Dogs, Fireworks and Storms on the Gold Coast: Keeping Them Calm
How to keep your dog calm through Gold Coast storms and fireworks
If your dog shakes, pants or tries to bolt every time thunder rolls over the Gold Coast or fireworks go off on New Year's Eve, here's the short answer: bring them inside, give them a dark, enclosed hiding spot with the blinds shut and music playing, stay calm and close, and make sure their microchip and ID tag details are current before the night. If the fear is getting worse each season, talk to your vet well ahead of time.
Why storms and fireworks scare dogs
Dogs hear far more than we do. RSPCA NSW points out that a dog's hearing is much sharper than ours, so a bang that makes you flinch lands a lot harder on them. RSPCA WA adds that it's the unexpected, ongoing nature of the bangs that frightens dogs most.
Storms bring more than noise. RSPCA Queensland notes that the flashing of lightning can distress pets as well as the thunder, and that some pets get restless and agitated before a storm even arrives. If your dog seems to know a storm is coming before the radar does, that's why.
Signs your dog is anxious about noise
Watch for:
- Trembling, panting or drooling when it isn't hot
- Pacing, restlessness or not settling
- Hiding under beds, behind the couch or in the shower
- Toileting inside when they normally wouldn't
- Scratching at doors, digging at fences or trying to escape
Vets such as Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital list panting, drooling, trembling, hiding, toileting indoors and escape attempts as common signs, and stress that even mild signs are worth taking seriously because noise fear can get worse over time.
Set up a safe space at home
Do this before storm season kicks in, not at 7.55pm on 31 December. A dog who already likes their hidey spot will head there by themselves.
Pick the right room. RSPCA WA suggests somewhere dimly lit and sheltered or enclosed, like a walk-in robe or under a bed. An internal room with no big windows works well, and RSPCA Queensland notes a crate or quiet room that shields your dog from lightning flashes is ideal.
Make it comfy. Their own bed, a favourite blanket that smells like home, a toy and a bowl of water. If you use a crate, make it a happy place first with meals and treats inside, and never use it as punishment.
Block the outside world. Close the blinds or curtains and keep the lights on inside, so flashes outside are less noticeable. Run the TV, radio or a calm playlist to soften the bangs.
Make it safe. RSPCA NSW recommends removing anything sharp a panicking dog could hurt themselves on. Check that gates latch, fences are sound and windows and screen doors are secure.
RSPCA Queensland also mentions that dog appeasing pheromone products and snug-fitting anxiety wraps help some dogs. Try them alongside the basics, before your dog is already stressed.
What to do on the night
- Exercise early, feed early. RSPCA WA suggests a good walk in the evening and dinner a couple of hours later, so your dog is tired and settled before the noise starts.
- Bring them inside. RSPCA advice across the board is clear: don't leave dogs outside alone, and never tether a dog during fireworks or storms, because they can badly injure themselves trying to break free.
- Stay home if you can. If you can't, ask someone your dog knows well to be there with them.
- Keep it normal. Play, chew toys and your usual routine help. Reward calm behaviour with treats.
- Be calm, not fussy. RSPCA Australia advises keeping your own behaviour calm and avoiding fussing over your pet excessively, as that can encourage anxious behaviour. Sit nearby, be relaxed, and let them come to you.
- Never punish fear. A frightened dog isn't being naughty, and punishment only adds to the fear.
Keep microchip and ID details current
This is the one job that can't wait. RSPCA Queensland says storms and fireworks can lead to more pets escaping, with more calls to its lost and found hotline, and RSPCA NSW notes many pounds report more runaway dogs after storms or fireworks nights. Frightened dogs jump fences, slip through gaps and can end up a long way from home.
Before the season starts:
- Check your dog's collar has an ID tag with your current phone number.
- Check their microchip is registered with your current details. Pet Address lets you search a microchip number to find which registry holds the record, so you can update it.
- Don't know the chip number? Your vet can scan your dog and tell you.
