While fireworks may be awe-inspiring to some, many dogs are frightened of them and find the sound and sight frightening. If your dog becomes anxious about fireworks, your pet may go into a panic mode.
It goes without saying that anxious dogs shouldn’t go to fireworks displays, but even dogs who stay at home can be overwhelmed by the noise, especially if a neighbor is setting off fireworks. That’s why it’s so important to help your pet.
Dogs who are afraid of fireworks may hide, tremble, pace or whine in response to the sound, leading owners to consider medication to address these behaviors, but the following tips may help reduce your dog’s anxiety about fireworks:
1. Use sound training to reduce your dog’s fear of fireworks
To help your dog who is afraid of fireworks learn how to deal with them, you can set up training sessions throughout the year before events such as the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve fireworks displays.
Start by playing a fireworks sound effect (there are many available for free online) at a very low volume for a short period of time, then reward your dog with a series of small tasty treats and lots of praise when he remains calm, then turn off the sound and stop giving treats.
Repeat this process, always with the sound lower, until your dog looks at you expectantly when the sound is played, making sure your dog is used to the sound and isn’t showing any signs of anxiety.
During your next training session, gradually increase the volume and vary the recording to include different types of fireworks until your dog associates the sound of fireworks with a treat or praise for being calm. This may desensitize your pet to the sound of fireworks.
2. Try a dog anxiety-reducing vest
Just as swaddling a baby can help calm it, snug clothing that applies gentle pressure to a dog’s torso can make them less anxious about fireworks.
Get your dog used to wearing the compression bandage. Best for Relieving Dog AnxietyYour dog should be used to the clothing by the time the fireworks display begins.
Please check Thunder Shirt® features a patented “hug” design to reduce stress caused by firework anxiety in dogs.
3. Schedule a pre-fireworks workout
Going on a long hike or hanging out with friends during the day can tire your dog out before the fireworks start.
A dog that is mentally and physically tired may not respond well to fireworks, so plan a day of fun activities to help your dog get some sleep.
4. Schedule early meal and bathroom times
Fireworks often start shortly after the sun goes down, so it’s important to schedule your dog’s dinner and potty time well before nightfall. Nothing’s worse than a dog who’s too scared to go outside because he needs a potty break because of the fireworks.
Give your dog enough time to finish his dinner, digest, and go to the bathroom before the noise starts, so he doesn’t have to hold back during an already stressful time.
5. Keep your pup busy during fireworks
Distract your dog between fireworks by giving him something tasty to focus on. KONG® Classic Dog ToyFill the busy toy with special treats, such as your dog’s favorite treat, so that your dog can focus on something else during the noise.
You can also give your pup frozen treats like carrots.
Anxious dogs aren’t good candidates for fireworks displays, but even house dogs can be overwhelmed by the noise.
6. Reduce noise
It’s easy to understand why dogs are scared of fireworks: the unpredictable noise is perceived as an imminent threat and makes dogs feel unsafe.
While counterconditioning your dog with recordings of fireworks throughout the year can help them learn to deal with the noise, an easy way to manage your dog’s firework anxiety during a fireworks display is to simply drown out the sound with something else.
Plug in a white noise machine or play soothing music at a volume that drowns out the fireworks. If your dog’s “safe space” is his crate, you can cover the top, sides and back with a thick blanket and play music or sounds. Make sure your dog can leave the crate if he wants to.
7. Comfort your dog
You may have heard that comforting your dog when he’s stressed can make him more afraid, but your dog’s reaction to fireworks is based on a legitimate fear, and comforting him at this time is appropriate and often helpful.
During scary events like fireworks, sitting beside your dog, petting him gently and speaking soft, reassuring words can help calm him down and ease his fears. It will also help your dog understand that you are his partner and that he can rely on you whenever he’s scared.
8. Consider a calming supplement
Sedative supplements can help support pets during stressful events such as fireworks. VetriScience® Soft Chew or Nutramax® Solikin Chews Promotes relaxation without sedation.
Another option is Pheromone Collar or DiffuserThese calming solutions can really help your dog relax during stressful times.
9. Consult an expert
If your dog’s behavior doesn’t improve, find a positive trainer who can help you and your dog work through a relaxation protocol.
If your dog is anxious about fireworks and is endangering himself or herself, you should consult a veterinarian or Certified Veterinary Behaviorist About medications for dog anxiety and why they are necessary.
Remember that firework anxiety in dogs is an instinctual response, so it may take a gradual approach to get your dog used to the sounds of fireworks.
Featured Image: Salameh dibaei/iStock via Getty Images Plus
