How to make your dog feel secure when fireworks go boom
True dog lovers know that their dogs will stick with them no matter what. However, some human celebrations are uncomfortable for your dog and could even be terrifying.
Think of fireworks on the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve. Most dogs are afraid of fireworks, just like they are afraid of thunder.
Most dogs will cower nervously, shake uncontrollably, or even run away on those occasions.
Even when you think all is quiet, a dog’s ears are so sensitive that they can pick up the soft footfall of a mouse 30 feet away. Imagine what it must be like when fireworks are exploding all around them.
Use these seven dog fireworks fear remedies to ease your dog’s anxiety and help it survive noisy nights.
Bring your dog inside
Before the fireworks begin, bring your dog indoors, away from all the noise and activity. Place it in a room or closet far away from the excitement to help reduce its anxiety about fireworks.
Turn on a radio or television to hear other, more subtle sounds that distract them from outside noise. You can also use a white noise machine to help muffle the sound of fireworks.
Tire out your dog
Take your dog for a long walk so that he is tired and relaxed before the noise begins. When satisfied, he is less likely to get agitated when everything starts.
You can also play a game of fetch or tug, rewarding him for focusing his attention on you. Don’t wait for the fireworks to begin before you soothe him.
Instead, ensure he understands that you will reward him for staying calm.
Reduce your dog’s fear
Training a dog to become more comfortable with loud noises can gradually require patience and consistency.
Here are some tips to help your dog become more at ease with loud noises over time:
Desensitization
Gradually expose your dog to recordings of loud noises at a low volume while providing positive reinforcement, such as treats or playtime.
Over time, gradually increase the volume as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Positive association
Associate loud noises with positive experiences by providing treats, toys, or attention when the noises occur.
This can help change your dog’s perception of loud noises from negative to positive.
Calming aids
Use calming aids such as Thundershirts, Adaptil products, or CBD oil to help your dog feel more relaxed during exposure to loud noises. CBD dog treats can also be a natural and effective way to help soothe and calm your dog during fireworks, reducing anxiety and stress for a more peaceful experience.
Obedience training
Teach your dog basic obedience commands such as “sit” or “stay” to redirect their focus during loud noises, and reward them for remaining calm.
Seek professional help
If your dog’s fear of loud noises is severe, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can create a customized training plan.
Remember to be patient and understanding during training and prioritize your dog’s well-being.
Create a safe haven
Put your dog in a room that will muffle loud sounds. Close the doors and windows and draw the curtains. If he has a crate, have it nearby with the door open.
Give him his favorite toy or something you know he enjoys. Chew toys, especially Kongs, work well; if you stuff them with something, he will want to work at retrieving.
You also can use puzzle toys. Keep him occupied during the celebration.
Soothe your dog
Some dogs are sensitive to loud noises. If your dog fears thunderstorms, he’s also likely to fear fireworks.
Watch for signs your dog is afraid, like pacing or drooling.
If you have a routine or use products to help soothe your dog during storms, use them for fireworks. Some options include using a Thundershirt or calming treats.
Calming treats
Brands like Zesty Paws Calming Bites, PetHonesty Hemp Calming Chews, and NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid are popular choices that contain natural ingredients to help relax dogs during stressful situations.
Thundershirt
This garment, or an anxiety vest, applies gentle, constant pressure to a dog’s torso, calming anxiety or fear of loud noises like fireworks.
Adaptil (formerly known as D.A.P.)
Adaptil offers products such as calming collars, pheromone diffusers, and sprays that release pheromones to help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.
CBD oil
Some dog owners find CBD products, such as oils or treats, can help calm their dogs during fireworks or other anxiety-inducing events. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog any CBD products.
Prevent escapes
More dogs disappear during the Fourth of July celebrations than at any other time. Dogs may panic and run to escape sudden, loud noises.
Make sure your dog has an identification tag and a microchip. Also, keep your contact information updated.
To prevent escape, never leave your dog unattended. If you won’t be around, find a trustworthy dog sitter or put them in a kennel where they will be safe and secure for the night.
Lastly, consider using a custom dog ID tag to ensure that if your dog does manage to escape, they can be quickly and easily identified and returned to you.
A custom dog ID tag with your contact information can make a significant difference in reuniting you with your beloved pet in case they get lost.
Microchipping your dog and updating its identification tags is crucial, especially during events with a heightened risk of escape, such as fireworks.
In those moments, microchips are a permanent form of identification, helping reunite lost pets with their owners.
Updated tags ensure anyone who finds your dog can quickly contact you, enhancing the chances of a safe return.
Stay calm
Many dogs learn from their owners. If you maintain a calm demeanor during the fireworks, your dog will likely be just as relaxed.
However, being excited, shouting, and making noise can magnify your dog’s restlessness and make it more likely to become agitated.
So, be prepared to spend a little quiet time at home, offering soothing comfort when the noise begins.
Avoid rewarding nervous behavior
When your dog is afraid, it will look to you as its pack leader for comfort. Patting it and offering a cuddle may work best for humans, but it will only worsen matters for dogs.
When they come to you, gently nudge them away and then ignore them until they calm down. This works especially well if your dog is a puppy and this is the first time it has been exposed to fireworks noise.
In time, they will understand from your cues that there is nothing to worry about and will begin to relax, especially when they see that you are also relaxed.
You will know when your dog is agitated and needs to calm down.
Happy dogs wag their tails, and frightened dogs will tuck them between their legs.
Understand your dog’s fireworks fear
The long-term effects of fireworks fear on a dog’s well-being can be significant and should be taken seriously.
Dogs that experience severe fear or anxiety during fireworks displays may suffer from several long-term effects, including:
Behavioral issues
Chronic fear can result in behavioral problems such as increased aggression, withdrawal, or destructive behaviors.
A dog constantly on edge may bark excessively, hide, or even become destructive when left alone, reflecting their ongoing stress and inability to cope with their environment.
Generalized anxiety
Dogs that experience extreme fear during fireworks may develop generalized anxiety, causing them to be constantly on edge and easily frightened by everyday occurrences.
Health problems
Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to various health issues in dogs, including gastrointestinal problems, weakened immune systems, and heightened susceptibility to other illnesses.
Prolonged stress can also contribute to issues like obesity, as anxious dogs may either overeat as a coping mechanism or neglect to eat altogether.
Decreased quality of life
Dogs that live in constant fear of fireworks may experience a decreased quality of life, as they cannot enjoy outdoor activities or social interactions without feeling anxious or fearful.
This decline in quality of life can lead to a less fulfilling existence for the dog and increased heartache for the owner.
Increased anxiety and fear responses
Dogs that regularly experience fear from fireworks may develop generalized anxiety. The fearful experience can condition them to react with anxiety to other loud noises or similar stimuli, making them more fearful in general, which can affect their ability to enjoy normal activities.
Damage your bond
The bond between a dog and its owner can suffer due to the dog’s fear-related behaviors. Owners may feel helpless or frustrated by their dog’s reactions, leading to a diminished sense of connection.
Furthermore, the owner may experience stress and anxiety about their pet’s well-being, creating a cycle of worry and unease.
Safety first
To safely store fireworks, keep them in a cool, dry place out of reach of pets, especially dogs, to prevent accidental ingestion or injury.
Use their original packaging and store them on a high shelf or locked cabinet.
Dog owners need to recognize the potential long-term effects of fireworks fear on a dog’s overall well-being and take proactive steps to address this issue.
By implementing training, using calming aids, and seeking professional help, dog owners can help their pets cope with fireworks fear and mitigate any long-term effects on their well-being.
Creating a safe and comforting environment for dogs during fireworks displays is crucial in ensuring they can lead happy, healthy lives free from excessive fear and anxiety.
By prioritizing the well-being of our canine companions, we can help them live more peaceful and fulfilling lives.
Remember that whatever method you choose to help your dog relax, it will take twice as long if you wait until after your dog becomes agitated.
Be prepared and help your dog get the best results before the noise.