Around the globe, fireworks are a source of much wonder and amazement, however for our pets and wild animals they can be extremely frightening and in some cases lead to animals getting hurt or lost. Being mindful of animals when fireworks are used is one way to help reduce our impact, such as by only visiting larger displays and not putting on smaller displays at home, however for some people, hiding from firework noise is impossible. If your dog is scared of fireworks and you can’t get away from the noise, either if neighbours use them or if you live near a larger display, then there are options available to you to reduce their impact on your pet.
The best way to prepare your dog for firework noise is to start early, as this will greatly improve your dog’s ability to deal with the stress and fear caused by the fireworks, and this is primarily done by desensitisation to the noise of fireworks in the run up to firework season. If there is not enough time to fully desensitise your dog to fireworks then there are shorter term options that can be used, however it is important to begin desensitising your dog after using these ready for the next time. These short-term measures can involve making alterations inside your home, playing music and also by consulting your local veterinarian about medications that may be useful to calm your pet down.
What short term changes can I make at home to reduce the effect of fireworks on my dog?
If there is not enough time for you to fully prepare your dog with desensitisation to the sound of fireworks then there are a number of adjustments you can make to your pet’s routine and their environment that will help them cope in the short term. Firstly, your pet’s health and wellbeing are the most important things, and if they become very distressed with the noise of fireworks then there is the possibility that they may try and escape to get away from the sounds. For this reason, it is extremely important that your house and garden are kept secure so that your dog will not be able to escape, and in case they still manage to get out, you should ensure that their microchip details and information on their collar is kept up to date. Once the house has been made secure, then you can focus on changes within the house and changes to your dog’s routine.
Changes in the house to help with fireworks
- Create a safe haven for your dog inside the house
- This will usually involve making a safe place for them to hide, for example using their crate with a blanket over the top, or by putting their bedding under a table covered with a towel, enabling them to feel protected and secure with their normal comforts around
- Close the curtains to prevent any bright flashes from the fireworks scaring your dog further
- Don’t shut your dog in their crate or confine them to a single room, as this may also be stressful for them when the fireworks are being set off, and can also lead to your dog injuring themselves when trying to escape
- Mask the noise of the fireworks
- This can easily be achieved by playing music or having the television on to help make the firework noises less obvious, how it is important to not have the volume so loud that it negatively impacts your dog instead
Changes to routine to help with fireworks
- Exercise and feed your dog before it gets dark if you are anticipating fireworks, as keeping them indoors when fireworks are being set off will help reduce the impact of the noise and flashes, and will also reduce the risk of them escaping or hurting themselves
- Do not pay extra attention to your dog during the fireworks, as this may make them more concerned about the noise, instead just provide normal levels of gentle reassurance
- Provide them with a treat or a toy that will provide distraction for an extended period of time, as this will help distract them from the noise
Despite these adjustments, some dogs will continue to be afraid of the firework noise and some will not respond to these changes at all, and may still be extremely anxious, trying to escape, or inconsolable. For dogs who continue to suffer to this extent, more intense intervention may be required. This can involve seeking advice from professionals (either your local behaviourist or veterinarian) but can also involve long term planning and preparation to help your dog deal with the firework noise best.
How can I desensitise my dog to firework sounds?
Desensitisation to the sound of fireworks is the best long-term preparation method to help your dog cope with the stress of fireworks, and by following a plan or working with a behaviourist you can make a huge difference to the way your dog handles firework noise. This is not a quick process and involves an extended period of you gradually increasing your dog’s exposure to firework noises (on a video or audio recording for example), letting them get used to the sounds and having them become a part of ordinary life. You can even use treats and play at the later stages of this process to create a positive association with firework noise.
Battersea Dogs and Cats home has a great video explaining this process and some other tips you can try which you can find here, and the Dogs Trust also has a full guide with sounds provided here.
Are medications useful in reducing anxiety in dogs scared of fireworks?
If all other methods fail to help your dog cope with fireworks, or if they help but not enough, then asking your local veterinarian for advice is another option you have. Dogs who react to fireworks often enter a state of fear-anxiety, and sometimes this is will lead them to not respond to the short-term measures you have put in place to help them, and if noise desensitisation has not been effective enough then this may still occur.
The role of herbal supplements or anti-anxiety medication in these cases can be an important one, especially in dogs that have not responded to desensitisation and other adjustments made in the home environment. The main aims of these are to reduce fear-anxiety and to lessen the emotional impact of the exposure to firework noise, and in some cases to help them forget the negative experiences they have related to the noise so that they can learn more effectively in the future.
Herbal supplements can be very effective in reducing improving your dog’s ability to cope with their fear-anxiety, which in turn will reduce the amount they respond to the noise of fireworks and help them focus on the training your have done with desensitisation. Before using a herbal supplement it is safer to check with your local veterinarian to ensure it is appropriate.
Anti-anxiety medications can be useful for those dogs who really do not respond to any other method of managing their noise anxiety related to fireworks, however they should only be used based on a recommendation for your veterinarian. It is also important to maximise the benefit being provided by other methods of managing and reducing your dog’s noise anxiety, and long-term preparation with a behaviourist may reduce the need for anti-anxiety medications long term, although initially it may be necessary.
Hopefully this information helps you and your pets have a quieter and calmer firework season, but if you are still struggling then please get in touch with a local professional, as they will be more than happy to help your dog have a less stressful time.