Fireworks season is fast approaching – and even with lockdown and the challenges of social distancing – loud noises, bangs, whizzes and pops can be really frightening for our dogs.
If your dog is scared of fireworks, the key to getting them (and you!) comfortable with them is called desensitisation. And, with a little bit of prep work on your part with these tips below, we’re sure you can get your dog used to the sound of fireworks.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Dogs tend to be scared for two reasons.
- Their hearing range is double that of humans – meaning they hear noise at a higher range of frequencies. If there’s loads of fireworks going off, that’s a lot of noise to cope with
- It’s a new noise – if your dog wasn’t exposed to certain sounds when they were a puppy these new loud noises can be really scary.
How to get your dog used to fireworks
Tip 1
Play firework sounds in the weeks leading up to fireworks season. Gradually adjust the volume up and down to help your dog get used to the noises, and reward them when they react well.
Tip 2
Try not to reward anxious behaviour. We know it’s tough – when our dogs are scared, all we want to do is comfort them. Our dogs are also very aware of our behaviour, so if you’re anxious or worried, your dog can feed off it, too.
Tip 3
Taking your dog out earlier in the day means they’re less likely to come across firework sounds that could spook them when you’re out in the evening.
Tip 4
Use the TV or radio to distract your dog – and keep your curtains closed to block out any flashing light coming from outside. Have puzzle toys at the ready to take their mind off what’s going on outside.
Tip 5
Make sure your dog has their own safe space – if your dog is used to a crate, they will often use this as a safe place for them to relax. If not, try making a den on the sofa or between two chairs so if they get overwhelmed, they’ve got somewhere to retreat to and feel enclosed and safe.
Vet advice for especially anxious dogs
If your dog is particularly anxious, you can buy calming aids, collars and pheromone diffusers. These can help your dog to relax on nights where there’s lots going on.
With a bit of practice, they’ll soon learn that fireworks are nothing to be scared of.
My dog is 14 and fireworks night is a Nightmare in our house!! We have tried the thunder jacket, tabs from the vet, plug ins etc we are now trying ultra calm tabs. My dog is a cairn terrier and she runs about crying and barking for hours she cannot sit at peace. We close the blinds and curtains and put music on but these fireworks are low bombs going off. Last year we had to drive up and down the Motorway for hours to try and calm her. It’s not even for one night, you get the idiots who think it’s funny to let them off before and after the night!!!
Oddly, Poppy, my saluki x lurcher absolutely loves them. we get the full show here As we live near a fireworks supplier. Poppy runs to the corner of the garden that has the best view and sits watching the show in fascination.
my previous two dogs, greyhounds, turned into quivering bowls of jelly and hid in the bedroom. yet the local airbase & their annual summer air show directly over our heads at minimum level didn’t phase them in the least.
Thanks for your help, could I ask that you sort the sound out on your videos, it’s very difficult to hear and all you need is some better production values. I.e. A good mic would really help deliver this better 🙂
I’ve absolutely tried everything with sandy he’s absolutely petrified
Good advice especially for new dog owners, my westie, “Millie” is unfortunately deaf so noise and banging does not bother her, she is 15 now but can’t imagine life without her.
That’s a really good post- really helpful as my Jackrussell/Collie can get freaked out (by loud noises in general) and there’s some decent advice above, but I have to tell you I am puzzled by the heartwarming last line; how is possible for anyone to tell their dog that they are ‘..best dog ever.’ when I know, for certain, all day long that my dog is, no doubt, The Best Dog Ever ??
Loved it….though his little dog made me chuckle when he kept getting down and as the next tip opened he’d be up there again 🙂
The only thing that helped a little for a fearful Westie I had some years ago was one of the Bach liquid herb rememdies. It’s called Mimulus and you drip it in their water a couple of weeks leading up to Firework Week…doesn’t matter if another dog shares the water as it’s all natural stuff.
After she died I passed it onto a pal with 2 scaredy cats and it helped them as well. Worth a look.
My Jack Russel Dot was fine with fireworks. Born on the 5th of November after all. Until I stupidly took her to a historical re-enactment event this year. Dogs welcome it said. I forgot, didn’t I. And it had been some ten years. Every self respecting group now sports a canon or two. Big blighters too. MUCH louder than ever before. She freaked and I nearly had to take my car apart, as she hid in places I didn’t know existed in there. Anyway, on a positive note, have been trying the scarf thing mentioned on the internet. That seems to work really well. Odd, but true.
My gorgeous mini wire dachshund Heidi doesn’t mind fireworks … but I would NEVER walk her whilst they are banging away !!! I put the radio on for her fairly loudly in the kitchen and close the door when the big display is happening … I have my Mum’s rescue Westie staying this firework night … I hope he will be ok… he loves my dog and hopefully will be ok with the radio on too!!! ??
My dog poppy hates all types loud noises Inc thunder
Good advice except for tip 4
You cannot reinforce fear. If you are scared of something giving hugs and comfort does not make you more scared it is reassurance.
Analogy
If you are scared of spiders and with someone that just ignored you or one that was by your side giving calm reassurance. Which person would you choose?
I know who I would rather be with!!
I live near the Peak District and had access to a campervan. I just took the dogs up there for Bonfire night and new year. Parked up in a remote location and no fireworks. It was bliss for the first time in years.
That sounds like a wonderful plan, Tania!