Dogs and Fireworks: A Practical Guide to Noisy Nights at Home

Fireworks on Bonfire Night or New Year's Eve, a summer thunderstorm, or simply the vacuum cleaner on a Saturday morning: loud moments are part of life at home, and some dogs find them harder than others. You can't switch the noise off, but you can plan around it. This guide walks you through the days before, the evening itself and the small habits that help you stay close to your dog when things get loud.

Plan ahead for the noisy days

Many noisy moments are predictable. Fireworks tend to cluster around New Year's Eve, national holidays and local festivals, and weather apps often warn of thunderstorms a day or two ahead. Put the dates in your calendar so they don't catch you out.

• Check the basics. Make sure the tag on your dog's collar and their microchip details are up to date, and that garden gates and fences are properly closed. A sudden bang can make a dog bolt.
• Talk to your vet early. If you know loud noises upset your dog, ask your vet for advice well before fireworks season, rather than on the night itself.
• Try new things on quiet days. Anything new, whether it's a different resting spot or something your dog wears, is easier to introduce when the house is quiet.

Walks, meals and timing on the day

When you expect fireworks, move the day's routine a little earlier.

• Go for a good walk while it's still light, before the fireworks usually start.
• Keep your dog on the lead outside, even in places where they normally run free.
• Serve the evening meal a little earlier, so the first bangs don't interrupt it.
• Offer a short toilet break before dark, and go outside with your dog if they need to go out later in the evening.

Set up a quiet spot indoors

Choose a room where the noise is least noticeable, often one at the back of the house or with fewer windows. Then:

• Close the windows and draw the curtains to keep flashes and sound outside as much as you can.
• Put your dog's own bed or blanket there, so the spot feels familiar.
• Turn on the radio or television at a normal volume for some familiar background sound.
• Let your dog choose where to settle. If they want to lie behind the sofa or under a table, let them, and don't pull them out.

A slow treat can also give the evening a familiar little ritual. With the HoneyBowl™ Honeycomb Enrichment Cup, you spread a suitable soft treat around the honeycomb interior, giving your dog a textured surface to explore. Supervise every session (it's a feeding accessory, not a chew toy) and count treats in your dog's daily allowance.

Stay close while it's loud

Being there matters. Stay nearby, keep your own routine as normal as possible and talk in your usual voice. If your dog comes to you for comfort, it's fine to comfort them; there's no need to ignore them. Never punish a dog for barking, pacing or hiding during loud noises.

If your dog seems very distressed, or the noise goes on for hours, make a note of how they reacted and ask your vet for advice before the next noisy date.

How CalmEars™ fits in

CalmEars™ Dog Ear Muffs put a soft layer of fabric over both of your dog's ears, made to muffle loud sounds. The opening at the front leaves the face, eyes and muzzle free. The hood is made of cotton, and the Extra Thick colours have thicker fabric. There are nine colours and four sizes, S to XL (Dark Green up to L).

To get the most from it:

1. Practise first. On a quiet day, put the hood on for a few short moments with you close by, and take it off if your dog tries to remove it or seems uncomfortable.
2. Put it on early. On the day itself, put it on ideally before the noisy moment begins.
3. Ears in, face free. Tuck both ears fully inside, keep the nose, mouth and eyes free, and check that two fingers fit under it: snug, never tight.
4. Stay with your dog. Stay with them while they wear it, never leave it on unattended or overnight, and keep it away from heat and strong airflow.

To be clear about what it is: CalmEars™ is made to muffle loud sounds, but it isn't hearing protection and it doesn't replace your vet's advice. Every dog responds in their own way, so watch yours and take the hood off if they seem uncomfortable.

Everyday noise: thunder and the vacuum cleaner

Not every loud moment comes with a date. For thunderstorms, keep the hood within your reach but out of your dog's (it isn't a toy), close the windows and stay with your dog until the storm has passed. For household noise such as the vacuum cleaner, put the hood on before you switch on, keep your dog where you can see them and take it off again once the job is done.

FAQ

Can my dog wear CalmEars™ on their own or overnight?

No. Stay with your dog while they wear it and take it off afterwards, or straight away if they try to remove it or seem uncomfortable.

Will ear muffs stop my dog being frightened of fireworks?

We can't promise that. CalmEars™ is made to muffle loud sounds, but it isn't hearing protection, and every dog is different. If loud noises upset your dog, ask your vet for advice.

Which size should I choose?

Measure around your dog's head with a soft tape measure, over both ears and under the jaw. Send us that measurement with your dog's breed and weight, and we'll tell you which size to order.