How to Beat Firework Anxiety: Dogs Trust's New 'Sound Blanket' and Top Advice for Dog Owners
As the autumn and winter celebrations approach, from Halloween and Bonfire Night to Diwali and New Year’s Eve, bright displays will once again light up the skies across the UK. But while humans look forward to the festivities, firework season is often the most stressful time of the year for the nation’s dogs.
As a mum to two dogs who were both terrified of fireworks, my heart goes out to pet and animal owners every year. Watching our beloved dogs tremble in fear whilst feeling powerless to help was soul destroying.
Nearly one in three (29%) UK dog owners report that their pet has suffered from sound sensitivity to fireworks over the past 12 months. (Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey). For many dogs, the sudden, unpredictable loud bangs trigger intense fear, resulting in trembling, pacing, panting, hiding, or attempting to bolt.
Seeing a beloved pet distressed is heartbreaking for owners who feel powerless to soothe them. Fortunately, proactive preparation can make a world of difference.
What’s Changing: Firework Regulations Across the UK
Local authorities and governments across the UK have increasingly recognised the impact of loud displays on animal welfare:
Firework Control Zones (FCZs): In Scotland, local councils now have the power to establish Firework Control Zones, strictly limiting or banning private displays in designated residential areas. Councils in major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow have recently expanded these zones.
Strict Curfews: Under UK law, setting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am remains illegal on standard nights, with slight extensions for major celebrations like Bonfire Night (midnight) and New Year’s Eve (1am).
Calls for Lower Decibel Limits: Public consultations and parliamentary proposals are actively considering tighter restrictions on high-decibel consumer fireworks to help protect pets, livestock, and vulnerable individuals.
Science Meets Sound: Introducing Dogs Trust’s Sound Blanket
To give owners an innovative tool to comfort their pets, Dogs Trust has partnered with acoustics researchers at the University of Salford to launch the Sound Blanket; a free, research-backed playlist specifically designed to mask the sounds of fireworks.
Dr Zuzanna Podwinska, researcher in acoustics and sound perception at the University of Salford, explains the science behind the tool:
“We looked at what makes fireworks scary for dogs. By looking at what sounds were associated with negative behaviours we could find what is driving the impact and then work out how to combat it.
One of our ideas was to use other sounds to mask the fireworks, to make them inaudible to the dogs. For that to work the masking sounds have to be in the same frequency range as the fireworks, so we made recordings and modelled how fireworks would be heard in the home. It is mainly the low frequency sounds that get through the walls.
We then created a noise-like sound with a frequency spectrum which matches the fireworks. We also mixed that in with more natural sounds which can act as a distraction.”
During testing by Dogs Trust, 99% of dogs tolerated the Sound Blanket without showing adverse reactions. Most dogs can try the Sound Blanket, but be mindful it may not be suitable for dogs who are very sensitive to music or spoken radio.
Bea, who owns six year-old Greyhound Gilly, says she is terrified of fireworks: “We live in London, so every year there are fireworks going off all around us. If Gilly hears them, she starts shaking uncontrollably and panting; it’s horrible to see. We do our best to prepare by creating a cosy safe space at home, but we’re hoping the Sound Blanket will help keep her calm this year.”
Stream the Sound Blanket free
To stream the track for free visit Dogs Trust's YouTube or Spotify playlist page to help neutralise disruptive low-frequency rumbles in your home.
4 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home
Dogs Trust emphasises that early preparation is key to helping your dog feel safe before displays begin:
Build a Cosy Safe Space: Set up a quiet den in an interior room where your dog naturally feels comfortable. Fill it with their favourite bedding, blankets, and comforting items.
Muffle Outside Light and Noise: Close all doors, windows, and curtains early in the evening. Turn on the TV, play background music, or stream the Sound Blanket playlist to mask sudden booms.
Offer Engaging Enrichment: Lick mats, snuffle mats, and stuffed chew toys keep your dog’s mind occupied and trigger the release of calming hormones.
Adjust Exercise Schedules: Walk your dog during daylight hours long before fireworks begin, ensuring they are securely leashed in case of early stray bangs.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, reinforces the importance of taking action early:
“As a dog lover, I know fireworks season is something a lot of owners dread every year. If your dogs are afraid of fireworks, the sight of them trembling in fear and not feeling like you can comfort them is devastating.
We wanted to give owners back some sense of control during fireworks - you can help your dog in lots of ways. Create a safe, comfortable space at home, close curtains and windows, provide enrichment activities, and now you can also try out our free sound blanket as another tool to help your dog.”
For full expert advice visit the official Dogs Trust Fireworks Guidance Hub.
East Midlands Rehoming Centre
Dogs Trust. Hill Farm, Wide Lane, Wymeswold, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 6SE
Tel: 0303 003 0000
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About Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity and cares for 11,000 dogs every year across its network of 22 rehoming centres in the UK and Ireland. Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy and will never put a healthy dog to sleep. The charity also focuses its efforts on understanding dogs and sharing that knowledge with the wider public to prevent unwanted behaviours that can result in relinquishment or abandonment. Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.
