Dogs and Fireworks: How to Keep Your Pup Calm

Summertime is synonymous with backyard barbecues, beach time, and, unfortunately for some dogs, fireworks. If you’ve experienced your pup shaking, hiding, or showing other signs of stress on the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve, you know first-hand that many dogs are afraid of fireworks. It can be heartbreaking to see your furry friend so scared, but there are some easy ways you can help manage your dog's fireworks anxiety. 

Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks? 

While it’s common for dogs to be afraid of fireworks, the reasons for their fear can vary. 

Noise Sensitivity 

A dog’s hearing is much more sensitive than a human’s. Dogs can hear high-pitched frequencies that are out of our range of hearing, as well as low noises that are too soft for our ears. For dogs, those loud bangs that fireworks make can sound even more intense! 

If your dog is sensitive to noises like the vacuum cleaner or the lawn mower, their fear may spread to other loud, unexpected noises. Fireworks and thunderstorms are prime examples. 

Unfamiliarity 

Fireworks are loud and sudden, with unpredictable patterns. For dogs who aren’t accustomed to them, fireworks can be interpreted as a sign of danger and trigger their survival instincts. 

Dogs aren't born able to recognize all strange noises; they learn through experience. If possible, start gradually socializing your pup when they are 7 to 16 weeks of age so that they can learn to stay calm during fireworks and other potentially overwhelming situations. 

Negative Pairing 

Dogs associate familiar sounds with feelings. Think about how your fur kid may get excited when they hear you coming home at the front door—the sound of the door is synonymous with the joy of seeing you! 

Negative pairing works the same way for dogs and fireworks. If your pup has been startled by an unexpected firework before, they are likely to get frightened by similar sounds in the future. 

How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks 

As pet parents, it’s up to us to understand and manage our dogs’ emotions. There are several short-term and long-term ways to help a dog scared of fireworks. 

Provide a Calm, Safe Space 

Give your dog somewhere to retreat where they feel safe and secure, like their crate or their bed—or even their own dog room. Soothing music may help them relax and drown out the undesirable noises. Try to come up with a playlist of calm music that your pup can listen to while fireworks are going off. 

Set an Example

Dogs often take cues from their humans to decide how to respond in certain situations. If you stay calm and comfort your dog, they’ll likely be encouraged to do the same.

🐶 Related → How to Calm an Anxious Dog: 5 Soothing Methods 

Distract Them with Chew Toys and Treats 

Get your dog’s mind off of the loud noises by giving them a chew toy or playing with them. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, this method of counterconditioning helped to significantly improve dogs’ firework anxiety over time. 

Incorporate Sound Therapy

Sound therapy involves gradually exposing dogs scared of fireworks to audio recordings of fireworks and other startling noises, which can help desensitize them over time. Begin by playing these sounds at a low volume around your dog, then gradually increase the volume as they get used to each sound level. Acclimating your dog takes time and should not be rushed—remember that your objective is to make them feel calm and secure!

Consider Medication

If your dog’s fireworks anxiety is affecting their well-being, consult your veterinarian. They can advise you on options for pet supplements or prescribed medications that provide calming or sedative effects. Pheromone therapy may also help control the side effects of sound phobias.

Hire a Behaviorist

If your dog seems to be scared of fireworks no matter what you do, consult a professional. Intense fear can sometimes lead to aggression and other dog behavioral issues, so it’s best to get your dog the care that they need before things get out of hand.

Make Fireworks a Blast 

While dogs and fireworks may not get along well at first, with time and patience, your dog can join in on the fun in a safe and healthy way. Pair fireworks with a calm atmosphere or with something positive like special treats or extra play time. Even if your dog's fireworks anxiety never completely vanishes, you can associate them with happy things to help alleviate any distress.

❓Did you know: More pets run away on the Fourth of July than on any other day—make sure you know what to do in case your dog gets loose.