When to talk to your vet
If your dog's fear is ongoing, severe or getting worse each year, it's time for a vet conversation. RSPCA Australia recommends talking to your vet well before fireworks are scheduled, so book in now rather than in the last week of December. Your vet can assess your dog and talk you through options, which might include a behaviour plan or a referral. Please don't give your dog anything from the medicine cabinet without veterinary advice.
Our Gold Coast vets guide lists checked local clinics from Paradise Point to Varsity Lakes. If a panicked dog gets injured or goes missing and comes home hurt, the 24-hour and emergency vets on the Gold Coast are in the same guide. Save one in your phone today.
Storm season on the Gold Coast
The Bureau of Meteorology says October to April is Australia's peak time for severe weather, including thunderstorms, and names northern New South Wales and southern Queensland during October to December as the highest thunderstorm risk on the east coast. That's us, and New Year's Eve fireworks land right on the end of it.
Warm months bring their own hazards too. If your dog is out in long grass or bush between storms, our guide to paralysis ticks and snakes on the Gold Coast is worth a read.
New Year's Eve fireworks
Details for New Year's Eve 2026 haven't been published yet. City of Gold Coast publishes its events, including New Year's Eve, on its What's On Gold Coast events calendar closer to the date. For 31/12/2025, the council presented celebrations at Broadbeach and Coolangatta, each with an early family display and a midnight display, so if you live near the beachfront it's worth checking the calendar in December and planning your evening around both times.
Anxious dogs, loud dryers and grooming
A dog who is scared of bangs is often wary of other loud, unfamiliar noises, and a professional grooming dryer is louder than anything at home. That doesn't mean noise-sensitive dogs can't have a lovely groom. It means going slower.
When a nervous dog comes into our Miami studio, we give them time to settle and sniff around first. We start the dryer at a distance so they hear it before they feel it, and only bring the airflow closer once they're relaxed. We take breaks when a dog needs one, we don't force a panicking dog to push through, and we'll tell you honestly at pickup how they went. If last night was a big storm or fireworks night, let us know at drop-off so we can take it extra easy.
Puppies who meet the dryer calmly early on tend to cope much better as adults, which is the whole idea behind our guide to your puppy's first groom and the gentle Puppy Introduction Groom. For adult dogs, you'll find every option on our dog grooming services page, and our seasonal grooming guide covers summer coat care.
FAQs
When is storm season on the Gold Coast?
The Bureau of Meteorology says October to April is Australia's peak severe weather period, with southern Queensland and northern New South Wales at highest thunderstorm risk during October to December.
Should I comfort my dog during fireworks?
Stay close and calm, but don't fuss excessively. RSPCA Australia advises keeping your behaviour normal and rewarding calm behaviour, rather than lots of anxious attention.
Where are the New Year's Eve fireworks on the Gold Coast in 2026?
Details for 2026 haven't been published yet. Check City of Gold Coast's What's On Gold Coast calendar closer to the date. In 2025 the council's celebrations were at Broadbeach and Coolangatta.
Can my dog be groomed if they're scared of loud noises?
Yes. We go at your dog's pace, introduce the dryer gradually and take breaks when needed. Let us know when you book or drop off that your dog is noise sensitive.
A calm groom for nervous dogs
Gentle, patient grooming at our Miami studio, booked online.
Book a groomLast checked October 2026. Event details and advice change, so check the latest from council and your vet before the night.
Straight from Google
Five stars from the people holding the leads
Rated 5.0 on Google (opens in a new tab)We took our two toy poodles in for grooming today and couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the moment we walked in, the team was warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do.
They took the time to listen and treated our boys with such care and patience throughout and they came out looking absolutely beautiful! Perfect cuts, soft coats, and so happy & relaxed.
It’s obvious they genuinely care about the dogs, not just the end result. The attention to detail and level of professionalism really stood out. We’ve already rebooked, will definitely be coming back regularly and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality groomer.
Thanks so much guys!
