Today, Dogs Trust is launching a free playlist of sounds designed to mask fireworks noise and help dog owners keep their pets calm during fireworks season, the most difficult time of the year for the nation’s dogs.
A 2026 study* of Irish dog owners revealed that 48% of dogs struggle to stay calm when fireworks can be heard. Many dogs find fireworks frightening and distressing, which can lead to behaviours such as trembling, pacing, whining or barking, panting, and hiding. This can also be incredibly upsetting for owners who feel powerless to help their pets.
To support owners during fireworks season, Dogs Trust has launched the Sound Blanket, a free collection of specially designed sounds available on YouTube and Spotify that aims to help mask the sounds of fireworks.
Developed over the course of a year, the Sound Blanket was created through a partnership between Dogs Trust and the University of Salford.
The university researchers investigated the acoustic characteristics and soundwave patterns of fireworks and used their findings to develop a collection of nine sounds specifically designed to mask the sounds which triggered the fear response in dogs.
Additional testing carried out by Dogs Trust found that 99% of dogs tolerated the Sound Blanket and did not show adverse reactions, providing reassurance for owners looking for new ways to support their pets during fireworks season.
Most dogs can try the Sound Blanket, but it may not be suitable for dogs who are very sensitive to music or spoken radio.
For Dogs Trust, supporting dogs through fireworks season is a priority not only for the hundreds of dogs in its care each year, but also for the wider dog-owning community.
The charity is encouraging owners to begin preparations early.
Paulina Padlo, Communications Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland said: ‘‘If your dog is frightened by fireworks, watching them tremble with fear and feeling helpless to reassure them can be heartbreaking.
“We wanted to help owners feel more in control during fireworks season by showing them that there are lots of ways to support their dogs.
“Creating a safe, cosy space at home, closing curtains and windows, and offering enrichment activities can all help.
“Now, owners can also try our free Sound Blanket as another way to help their dogs feel more comfortable.”
For more information about the Sound Blanket and expert advice on helping dogs during fireworks season, visit dogstrust.ie/fireworks