I recently got a question from one of my readers asking “My dog is scared of fireworks what can I do”
So instead of just responding to this one person. I thought I’d reveal exactly how to deal with scared, anxious and nervous dogs around firework season.
Related Video: 5-Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Calm A Dog Scared Of Fireworks
For a dog scared of fireworks, July 4th and New Year’s Eve are the two annual dates that dogs will dread
Around 40% of domestic dogs are estimated to be seriously afraid of booming fireworks, seeing your best pal shake and quiver with anxiety is sure to put a dampener on the celebrations.
But not all dogs are affected of course.
Some will just shrug their shoulders and roll back over.
And while there is no exact rule for which breeds are most likely to be skittish when the booms and crackles begin.
Naturally sensory or impulsive dogs such as greyhounds and excitable varieties such as collies and yorkies tend to be more prone to fireworks.
But even the gruffest alsatian can sometimes turn white with fear.
My Dog Is Scared Of Fireworks What Can I Do?
Well, seeing as fireworks are unavoidable we need to come up with a solution that works specifically for your pet.
Dogs enjoy different personalities (wouldn’t it be dull if they were all the same!) and what works for one may not do anything to help another.
But there are plenty of potential solutions out there that are proven to help dogs stay calm when the fireworks are flying.
Why Are Dogs Afraid Of Fireworks?
Before we begin discussing the potential solutions to this problem it is worth taking a moment to briefly consider the reasons so many dogs are scared of fireworks.
Many dogs are perfectly fine with other loud noises (traffic, screaming kids etc) so what makes these such an issue?
Basically, it comes down to the unpredictability of the booms/screeches and an association with thunderstorms.
Their natural senses urge them to seek shelter and hide, and when they are unable to do so they can understandably become highly stressed.
When fireworks are exploding very nearby this is accentuated even further.
Related: 5-Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Calm A Dog Scared Of Fireworks
Essential Advance Preparations
OK, so we have a dog who becomes extremely skittish around fireworks.
In the weeks before fireworks will be let off, the first thing to do is to make sure that your dog’s microchip is fully up to date and that they have a collar sporting the correct ID.
That is not just their name, but also your name, address and contact details.
Never assume that your dog – no matter how placid their manner – will not suddenly panic and make a break for it.
When in flight mode dogs can be surprisingly capable climbers/diggers so plan on keeping them inside around that day and firmly on the leash when out and about for walkies.
It is no coincidence that the busiest day of the year for the Humane Society happens to be July 4th.
Noise Training
Another option to consider on the run-up to the holiday would be a kind of noise training.
Opinion is a little split over how effective these can be, but basically, they are CDs that play an erratic hour or so of firework noises.
If your dog is already of a rather nervous/timid disposition then these may actually do more harm than good.
Yet for those a little more mellow then they may be a handy way of getting them prepared in advance.
Another factor worth mentioning is that should you be inclined to try this option, it may be worth evaluating your sound system.
Ideally, you want a set up that provides heavy bass and echo to accurately simulate live fireworks – playing them quietly on a single speaker portable may offer little benefit.
Last but not least be sure to check your local events listings for when the large and organized displays will be taking place.
There is not much that can be done for private firework parties.
But should you come close to one of the larger displays then expect it to be loud and potentially extra stressful for your dog.
It may even be worth checking in with your immediate neighbors to ask if they will be letting any fireworks off that evening.
Before The Fireworks Begin
So it’s the morning before the evening to come.
So what can you do to prepare your buddy for the fireworks later on?
Well, the first thing to factor in is when to take a walk.
Be sure to keep them on a lead as it is not uncommon for some people to let off the occasional firework or cracker during the day (dumb but it does happen!).
This may not be such a big deal for July 4th thanks to the days being longer, but for New Years when it will likely be dark by early evening.
So depending on your state – take walks considerably earlier than usual.
Try and time it so that you can take your dog out to relieve themselves just before the fireworks begin.
Easier said than done but that’s where your previous research will be handy.
Bring forward mealtimes – again especially for New Year – as anxious/scared dogs frequently tend to lose their appetite.
Fill up the water bowl too because one thing that anxiety does cause is thirst due to excessive panting.
Be sure to keep that topped up with fresh water throughout the evening and if your dog seeks shelter (under a bed, in a corner) take them a bowl and leave it close to their hidey-hole.
The next step may sound glaring obvious but it happens to be the key reason why so many dogs go stray…
Close Your Windows And Doors
Much as it may be an inconvenience on a warm July evening, this is without question the most important thing to remember.
As mentioned above, dogs in panic will jump from windows and dig underneath fences with surprising ease.
Not only does ignoring this hugely increase the chances of losing your pet, but also put them at serious risk of injury.
Last but not least for owners who have dogs that tend to ‘take flight’ when fireworks are popping overhead, try and set them up a cozy den in their favorite hiding place.
