noises.
- Feed them early. Give your dog their dinner before the fireworks begin, as many dogs won't want to eat once they're unsettled.
- Build a den. Set up a cosy spot in a quiet room, with blankets, their bed and a favourite toy or chew. A crate with a blanket draped over the top works well for dogs who like a snug corner. Let them come and go as they please.
- Shut out the noise and flashes. Close windows, curtains and blinds, and put on the TV, radio or some calming music to help muffle the bangs.
- Keep everything secure. Check that doors, gates and garden fences are secure. A frightened dog can bolt, so make sure their microchip details are up to date and their collar and ID tag are on.
- Stay calm and let them be. If your dog wants comfort, it's absolutely fine to give it. If they'd rather pace or tuck themselves away in their den, let them. Never tell them off for being scared.
- Never take them to a display. Even a dog that seems quiet at a display can be very stressed. Home is the best place for them.
Our favourite chews for fireworks night
If you're stocking up before the bangs begin, these are three of our go-to natural chews for keeping a dog happily busy.
Camel Roll
A proper long-lasting chew made from just one thing: camel skin, rolled up tight. It gives your dog a good, steady job to settle into, which is exactly what you want on a noisy night. Because camel is a less common protein, it's often a good option for dogs who don't get on with the more usual meats, though it's worth checking with your vet if your dog has a diagnosed allergy.
Beef Bully Pizzle
A firm favourite for serious chewers. Bully pizzle is a single-ingredient beef chew that's tough, satisfying and lasts well, so it's brilliant for keeping attention on the chew rather than the window. As with any long chew, pick the right size for your dog and take the end away once it's small enough to swallow.
Pig's Ear
A classic for a reason. Pig's ears are crunchy, tasty and loved by just about every dog going. They don't last quite as long as the other two for a determined chewer, so they're a lovely choice for smaller dogs or gentler chewers. They're a richer treat, so go easy if your dog has a sensitive tummy, and count them towards their daily treat allowance.
A calmer Bonfire Night, the natural way
Fireworks season doesn't have to be a nightmare for your dog. A little planning, a cosy den and a really good chew can turn a scary evening into a much more manageable one.
At Wag Swag, everything is chosen for dogs who love to play, chew and snack the natural way. Have a browse, pick out a long-lasting chew your dog would go properly daft for, and give it a try this week, before the bangs begin.