Lots of love from Lenny & Boo 🐕 🐕
OBSESSED
Got my senior queen Lady (husky x GSD) groomed here when her regular groomers couldn’t fit her in (they would often cancel as well due to her size and hair type). Pets Juicy did an incredible job - Lady came back happy, smelling fresh and well de-shedded. Really happy with the service and kindness of the staff here, this will be the new go-to spot for our dogs. Thank you for being so accommodating to bigger dogs, which are often seen as a chore by many places. I can see based on reviews you have many larger regulars. Thank you team!
Excellent service and care
HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR COCKER SPANIEL OWNERS 🤍
Had such a good experience at Pets Juicy. My dog Monty had the worst mats in his ears and I was honestly so stressed about it. The team were so patient and gentle with him, especially because he’s a bit silly and crazy They really took their time and made sure he was comfortable, and did an amazing job. I honestly wish I took before photos of how matted his ears were because the difference is crazy. So grateful for how kind they were with him. Definitely recommend!
Great job on my mini groodle Coco
Such an amazing place and team. The environment was very calming and relaxing for our dog. It was his first ever professional groom and wow, he looked fantastic. From booking to confirmation to reminder to collection was absolutely brilliant. Our dog didn’t want to leave at the end of his groom leaving with a big smile on his face and one very happy one at that. We have found our forever groomers for our large dog!!
Thanks Pets Juicy
Best haircut in 16 years for my spoodle
I’ve brought my two pups to Pet’s Juicy a few times now, and every visit has been such a positive experience. The team is incredibly gentle, caring, and clearly loves what they do! My dogs are always excited when we arrive! Their grooms are beautifully done, and they come home smelling amazing and happy every time. I feel completely at ease leaving them in such capable, loving, kind hands. Highly recommend!
Always amazing & professional a great team
Sami looked and felt absolutely fabulous after her long haired deshedding service. The team did an awesome job with my golden girl who hates her nails being trimmed. Our vet couldn’t manage trimming Sami’s nails without sedation but the team ensured she had a proper and perfect dogicure. Being a water lover, Sami had some matting which the team were able to also tidy. 10/10
Awesome open space, needed for our local area
This was our first time at Pets Juicy and we were very impressed with our visit. It’s a very friendly space and I liked how my pup was able to hang out with the day care dogs while he waited for his cut. Also the staff was very accommodating, booking was easy and prices were very reasonable. We will definitely be back!
Awesome groom - our Labradoodle looks so handsome!
Our big beautiful GSD loves this place. Hes very anxious at groomers but the whole vibe is just chill, welcoming and loving. He immediately relaxed and blended in well.
I struggle to take him in public to dog parks as he gets very unhappy, but id happily leave him here as long as needed. Well managed and run.
Love this place .
The best dog groomers on the Gold Coast .
Our 15yold Moodle has lots of bumps and lumps. Had been avoiding groomers due to fear of distress. Had been recommended Pets Juicy and couldn’t be happier. Easy to book, lovely reception on arrival and felt very comfortable. And in picking up our dog, he was happy calm and looked wonderful.
Great experience and a lovely groom for my cavoodle- I didn’t recognise him!
My little Archie seemed to instinctively love this place.
A chilled welcoming venue, very nice staff, and they did a really great job on grooming, I passed by at one point while he was being groomed & saw for myself the care and attention that was taken.
Would definitely recommend.
Pet Juicy have been amazing for our little Luna. Highly recommend their services.
The team at Pets Juicy were amazing! They did such a good job helping with our Border Collie’s matted coat and took really great care of him the whole time. He came home looking so much better and seemed super happy and comfortable. Couldn’t recommend them enough :)
Very friendly service, 100% recommended. You can really tell they love and care for animals
I took my dog for his very first grooming today and I honestly couldn’t have chosen a better salon! The staff were so lovely, everything was done really quickly, and my pup looks absolutely adorable. They did such a great job 👏🏼 highly recommend!
Love coming here. The team genuinely love what they do and always take the best care of my Baxter.
Had my dog groomed today and they did amazing job, they were gentle and made my dog comfortable before starting. Will definitely be coming back, and i recommend going as they prices are affordable and staff are so friendly.