You may not want to leave this all year round of course but instead, think of it as their firework bunker.
Set it up a week or so ahead so they are familiar with it, and leave some unwashed garments in there so they will feel safer.
On the actual evening place some treats and water by the side.
Related: 5-Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Calm A Dog Scared Of Fireworks
When The Fireworks Begin
Most dogs will react according to your behavior.
Should you and your family be whooping and applauding the fireworks banging away in the sky.
Chances are your anxious dog will see this as a stress reaction instead of simple family fun.
The last thing they need is commotion from their loved ones – so remember to stay calm and act as normal as possible.
Should your dog not have retreated but is instead showing signs of nervousness (shakes, down on all fours etc) then be as comforting and happy as possible.
It will make an enormous difference just sending and reinforcing positive signs.
Stick To Your Routine
It may be an idea to also try and stick to your regular routine, especially when it comes to making noise.
If the TV is usually on (but instead you are in the yard watching the displays) then leave it on anyway.
A handy tip is to perhaps consider making additional domestic noise such as putting on the washing machine or dryer.
Even playing the stereo a little louder than usual may help – just don’t do anything too crazy or out of the ordinary.
If your dog seeks attention or comfort then make sure you give it to them, even if it is an inconvenient time.
Likewise, if your dog decides to take refuge under the bed/couch then be sure to pay them a regular visit – perhaps with a handful of treats or a favorite game.
Dogs who are shown that the rest of their ‘pack’ are not worried and want them to be happy too are by far going to adapt well to fireworks in later years.
What Not To Do
If your dog has retreated to a safe spot/den then the last thing to do is try and drag him out.
Not only will this accentuate their stress it may even provoke an uncharacteristic snarl – or even worse.
Dogs have long memories and no matter how much they love you doing so may have major implications on trust levels for a considerable while.
Another terrible idea is attempting to use some kind of aversion therapy by making your dog confront their fears.
Leaving them alone outside during fireworks is going to potentially cause serious psychological trauma and again massively affect their relationship with you!
Even if you decide to take a dog to a firework display on a tight leash and it appears happy (panting, tongue out, fixated on the explosions etc) chances are that it is actually massively stressed out.
So simply don’t do it.
And last but not least – never tie your dog up on a leash when there are fireworks going off. Every year dogs accidentally end up strangling themselves because of this level of irresponsibility.
Alternative Solutions
Following the above advice ought to be enough to help the majority of dogs cope with the firework seasons.
Providing that they feel safe, chances are that over the years they will at least become used to it even if they still don’t like it.
Yet for a minority of dogs, there may be a need to look towards more drastic solutions. Here’s a lowdown on some of the most common.
Tactile Wraps
Plenty of people at a loss of what to do to help their stressed-out dog find that these can be a godsend.
85% if you believe some of the marketing claims.
Whether or not that’s an accurate measure is not for us to say.
But the fact of the matter is that there ought to be the first port of call should you need to take more drastic steps.
There are two major styles/brands of tactile dog wraps the ‘Anxiety Wrap’ and the Thundershirt
Both of these work in a similar fashion by providing a consistent sense of pressure and comfort across the dog’s body.
Basically like a long and consistent hug.
Depending on the canine’s character it may take a little while for them to get used to it, so should you invest in either of these solutions make sure they are familiar with the feeling well before the fireworks begin.
Diffusers/Calming Balms
Calming diffusers are another option which some people report to work very well.
These can come in a variety of fashions, from socket plug-ins to even dog collars.
By releasing a naturally soothing range of scents they claim to be able to help reduce stress and provide a sense of calm during fireworks.
There’s also a variety of calming balms on the market whereby you rub the spray behind the dog’s neck and ears.
While these may well work for some, like any supplementary aid they ought to be used in conjunction with the guidelines laid out above and not relied on as a one-stop fix.
Calming Medication
It is never a nice feeling to rely on meds to calm a stressed out dog but in extreme cases, this may be the only solution left.
Good vets are likely to only consider this should your dog be destructive and/or as a consequence a risk to themselves by the stress directly caused by fireworks.
Bear in mind that they are unlikely to prescribe these should your dog have any health problems or is taking any other course of medicine.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide will provide all the general advice you need to help your dog ease through firework seasons without too much stress or hassle.
While all dogs are different you can be sure that they will be appreciative of any efforts you make to help them through what for some may be a terrifying day or two.
With appropriate preparation and a little training and attention, the majority of dogs will respond positively enough without needing to resort to some of the more extreme options.
While we’ve covered the essentials here every dog keeper tends to have their own tricks and techniques that have worked specifically with their own pet.
Related: 5-Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Calm A Dog Scared Of Fireworks
So what methods have you used to help your dog scared of fireworks? Please feel free to share in the comments below!
