For many dogs, fireworks night can be a terrifying experience. The sudden loud bangs, flashing lights, and vibrations can send even the calmest canine into a state of panic. While fear is a natural protective mechanism, for some dogs this reaction becomes overwhelming and distressing. Thankfully, there are gentle, natural ways to help your dog feel safe and supported during the autumnal firework frenzy.
Using Zoopharmacognosy to Support Your Dog
When supporting your dog through noise sensitivity or fear of fireworks, the following essential oils can be particularly helpful:
- Frankincense: Calms anxiety and helps ground nervous energy.
- Rose Otto: Comforting and nurturing, ideal for dogs with deep emotional fear or past trauma.
- Valerian: A powerful relaxant that can ease agitation and promote restfulness.
- Violet Leaf Absolute: Offers reassurance and gives confidence to help animals that are ‘on edge’ to cope.
- Hemp: Offers strong sedative properties
- Hops: A potent sedative and works well in synergy with Hemp & Valerian to promote calmness
Just before the fireworks begin, offer these oils one at a time by holding an open bottle or placing a drop on a cloth. Allow your dog to approach and sniff freely — they may linger near certain scents or even turn away from others. Respect their choices.
When the fireworks intensify, your dog may select different oils or want stronger concentrations. If they’re comfortable being touched, you can gently stroke the chosen oil onto their chest or alternatively place a few drops on a cloth or towel in their safe space.
These oils work on a chemical level, too — they can help modulate neurotransmitters in the brain, such as reducing adrenaline and balancing glutamate, while supporting GABA (the calming neurotransmitter). The result is a natural way to help “turn down the volume” on their fear response.
The behavioral oils suggested above will help ‘turn the volume down’, this is because these oils activate chemical reactions in the brain. For example, they have the ability to inhibit glutamate – helping to lower anxiety and panic responses, reduce adrenaline and increase GABA, which helps to slow down or “quiet” nerve activity — helping the brain and body relax after a period of stress or excitement.
Creating a Safe Haven
Your dog will feel most secure in a familiar, enclosed space. You can help by:
- Drawing curtains and closing windows to block flashes and reduce noise.
- Playing gentle background sounds — classical music, white noise, or a softly playing TV can help mask the bangs.
- Providing comfort objects, like their favorite blanket or toy, that carry familiar scents.
- Staying calm yourself. Dogs are deeply attuned to our emotions — if you’re relaxed, it helps them feel safe too.
Understanding the Deeper Layers of Fear
A small amount of fear is healthy — it’s the body’s way of staying alert and safe. But when fear becomes extreme, it’s often a sign that something deeper is out of balance.
Sometimes, when physical discomfort (such as pain, gut imbalance, or unresolved trauma) is supported through natural remedies, the noise sensitivity improves — or even disappears altogether.