Absolutely highly recommend.
My pup Ava looks great and the service and price was great.
Barry
Robina
Everyone at Pets Juicy is amazing. They gave our gorgeous 3 month old labradoodle Barry, his very first grooming session and we were so impressed by their patience and care. Thank you! Barry will be back.
Highly recommend absolutely amazing service thank you Teddie looks insane look forward to his next pamper 💙
Phenominal service, they took care of my queenie she looked absolutely gorgeous ❤️❤️💜💜 thank you so much for helping us out we appreciate you and we are beyond grateful ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Amazing place! Staff were super friendly and caring with my dog! My dog looks happy and amazing! 100% would recommend
2nd time we send our swiss shepherd for deadheading and the results are fantastic. The team is super helpful and friendly and the location is convenient. Highly recommended.
Friendly local dog groomer, used for first time and happy with the cut and service all around. Will be back again next time
Bath time at pet Juicy is marvellous for us. We have two cavoodles and to have the care and service from Pet Juicy works a treat. It's clean, friendly and homely.
Fabulous team at Pets Juicy. Obviously love their work and customers!!!
Did a great job on our old boy he looks so handsome now.
Amazing service!! So happy with how the dogs looked I accidentally stuffed up my booking and they were so kind to still accommodate me can’t recommend enough 🙏🏻
Honestly, couldn’t be happier! The team are so lovely, kind and accommodating. They went above and beyond for our pups. Highly recommend!
A great local dog groomer that is well priced, fast and takes great care of the dogs! Our groodle always looks just as we like him when we collect him!
Shane and the team were very kind to our beautiful Zara. First time we’ve used Pets Juicy for a groom and they were great! A very happy puppy!
I so happy and appreciative of the great job your team has done to make my miniature Poodle and Cobberdog looks so gorgeous.
Thanks heaps
Claudia
Highly recommend the Pets juicy team to look after your furry babies. I was so hesitant and nervous as I’d never had my dogs previously looked after but moving interstate and trying to take our family to theme parks left me no choice but to bite the bullet and try. I’m so glad I came across these guys. They put my mind at ease. My dogs were happy to go each day (they went for 3 days). I was updated on the first day with texts and photos to put my nerves at ease. Thank you for such a pleasant experience. Can’t recommend these guys enough. Thank you.
Teddy loves pets juicy!!!
We absolutely love this place! Odin and Scooby always come home happy, relaxed, and looking amazing after their grooming sessions. The team truly cares for the dogs as if they were their own, and I feel so comfortable leaving them here for daycare knowing they’re in safe hands. Grooming is always done perfectly—clean, tidy, and they smell incredible! Most importantly, both dogs actually get excited when we arrive, which says it all. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional and loving groomer/daycare.
Great service and great results!
I would highly recommend Pets Juicy . I popped in this morning to see if they could possibly trim my 14 year old Boxers nail's.
I was in Awe... usually Ruby is a shaking mess and stressed in new situations.
Shane took Ruby through to the grooming room and tender to those nails while I waited.
What I witnessed was a serene/happy atmosphere in the doggy daycare area and Ruby was relaxed on the grooming table while her nails were attended to.
Extremely affordable, Kind and Professional experience.
Beautiful results, affordable for all.
My 1 year old labradoodle Bryson had his first full groom this morning and couldn't feel more comfortable and pleased with this service. Very impressed with how patient and helpful Shane was. Bryson wasn't the easiest puppy to groom but with the guidance and advice given, I have no doubt it will get essier and he will be less nervous each time. Have definitely found our new grooming service! Very happy, thank you so much! 🙂
Great service and love the free bandana
Extremely happy after collecting our Husky Sasha from his first visit. We really appreciate the extra time and care taken to de-fluff our adored fur ball and especially impressed we were not charged extra for the additional time taken. Have already started recommending you and looking forward to seeing you again next month! Thanks again from Sasha and the Spencer Family 🩷🩷🩷
Thank u Dudley looks awesome after his groom
It was our puppy’s very first grooming session and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The staff was so gentle and patient, and made sure our little one felt safe and comfortable. He came out looking absolutely adorable — clean, fluffy, and happy! Thank you for taking such great care of him. We’ll definitely be back! 🐾💕
They did a really great job with my dog's groom
Had such a lovely experience!
