Every November, countless pets across the UK experience something their owners never see — a silent kind of suffering that starts long before the fireworks begin.

It’s not the noise itself that’s the real danger.

It’s what happens inside their body: a rush of stress hormones, a racing heart, trembling muscles, and panic that can linger for days. Even the most confident pets can suddenly seem “different” — withdrawn, jumpy, or refusing food — and most owners have no idea why.

What’s Really Going On

When fireworks go off, pets don’t just “hear a loud bang.” Their hearing is four times more sensitive than ours. To them, it’s like being trapped inside a thunderstorm — sudden flashes, vibrating walls, and no way to understand what’s happening.

The body releases cortisol (the stress hormone), the gut tightens, and digestion slows. Over time, this can create a cycle: stress → gut imbalance → increased anxiety → more stress. It’s why many pets develop fear-based behaviours that seem to “come from nowhere.”

How to Break the Cycle

The key isn’t waiting for Bonfire Night — it’s building calm from the inside out, weeks before. Supporting the gut-brain connection is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress naturally.

Small Actions That Make a Big Difference

• 🏡 Create a familiar, quiet zone that feels safe — before fireworks begin.
• 🎵 Use soft background noise to help mask sudden bangs.
• 🧠 Keep them mentally busy with lick mats or snuffle toys — licking and foraging help naturally lower anxiety.
• 🌿 Support calm daily — even when fireworks aren’t happening — so your pet’s stress response stays balanced.

Fireworks night comes once a year — but how your dog recovers from it can affect their health for months. Protect their mind and body before the first spark flies.

P.S. Don’t wait until the bangs begin — start your pet’s calming routine now and use code FIREWORKS20 before Bonfire Night.