Fireworks can be impressive to some people, but many dogs are afraid of fireworks and find the sound and sight terrifying. Fireworks anxiety for dogs can leave your pets in a state of panic.
It goes without saying that anxious dogs don’t belong at fireworks shows. But even dogs at home can be overwhelmed by noise, especially if the neighbors are setting off their own fireworks. That is why it is so important to help your pet.
Dogs that are afraid of fireworks may hide, tremble, pace or whimper in response to sounds, leading pet parents to consider trying medication to help deal with the behaviors. However, the following tips may help reduce your dog’s anxiety about fireworks.
1. Use Sound Training to Relieve Dog Fireworks Anxiety
You can help dogs with a fear of fireworks learn to cope by hosting training sessions throughout the year, well before events like the 4th of July or New Year’s Eve fireworks displays.
Start by playing a fireworks sound effect (many are available for free online) at a very low level for a brief period while you give your dog a series of small, tasty dog treats and lots of praise when he remains calm. Then turn off the sound and stop giving him treats.
Repeat the process, always with the sound at a low level, until your dog looks at you expectantly when you start. Always be sure to check that your dog is comfortable with sounds and is not showing signs of anxiety.
Turn up the sound gradually over the next few training sessions, varying the recordings to include a variety of types of fireworks, until your dog begins to associate the noises with treats and praise for calm behavior. This can desensitize his pet to the noise of the fireworks.
2. Try a dog anxiety vest
Just like diapers help calm babies, a snug garment that puts gentle pressure on your dog’s torso can reduce anxiety about fireworks.
Get your dog used to wearing a pressure wrap, such as a dog anxiety vest, before the fireworks so that when the event arrives, your dog is comfortable in the garment.
Check out the ThunderShirt which uses a patented “hug” design to help reduce the stress of fireworks anxiety for dogs.
3. Schedule a pre-fireworks workout
Taking a long walk or spending time playing with friends during the day will help tire your dog out before the fireworks start.
A mentally and physically exhausted dog is less likely to react to fireworks, so plan a day of fun activities that will get him ready for a nap.
4. Schedule meals and potty time ahead of time
It’s important to schedule your dog’s dinner and potty trips well before nightfall, as fireworks usually start as soon as the sun goes down. There is nothing worse than a dog who is afraid of fireworks who needs a potty break but is too terrified to walk out the door.
Give your dog plenty of time to finish his dinner, digest, and urinate before the noise starts so he isn’t forced to hold it through an already stressful period.
5. Keep your pup busy during the fireworks
Provide distraction by giving your dog something delicious to focus on during the fireworks, like a KONG Classic dog toy. Stuff the busy toy with special treats like your dog’s all-time favorite treat so he has something else to focus on during the noise.
You can also give your pup a frozen treat to munch on, such as a carrot.
Anxious dogs don’t belong at fireworks shows, but even dogs at home can be overwhelmed by the noise.
6. Muffle noise
It’s easy to understand why dogs are afraid of fireworks; unpredictable booming sounds can be perceived as an imminent threat and make a dog feel vulnerable.
While counterconditioning with a year-round recording of fireworks will help your dog learn to deal with noise, an easy way to manage fireworks anxiety during the event is to simply muffle the sounds with something else.
Plug in a white noise machine or play relaxing music loud enough to hide the fireworks. If your dog’s “safe zone” is his crate, you can also cover the top, sides, and back with a thick blanket and play music or sounds. Just make sure your dog can get out of the crate if he wants to.
7. Comfort your dog
You may have heard that comforting your dog during times of stress can reinforce his fears. However, your dog’s reactions to fireworks are based on legitimate fear. Providing comfort during this time is appropriate and often helpful.
Sitting close to your dog, petting him gently, and offering calm words of comfort during frightening events like fireworks can help center your dog and even reduce his fear. Also, doing so will help your dog understand that you are his companion and that he can always come to you when he is feeling scared.
8. Consider calming supplements
Calming supplements can be used to help your pet during stressful events like fireworks. Calming treats like VetriScience Soft Chews or Nutramax Solliquin Chews promote relaxation without sedation.
Another alternative is a pheromone necklace or diffuser. These calming solutions can really help your furry friend relax during stressful times.
9. Consult a Professional
If your dog’s behavior isn’t improving, find a positive trainer to help you and your dog work through relaxation protocols.
If your dog’s anxiety about fireworks puts them or you in danger, talk to your vet or a board-certified behavioral veterinarian about anxiety medications for dogs and if necessary.
Remember that your dog’s anxiety about fireworks is a visceral response, and it will likely require a multi-step approach to help your dog become more comfortable with the sounds.
Featured Image: Adobe/Leigh Prather
