From leaving preparations until Bonfire Night to forcing frightened dogs outside, Dr Scott Miller reveals the common mistakes that could make fireworks anxiety worse.

With fireworks season approaching, TV vet Dr Scott Miller is warning that some of the most common things owners do to help their dogs could actually make an already stressful experience more difficult.

Loud bangs, bright flashes and unpredictable noises can be frightening for dogs, but according to Dr Scott, planning ahead and understanding how to respond to a frightened pet can make a significant difference.

The Biggest Mistakes Dog Owners Make During Fireworks Season

Partnering with dog wellbeing experts ADAPTIL, Dr Scott reveals six common mistakes owners should avoid this fireworks season.

1. Waiting until Bonfire Night to prepare

One of the biggest mistakes is leaving everything until the last minute. Fireworks can start in the run up to Halloween, so it's important to prepare your dog and your home well in advance.

2. Assuming they'll just get used to the noise

Repeated exposure to frightening noises doesn't necessarily make dogs less afraid. In fact, without appropriate support, their fear can become worse over time. Find out why there's no quick fix for fireworks fears.

3. Ignoring their need for reassurance

It's a common misconception that comforting a frightened dog will reinforce their fear. If your dog seeks you out, offering calm, gentle reassurance can help them feel safer.

4. Forcing them outside

Never force a frightened dog into the garden or out for a walk while fireworks are going off. Plan toilet breaks earlier and give them access to a safe indoor space. This applies to puppies too – exposing them to loud fireworks at a young age won't make them ‘firework-proof’ and could instead create fear and anxiety that stays with them into adulthood.

5. Punishing anxious behaviour

Barking, hiding, pacing or even having an accident indoors can all be responses to fear. Punishing your dog for these behaviours can increase their distress. Find out how to interpret dog body language and the subtle signs of fireworks stress in more detail.

6. Forgetting that fireworks season lasts longer than one night

With displays often taking place across several weeks, owners need to think ahead and beyond Bonfire Night itself and maintain a consistent approach to helping their pets feel secure.

Dr Scott comments:

"Fireworks anxiety can be incredibly distressing for dogs, and it's understandable that owners want to do everything they can to help. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we can make mistakes that leave our pets feeling more frightened.

"My biggest piece of advice is to be proactive rather than reactive. Don't wait until your dog is already panicking to think about how you can help them. Start creating a calming environment now, understand their individual needs and consider what additional support might be beneficial."

To help owners prepare, ADAPTIL offers a trusted range of calming solutions, including diffusers, collars and sprays, designed to help dogs feel calm and reassured during stressful situations such as fireworks, providing support when they need it most.

For dogs experiencing severe fireworks anxiety, owners should also seek advice from their vet about an appropriate management plan.

If you’d like to know more on why dogs are scared of fireworks, or other topics such as challenging situations or how to calm down a dog during fireworks, we have a number of other articles for you to read through. Our Happy Dog Experts have also shared numerous insights of their own on all things dog behaviour. You can also stay up-to-date with our tips and advice for dog owners by subscribing to our newsletter.