How to Help Your Dog During Sant Joan in Barcelona: A Practical Guide

Sant Joan and Dogs: Why This Holiday Can Be Challenging

For many people, Sant Joan is one of the most exciting nights of the year in Barcelona. Fireworks, firecrackers, street parties, and celebrations fill the city.

For many dogs, however, it can be one of the most stressful nights of the year.

The loud and unpredictable noises can trigger fear, anxiety, trembling, barking, pacing, hiding, or attempts to escape. Some dogs may recover quickly, while others can remain stressed for hours or even days afterward.

The good news is that there are things you can do to help your dog feel safer and more comfortable.

Start Preparing Before Sant Joan

The most important mistake many owners make is waiting until the day itself.

If your dog is sensitive to noises, preparation should begin as soon as you start hearing firecrackers in the streets.

Every time you hear a distant bang or firework:

Immediately offer a tasty treat.

The goal is simple:

Noise = something good happens.

This process helps create a positive emotional association with the sounds.

Keep treats easily available around the house so you can respond quickly whenever a sudden noise occurs.

Create a Safe Space at Home

Many dogs naturally look for a place where they feel protected.

Before Sant Joan arrives, prepare a quiet area where your dog can choose to rest.

This could be:

• A bedroom

• A covered crate (if your dog already enjoys using one)

• A corner with blankets and familiar bedding

• A room with fewer windows facing the street

Allow your dog to choose whether to stay there or move around.

Avoid forcing them to remain in a specific place.

Close Windows and Reduce Outside Noise

On the evening of Sant Joan:

• Close windows and shutters.

• Turn on a fan, air conditioner, or white noise machine.

• Play calm music or television sounds to help mask the explosions outside.

While this won't eliminate the noise completely, it can significantly reduce its intensity.

Take a Sniff Walk Before the Fireworks Start

One of the best things you can do on Sant Joan is take your dog out for a calm sniff walk before the celebrations begin.

This isn't the day for a rushed walk around the block. Give your dog time to explore, sniff, and move at their own pace.

Sniffing is not just a way for dogs to gather information about the world—it can also help them relax and regulate their emotions. A dog who has had the opportunity to sniff, explore, and engage naturally with their environment will often cope better with stressful situations later on.

If possible:

• Go out earlier than usual, before the fireworks become frequent.

• Choose quiet streets, parks, or natural areas.

• Allow plenty of time for sniffing rather than focusing on distance or obedience.

• Let your dog lead the pace whenever it is safe to do so.

Think of it as helping your dog fill their emotional battery before a challenging evening. While it won't eliminate fear, it can help them start the night in a calmer and more balanced state.

Respect Your Dog's Coping Strategy

Different dogs cope with fear in different ways.

Some dogs want to stay close to their people.

Others prefer to hide under a table or behind furniture.

Both responses are normal.

If your dog seeks comfort from you, don't worry about "reinforcing fear." Comfort and safety are exactly what your dog needs in that moment.

Use Chewing and Licking to Reduce Stress

One of the most effective things you can do during fireworks is give your dog something engaging to chew, lick, or work on.

Activities like chewing and licking can help reduce stress and provide your dog with something positive to focus on while the noises are happening outside.

Some great options include:

• A stuffed Kong filled with something extra tasty

• A lick mat with wet food, yogurt, or another favourite spread

• A long-lasting natural chew

For many dogs, this isn't just a distraction — it can genuinely help them cope better with the situation.

Whenever possible, choose something especially valuable that your dog doesn't get every day. The goal is to create a positive experience that can compete with the sounds coming from outside.

When Food Doesn't Work

If your dog normally loves food but suddenly refuses treats during fireworks, pay attention. This is often a sign that their fear level is very high.

Don't force your dog to eat, but it can be worth offering something more valuable than their usual treats, such as:

• Wet food

• Small pieces of cheese

• Sardines

• Other favourite foods they rarely get

Eating itself can be a calming activity, and sometimes a particularly tasty food can help your dog stay connected to their surroundings instead of becoming completely overwhelmed by fear.

If your dog is still refusing food, that's okay. It simply means they are struggling more than usual in that moment.

In these situations:

• Stay calm.

• Allow your dog to choose where they feel safest.

• Avoid asking for training exercises or obedience cues.

• Focus on helping them feel secure and supported until the difficult period passes.

  
  

What About CBD or Medication?

If your dog is struggling with fireworks, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using CBD or veterinary-prescribed medication to help them feel safer and more comfortable.

Dogs don't need to suffer through fear.

For many dogs, these tools can make a huge difference and help prevent hours of stress and anxiety.

The important part is not to try something new on Sant Joan night itself. Whether you choose CBD or medication, make sure to test it in advance so you can see how your dog responds and find the right dose if needed.

If your dog has a history of significant fear around fireworks or loud noises, I encourage you to speak with your veterinarian ahead of time and make a plan before the celebrations begin.

After Sant Joan

Even if your dog seems fine, remember that stress can take time to leave the body.

For the following days:

• Prioritize calm walks.

• Allow plenty of rest.

• Avoid overwhelming environments.

• Continue rewarding your dog when unexpected noises occur.

Recovery is just as important as preparation.

Need Help?

If your dog struggles with fireworks, fear, reactivity, or noise sensitivity, professional guidance can make a huge difference.

The earlier you start preparing, the easier Sant Joan can become for both you and your dog.