Fireworks and Working Dogs: How to Prepare Your Gundog for Bonfire Night

For many dog owners, Bonfire Night is something to look forward to. For our dogs, the loud bangs, flashes and unexpected noises can be a very different experience.

This can be particularly important for owners of working dogs and gundogs. At this time of year, many dogs are already in the middle of the shooting season, with regular days out in the field, changing exercise levels and increased demands on their bodies.

Adding fireworks into the mix can disrupt their usual routine.

The good news is that a little preparation can make firework season easier for both you and your dog.

Why are fireworks difficult for dogs?

Fireworks are loud, sudden and unpredictable, which can make them frightening for dogs.

According to Dogs Trust, almost half of owners say their dogs show signs of fear or anxiety in response to loud noises. These signs can include hiding, pacing, panting, trembling, barking, trying to escape and even losing interest in food.

Every dog will respond differently. Some may barely notice the noise, while others can become extremely unsettled.

For working dogs, it is worth paying attention to any changes in behaviour, particularly if your dog is normally confident and settled.

 

Keep their routine as normal as possible

One of the simplest things you can do around fireworks is maintain a familiar routine.

Working dogs are used to a certain rhythm of exercise, training, feeding and rest. While you may need to make some adjustments on nights when fireworks are expected, keeping the rest of their routine consistent can provide some familiarity.

Dogs Trust recommends planning walks so dogs are back indoors before fireworks are likely to start. They also suggest feeding dogs earlier on expected firework nights, giving them time to eat and go to the toilet before dark.

For a working dog, this can be particularly useful.

Rather than changing everything about their day, think about making a few simple adjustments:

• Take their main walk earlier in the day.
• Feed them earlier if fireworks are expected that evening.
• Make sure they have access to fresh water.
• Keep them indoors before fireworks are likely to begin.
• Return to their normal routine once the fireworks have finished.

Don’t forget about their feeding routine

Fireworks don’t mean your dog’s nutritional needs suddenly change, but their routine might.

Working dogs need a complete, balanced diet that suits their activity levels, and keeping feeding consistent can be helpful when the rest of their evening is different.

At Squires & Beaumont, our Field Dog & Game range has been developed specifically for working breeds, with different recipes to suit different stages and levels of activity.

Our Regular food is designed for normally active working dogs, while Regular Plus provides a higher-energy option for dogs with greater activity levels and is wheat gluten free. Keepers Choice is designed as a maintenance ration for working breeds and can be suitable when dogs are working or resting.

Field Dog & Game Working Dog Food

The important thing is to look at your individual dog’s workload and condition rather than making sudden changes because of one evening of fireworks.

If your dog becomes too unsettled to eat, don’t force them. A loss of appetite can be one of the signs of stress, so if you’re concerned about a significant change in eating habits or behaviour, speak to your vet.

Create a safe space before the fireworks start

Before the fireworks begin, give your dog somewhere they can retreat to if they want some peace and quiet.

This could be their usual bed, crate or another familiar area of the house. Add their bedding and anything else they normally find comforting.

Closing curtains and windows can help reduce the flashes and some of the noise coming from outside. Having the television or radio on can also provide some background noise.

Most importantly, let your dog decide where they feel most comfortable.

If they want to stay close to you, there is no need to force them into another room. If they prefer to hide away, give them the space to do so.

Be extra careful when exercising

One of the most important things to consider with a working dog is when you exercise them.

A dog that is normally reliable off lead can react differently if a firework suddenly goes off nearby.

On Bonfire Night and other evenings when fireworks are expected, take walks earlier in the day and keep your dog securely with you once fireworks are likely to start.

If they need to go outside later in the evening, keep them on a lead and make sure the garden is secure.

It is also worth checking that your dog’s microchip details are up to date. GOV.UK advises keeping pets safely indoors during fireworks and making sure they have somewhere they can hide.

Fireworks aren’t just about Bonfire Night

While 5th November is the obvious date to prepare for, fireworks can be heard at different times throughout autumn and winter.

Halloween celebrations, Diwali, local firework displays and New Year’s Eve can all bring unexpected noise.

That means it is worth having a plan that works for your dog throughout the season rather than just on Bonfire Night.

Know when your dog needs extra help

Every dog reacts differently to fireworks.

If your dog becomes particularly distressed, tries to escape, refuses food or shows a significant change in their usual behaviour, speak to your vet. They can advise on the best way to support a dog that is struggling with loud noises.

Don’t assume that because your dog is confident in the field, they will automatically be comfortable with fireworks. Working dogs can be incredibly capable outdoors while still finding sudden, unfamiliar noises difficult.

Keeping your working dog comfortable through the season

The shooting season brings plenty of changes to a working dog’s routine, from their workload and exercise levels to the amount of rest they need.

Firework season adds another potential disruption, but a little preparation can help.

Keep their routine familiar, exercise them earlier, make sure they have somewhere comfortable to settle and continue to pay attention to their usual feeding routine.

At Squires & Beaumont, our Field Dog & Game range has been developed specifically for working breeds, with different options to suit dogs with different requirements throughout the year.

Find the right Field Dog & Game food for your working dog.

View the full range

Useful resources

• Dogs Trust: Supporting your dog during fireworks – practical advice on recognising signs of fear, creating a safe space and keeping dogs secure during fireworks.
• Dogs Trust: Fireworks are coming, prepare ahead – useful guidance on preparing your home, adjusting walks and feeding times, and planning ahead for Bonfire Night and other firework dates.
• GOV.UK: Stay safe this fireworks season – official guidance on fireworks, including being considerate of animals and keeping dogs and cats indoors with somewhere to hide.