My Golden Retriever can be a bit nervous, but the team at Pets Juicy looked after her so well. Such lovely, caring people.
She looks amazing and their services are very well priced.
Bonus is that they post super cute photos of your dog on Instagram ♡
We'll be back, thank you!
Amazing service and an easy and user friendly website
Amazing service! After being told by multiple groomers across the GC they weren’t taking on anymore large breed clients, I came across Pets Juicy who were more than happy to help. Both dogs groomed the next day and was better priced than I expected! Will definitely be using them from now on.
They took amazing care of my little pup will
Definitely be back !!
We take our two miniature groodles here for their grooming regularly & they do such a good job!!
We’ve had previous experiences at a large salon where our 3yr old would become anxious & distressed, but not here - both our doggies love going to Pets Juicy Miami. Definitely 5 ⭐️ from us!
Gorgeous people with my puppy she came home happy and looking and smelling great.
This was my first time here and I’m so happy with how they groomed my dog, he looks amazing and it’s perfect for his active lifestyle. I love how much everyone there cares for the dogs! It made me feel comfortable leaving him and knowing he will be well looked after. Will 100% be back!
They are amazing and very kind with my furry little baby!!! I strongly recommend!!!
I took my 16 month old Border Collie (Ziggy) to Pets Juicy in Miami today for a warm bath and deshed. The staff are so friendly. You can tell that they really care about the dogs they look after. Ziggy looks amazing after his grooming session. Stella job guys!
They have amazing staff and my dog came out smelling so clean with a fresh hair cut for spring.
My beautiful 15 year old, blind Shihtzu Stella has been here 3 times now and honestly the BEST grooming service we’ve ever experienced. Kind, caring, great grooming- very happy Shihtzu mum and most importantly an extremely happy pup. ❤️
Alfred loved his experience at Pets Juicy. We can't thank them enough for looking after our little guy.
Awesome!!! My little lady is always so happy to go for her beauty treatments. The guys always do such a fantastic job. It used to be such a stressful process but not since coming to Pets Juicy she is relaxed and happy.
Pets Juicy did a great job of grooming our Groodle. Will return for sure.
Recommend to anyone in the area
Hi guys! After a missed booking (my bad) you guys managed to fit us in anyway. Franny was loved and cared for and looks great! So happy and many thanks. We will be regulars going forward. 10/10.
Took my shih tzu cross maltese Lou Lou here for a groom, she smelt lovely. They did a great job and were very nice.
Julius absolutely loves going to Pets Juicy! They always do such an amazing job grooming him. He comes home looking and smelling incredible every time. Would definitely recommend!
Fantastic service, our wee girl was quite matted but she’s come back home feeling and looking wonderful. Highly recommend.
A fantastic new doggy grooming company and doggy day care in the heart of Miami GC. Who doesn’t love local, especially when that local loves and cares for our fur babies!?
Stumbled across these groomers online
No wait time. Excellent job and surprisingly well priced. Very happy and will be returning
Took my Border Collie for wash and deshed, my boy is looking as handsome as ever. They did an excellent job and the team was very friendly and great to deal with.
I’m really impressed, honestly have done a really good job in grooming my dog exactly what I wanted. Very nice people and worth it.
Our regular pet groomer and always a great experience with Pets juicy. Grooming of our labradoodle is always done professionally and with love and care.
This place is awesome…super kind and friendly staff and a beautiful haircut and wash given to little Crème. 100% recommend this to everyone 🙌🏼
I went to Pets Juicy yesterday and the staff there where amazingly attentive, they took such care and time with our little puppy. I couldn't be happier
We were very impressed with Milly’s first groom since moving to the area. The staff listened to what we wanted and did a fab job. We’ll be back!
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