Buzz
The bright lights and loud noises from fireworks can cause fear and anxiety in dogs. If fireworks are being set off in your area, it's important to stay by your dog's side to comfort them and distract them from the noise. It's a good idea to prepare in advance to ensure your home is a safe and secure place for them. You should avoid taking your dog to watch the fireworks; if you must, be mindful to prevent them from becoming frightened.
Steps
Helping your dog stay calm at home
Act normally when you are with your dog. Pretend as if there are no fireworks happening, and engage in playful activities with your dog. If they come close, offer comforting strokes and affection. If your dog isolates itself, hides, or even whimpers, leave them alone.
- Sometimes, dogs may run off and hide in their kennel or under the bed. If this happens, don't chase after them—just check on them occasionally.
Play music or white noise. The sound of a television can also be quite effective. These sounds won’t completely drown out the fireworks, but they can help reduce the impact on your dog. However, avoid playing the music louder than usual.
- Applications like Simply Noise or Noisli can generate white noise.
- Online streaming video sites often feature soothing music or ambient sounds that can be useful.
Close the curtains. The bright light from fireworks may also scare your dog. It will feel safer if you close all the drapes, blinds, or curtains.
- You could also reduce the light’s impact by training your dog to wear an eye mask. However, some dogs are more frightened by the fireworks' explosions than the light itself, so whether this is effective depends on your dog.
Distract your dog with games or toys that contain treats. Your dog won't pay attention to the fireworks if it's busy with something. Play a game inside, such as tug-of-war or fetch, or give it a toy with peanut butter or food inside for it to work on getting the reward.
- Treat-dispensing balls, 'KONG' toys, or puzzle boards are fun activities you can choose.
- When your dog is stressed, don't just give it the reward. It's important to keep it focused on an activity.
Dress your dog in a 'thunder shirt.' A thunder shirt is a special garment that wraps around your dog’s body. This shirt gently hugs your dog to help reduce its anxiety. You can order one online or purchase it at pet stores.
- Alternatively, you can dress your dog in a fitted shirt or stretchy t-shirt. The shirt should fit snugly, hugging the dog’s body, and be worn inside out so its tail sticks out from the neck opening.
Create a stress-relief shirt for your dog using elastic bandages. This shirt works similarly to a 'thunder shirt.' You can use ACE bandages or other non-stick roll bandages. First, place the roll of bandage at the dog's chest, beneath the neck. Then, wrap it over the back, under the front legs, and tie it back on top. Ensure the bandage is snug but not too tight.
Use a leash when taking your dog outside. If possible, try to limit taking your dog outdoors while fireworks are going off. Even in your own yard, your dog may try to run away or jump over a fence. If you absolutely need to take it outside, ensure it’s on a leash and bring it back inside immediately after.
- Fireworks may stop temporarily, then resume again. Therefore, always leash your dog when going outside during fireworks displays.
Take your dog to the fireworks display
Watch for signs of anxiety. A dog’s signs of stress are different from humans. Even if your dog is sitting calmly, it could still be very anxious. Some common signs of fear or anxiety include:
- Constant yawning
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- Trembling
- Licking lips
Always use a leash for your dog. Even if your dog is well-behaved without a leash, fireworks can scare it, causing it to run off. A leash will help keep it under control during the fireworks display.
- Ensure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag that includes your name and contact information. This will help others return your dog home if it runs away.
Give your dog water. When stressed, dogs often pant heavily, which increases their need for hydration. You can pour water into a bowl, or if using a bottle, pour it slowly in front of your dog so it can drink from the stream of water.
Take your dog for a walk. You can take your dog for a stroll around the area to release the energy that might be making it anxious. If your dog seems eager for a walk, take it out for a while.
Take your dog home if it becomes overly stressed. If the fireworks are making your dog extremely anxious and you cannot calm it, it is best to bring it back inside.
Reducing anxiety before the fireworks begin
Provide your dog with plenty of food and water before the event. Once the fireworks start, your dog might not want to eat, so it's a good idea to feed it before dusk. Additionally, dogs tend to drink more water when they’re anxious, so make sure to leave a bowl of fresh water available for them.
Exercise your dog before the night of fireworks. Exercise will help your dog burn off excess energy that might cause anxiety later on. Furthermore, taking your dog out earlier will reduce the need to take it outside during the fireworks.
- Take your dog for a walk before nightfall and let it relieve itself. This way, it might not feel the need to go outside during the evening.
- Spend extra time playing with your dog on that day. You can take it for a walk in the park or play fetch in the yard.
Create safe hideouts inside the house. You can set up a few safe spaces for your dog to retreat to if it gets scared. Dogs prefer hiding in narrow, enclosed, and dark spaces.
- If you have a dog crate, place some old clothes inside to make it more comfortable, then cover it with a blanket to increase the feeling of warmth and safety.
- Dogs may seek refuge under the bed or jump into the bathtub. Make sure to clear these spaces and leave the doors open for them to enter.
- If you don't want your dog to hide in places like the closet or basement, simply close those areas off and prepare an alternative hiding spot for them.
Play a recording to help your dog get used to the sound of fireworks. Before the fireworks show, introduce your dog to the sound of fireworks. You can purchase a CD at a pet store or online, or you could also find fireworks displays online.
- Frequent exposure to the fireworks sounds can help your dog become less sensitive to the loud noises.
Consult a vet if your dog has a history of anxiety. If your dog has previously had negative reactions to fireworks, thunder, or other loud sounds, you should consult a vet before the fireworks event. The vet may prescribe medication to help keep your dog calm during the event.
- The prescribed medication is often a pheromone called Adaptil, which comes in spray, cream, and collar diffuser forms.
- You might also consider another medication called Sileo, although it is only available in Europe. This medication is specifically designed for dogs sensitive to loud noises like fireworks.
- If you prefer not to medicate your dog, the vet may recommend natural supplements like Zylkene. These supplements can also be quite effective.
- The vet may refer you to an animal behavior expert, who can help train your dog to become less sensitive to loud noises. However, the training process can take up to 6 months.
Advice
- Do not scold your dog when it is anxious. Scolding will not calm it down, but only confuse it more.
- Always ensure your dog is wearing its collar and ID tag. If it runs off, someone will be able to find it and return it to you. Consider attaching a tracking chip as well.
- If everyone wants to go watch the fireworks, try to arrange for someone to stay with your dog. It will feel more secure if someone is home with it.
Warning
- Fireworks are typically set off during festive occasions such as national holidays, the Lunar New Year, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These times are when animal rescue centers are busiest, as many dogs panic from the noise and end up getting lost. It is important to keep your pet safe at home and watch over them during these times.
