My dog is scared of fireworks: what to do
In Mexico, fireworks (cohetes) go off on September 15 and 16, during the December posadas, on New Year's Eve and at neighborhood saints' fiestas. How to prepare, what to do while they go off and when to ask your vet. This guide doesn't replace a vet.
Reviewed by Paola De Valeri, veterinarian, October 17, 2026.
Signs it's scared
- Trembling, panting, drooling or dilated pupils.
- Hiding, scratching at doors or trying to escape.
- Barking, whining or refusing to eat.
- Peeing or pooping inside the house.
Before the fiestas
- 1. Set up a den. A quiet corner inside with its bed, a blanket over it and its toys. Let it use it for days before, not just that night.
- 2. Make sure it can't escape. A tag with your phone number, a registered microchip and doors, windows and gates closed. Many dogs get lost on these dates.
- 3. Walk it during the day. A long walk before the fireworks start, always on a leash.
- 4. Talk to your vet ahead of time. If the fear is strong, your vet may prescribe something for those nights. Don't give it human medicine or sedatives on your own.
While the fireworks go off
- Close windows and curtains, and play music or the TV to cover the noise.
- Stay close and calm. If it comes to you, comfort it: comforting doesn't reinforce its fear.
- Don't force it out of its hiding spot or scold it.
- Offer a toy or a treat, but don't insist if it doesn't want it.
- Never leave it tied up outside, on the rooftop or in the car.
How to help it in the long run
Fear of loud noises can be reduced with months of practice: play firework sounds at a very low volume while it plays or eats, and raise it little by little only if it stays calm. Start well before September or December.
If the fear is intense, gets worse every year or it hurts itself trying to escape, ask your vet to assess it or refer you to a behavior specialist.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I calm a dog scared of fireworks?
- Give it a closed, dark den, cover the noise with music, stay close and calm, and don't scold it. If the fear is strong, ask your vet for a treatment for those nights.
- When are there fireworks in Mexico?
- The big nights are September 15 and 16 (Independence Day), the December posadas, Christmas, New Year's Eve and each neighborhood's patron saint fiesta, which can fall on any date.
- Is it OK to hug my dog if it's scared?
- If it comes to you, calmly staying with it helps and doesn't reinforce its fear. What doesn't help is forcing it, picking it up if it doesn't want to be or getting nervous with it.
- Can I give my dog a sedative for fireworks?
- Only the one your vet prescribes. Sedatives for people can be dangerous for it.
Related guides
- Lost dog or cat in Mexico: what to doWhat to do if your dog or cat gets lost in Mexico: first hours, a poster in Spanish, where to post and official contacts.
- How to socialize your puppyWhen and how to socialize your puppy with dogs, people and noise, even before its vaccines are done.
Wagori: everything for your pet, in one app
Keep its vaccine record, find vets and trusted services, and see events near you. It's free. The app is in Spanish for now.
Works in the browser on your phone or computer. The app is in Spanish for now.
Sources
Information from: