How To Help A Dog Scared Of Fireworks
The RSPCA estimates that around 45% of dogs are scared of fireworks. The sudden loud noises, the bright flashing lights and the strange smell of explosives can all be very disconcerting and upsetting. For most dog owners, bonfire night is a challenge. That is why we have created this guide, to make it easier for both your dog, and for you and your family.
Top 10 Remedies For Dogs Scared Of Fireworks
A fear of fireworks is perfectly natural, but there are ways you can soothe them, both in the run-up to, and during fireworks. These include:
1. Check Your Clock & Calendar
Knowing when local displays are happening will stop you from getting caught out unexpectedly, especially when they are not held on the exact night of a celebration. Displays and firework parties are often held at the weekends on either side of the 5th November for Bonfire Night, and may also be held for New Year, Diwali, and Chinese New Year. It is important to check your calendar ahead of time, so you are prepared.
You should make sure you take your dog on a walk nice and early to avoid being outside for any displays. This will also give them plenty of time to settle in for the night.
2. Provide Distractions
It will likely be completely impossible to avoid all anxiety on bonfire night for your dog. However, there are a number of ways you can distract your dog to make the night easier for them. This includes giving them stimulating toys, such as treat-based puzzle toys, or even their favourite chew toys.
You could also play music or the television a little louder than normal, just to reduce the intensity of the banging noises.
3. Use Calming Pheromones
Using a plug-in calming device, such as Adaptil, can be another great early intervention. Pheromones are natural chemical signals that animals use to communicate. A dog-affirming pheromone helps to calm your dog in stressful situations. If you start using them a couple of weeks beforehand, they can help your pet feel more relaxed overall.
4. Create A Safe Space, But Do Not Confine Them
Creating a safe space in your home can help your dog feel calmer and more secure. This could be a private nook, a cupboard, or a crate with a few of their favourite toys, blankets, and treats. Additionally, you should try not to interfere with them when they are in there – it is their safe space where they should feel in control.
It is important to bear in mind that you should always give your dog the option to leave their safe space easily. Confining them may cause further harm or distress if they try to escape.
5. Shut The Curtains & Windows
Shut the curtains and close any windows to limit the effect of fireworks in your home. You should also try turning on the TV and watching something with lots of noise. This will help drown out the fireworks.
6. Keep Doors Closed
If you have to go out or answer the door, make sure your dog is shut in before you open the door. Otherwise, they may try and make a run for it in their panicked state. You should also make sure their microchip and tag details are up-to-date in the event that they do bolt and run out the door.
7. Stay Calm
While it can be stressful having your dog barking all night, it is important to stay calm. This will give you a better chance of calming your dog. Essentially, they pick up on your stress, and if you get stressed at their stress in turn, things can spiral.
8. Do Not Punish Them
Shouting at or punishing your dog will only make them more stressed. It is not their fault that fireworks are happening around them; any behaviour they show is a fear response.
9. Do Not Drug Them
While you may be tempted to use sedatives or tranquillisers to calm your dog, you should not do this. It is difficult enough being afraid of fireworks, but being unable to respond to those stimuli can be incredibly distressing.
Ultimately, with planning and understanding, most dogs and their owners can get through the fireworks season without too much stress. That is why we would always recommend pursuing options such as the above over potentially harmful sedatives.
10. Consider Alternative Accommodation
If your dog is especially scared, or you are planning to be away, you can always book them into our daycare.
A&T is based in the open countryside near Lancaster, far away from the big fireworks displays. This makes us a popular option for pets at firework-filled times of the year.
Speak to our team today to see how we can help make the fireworks season less stressful for both of you:
How To Desensitise A Dog To Fireworks
The earlier you start your bonfire night preparations, the more at ease your dog will feel. It may help to start playing a recording of fireworks on low volume a few weeks in advance. You can gradually increase the volume each day, to help desensitise your dog to the sound of them over time.
Rewarding them with treats will also help to build a positive association, functioning like any other form of training. It may take two or three half hour sessions, carried out over several weeks.
When To Contact A Vet To Help A Dog Traumatised By Fireworks
Fear of fireworks or loud sounds in dogs is natural. However, it is important to look out for more severe psychological issues, which can be characterised by symptoms such as:
- Having toilet-related accidents inside the house
- Barking excessively
- Drooling
- Shaking
- Ears back
- Hiding away
- Excessive panting
In the event that your dog has symptoms like these, a vet may prescribe medication. However, this will always be done alongside a behaviour management plan for effective long-term anxiety management.
Dog Firework Anxiety FAQs
Can I Take My Dog out During Fireworks?
It is not recommended to do this, as the lights and sounds will be more overwhelming outdoors. Instead, you should take them on a longer walk earlier in the day before the fireworks are likely to start.
Should I Hug my Dog During Fireworks or Leave Them Alone?
If hugging your dog helps to comfort them, you should absolutely do this. However, if they would rather hide under the bed, it is important to respect their wishes. Any whining or pacing that they would like to do should not be interrupted; try not to bother them in their safe space, so that you can keep them as settled as possible.
Why are Dogs Naturally Afraid of Fireworks?
Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing, and the risk of fear only increases with age. This could be due to pain, or they’re losing the ability to detect higher-frequency sounds. These give important location context; without knowing where they are coming from, fireworks can then seem much scarier to your dog.
Fear conditioning in their more critical development stages when they are younger has a big impact on their adult responses (after around 12 weeks of age is when this starts to develop).
Why Does My Dog Bark at Fireworks?
Due to their unpredictable and loud nature, dogs may view fireworks as a threat. This then triggers their fight-or-flight response, leading them to either bark at the noises or run away and hide. This also causes other behaviours, such as panting, pacing, whining and restlessness.
What Breeds are Most Scared of Fireworks?
Studies have shown that a higher likelihood of being scared of fireworks is associated with breeds with higher noise sensitivity or specific predatory responses. These include:
- Shelties & Border Collies, as they are bred to herd sheep but not kill them, leading to an increase in wariness
- Bullbreed dogs, they were historically bred to show less fear
How Long Do Dogs Stay Scared After Fireworks?
Studies show that almost three-quarters of anxious dogs had recovered the following morning. Meanwhile, recovery took up to a day in 10% of cases, a week in 12% of cases, and several weeks or even months in less than 3% of cases. The amount of time it takes your dog to recover will depend on factors such as their breed, age, sex and neuter status, as well as the severity of their fear.
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