Podenco Health & Training - Getting through firework season
A worried Podenco on fireworks night in a snood sprayed with natural calming remedy to help soothe
Fireworks can be terrifying for sensitive dogs, and Podencos, with their alert nature and strong sensory awareness, often need extra support. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare.
Understand the fear
Podencos have exceptional hearing and a strong flight instinct. Fireworks can feel like unpredictable threats—loud bangs, flashing lights, and vibrations all at once. Even confident dogs may panic. Even if your Podenco hasn’t shown any fear of fireworks before, it’s wise to be careful so that a single unexpected event doesn’t trigger anxiety in the future.
As we know podencos can be great escape artists and during times of stress or fear their natural ‘flight’ instinct can easily take over. It is essential to follow the steps below to help reduce the risk as much as possible.
Create a safe space to retreat to
Having a nice safe space for your pod that is respected by everyone in the home but where you can also provide comfort should they wish is a great tool in your kit for nights when noise such as fireworks and people celebrating outside can be overwhelming for them.
Podenco in their retreat space, an open crate with their blankets and familiar smells
Choose a quiet corner away from windows and doors
Line a crate or enclosed area with blankets to muffle sound and block light
Add familiar bedding, toys, and something with your scent (like a jumper or pillowcase)
Keep water nearby
Desensitise with sound
Desensitising your pod to sound is a great training goal for anytime of year and can start anytime, different countries celebrate at different times of the year so its not always October through to December that this can come in handy to help your pod cope with sudden noise.
Podenco wearing an ear muffler to reduce sound levels
Play firework sounds at a very low volume while your dog is relaxed
Gradually increase volume over days or weeks, always watching for signs of stress
Pair the sounds with treats or chews to build positive associations
If your Podenco shows anxiety, reduce the volume and go slower
If using any kind of ear muffler, start getting them used to it with positive associations
On nights you think fireworks might be used
Setting your pod up for success so that they don’t need to be outside or trying to eat when the noise starts mean you and them can just focus on working through the evening safely.
Podenco taking his walk before fireworks begin, already in his calming shirt and bandana
Walk early—well before dusk
Feed beforehand, as stress can suppress appetite
Ensure they have their collar on with their dog tag as a minimum, trackers also advised
Close and lock all doors and windows, pull curtains/blinds and leave lights on to reduce flashes
Play calming music or white noise to mask bangs
Stick to your usual routine—your calmness helps them feel safe. But do make sure there are things for you to do too, so your dog isn't left alone
Don’t punish fear responses—stay patient and gentle, positivity is always key
Let them choose where to settle. Don’t force cuddles, but do comfort your dog if they ask for it. Fear is not rational, it's an emotion. It's there, and true, and real for them, and they don't care if you confirm it or not. What he/she does care about though, is that she has a safe haven with you
Do not take your dog out after dark, not even into the garden. If your dog happens to be in the garden as a firework goes off, then they may associate the garden with scary things and become anxious about the garden, especially at night. You may need to stay up late until after the fireworks have finished to allow your dog to toilet before bed time, but be aware that your dog may be too worried to go out, even after the fireworks have long finished
Calming aids used by the HFP team and adopters/fosters
Adaptil plug-in diffusers (calming pheromones)
Pet Remedy spray (to be sprayed on doggy clothing items only, not the dog)
Natural supplements such as Dorwest (check with your vet first) or calming treats
Thundershirt (pressure point t-shirt)
Taiko Drum recordings (can be found on YouTube)
Hush Muffs (ear protection)
Only use sedatives if prescribed by a vet in line with a behaviourist plan.
In case of escape
If a HFP pod, contact the team immediately for advice and next steps - we have an excellent podenco specialist canine capture team we work with. If adopted from another rescue contact them for their process.
Ensure microchip details are up to date
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and understanding, you can help your Podenco feel safe and secure— during loud celebrations. Every step you take to support your dog builds trust and confidence, making future events easier for both of you. The above is intended only as a guide and should your Podenco’s anxiety ever cause you any concern please consult your vet. Your care and patience make all the difference.
A more relaxed Podenco on fireworks night in a snood sprayed with natural calming remedy to help soothe
Wishing you and your Podenco a peaceful, stress-free fireworks period filled with comfort and reassurance.
Avec beaucoup d'amour ! L'équipe HFP xxx
Article written by Kerry Hartley-Dunn
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