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Why are dogs scared of fireworks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dogs are scared of fireworks because they kind of come out of nowhere, they\u2019re loud and bright. Fireworks terrify many dogs because they sound like explosions which activate their fight\/flight system; causing them to panic. To a dog, fireworks are completely alien – nothing safe in nature would sound like a firework. Makes complete sense, to be honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For some dogs, firework and noise anxiety is inherited. It has a genetic component so it\u2019s likely that either your dog’s parents also struggled with it, or your dog is from a breed that is known to have noise sensitivity. For other dogs, it\u2019s due to a lack of positive exposure to noise in their socialization window<\/a>. You may find dogs who come from puppy farms or mills more likely to be scared of fireworks. Don\u2019t get dogs from puppy mills by the way – bad idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many dogs who are scared of fireworks have generalized noise anxiety and are also scared of thunderstorms, high traffic or busy areas, and noisy appliances like washing machines and vacuum cleaners.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a negative experience with noises when your puppy is in a fear period<\/a> can also result in them having a long-lasting noise phobia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dog that is scared of fireworks will be able to tell you how they\u2019re feeling through its body language<\/a>. They\u2019ll often pace, tremble, drool, hide, or give you other signs that they’re frightened. Let\u2019s dive into the signs that your dog may be scared of fireworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog begins to shake or tremble<\/a> uncontrollably when they hear fireworks, you can be certain that this is a sign of them being scared. Hormones like adrenaline are released when a dog is scared; high levels of them can cause muscle twitching and even spasm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Excessive drooling and panting<\/a> are often seen in dogs who are scared of fireworks. In dogs, one way the body responds to stress is to pant and hyper-salivate. Humans experience a somewhat similar thing – you know when we hyperventilate when someone cuts into the queue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digging behavior is often seen in dogs who are experiencing anxiety. Your dog may dig at their bed, your sofa or your carpets. Some people say this is a way your dog is trying to create a den or nest. Alternatively, it can also be seen as a displacement behavior; your dog\u2019s stress is related to the energy that they need to get out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should know that displacement behaviors are normal dog behaviors, but it\u2019s all down to context. Digging a hole in the yard for fun would be normal, but digging into your sofa in a panic is not. Our full guide to puppy digging<\/a> has a lot more information about this if you want to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dogs will often cry or whine to show that they\u2019re scared of fireworks. Whining<\/a> can be a self-soothing behavior which means your dog feels good for doing it. But it is indeed also a way of letting you know that they\u2019re scared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs will bark at fireworks and loud noises. Barking<\/a> is a natural way for a dog to respond to a threat or stressor. Barking can mean your dog was startled or they\u2019re trying very hard to get the threat to go away by attempting to scare them off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs will just want to hide in a small space away from the scary crashes, bangs, and wallops. It generally makes them feel safer – no claustrophobia in this case. They might crawl into the tiniest of spaces or just retreat to the back of their crate<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs will go into a catatonic state when repeatedly exposed to high levels of anxiety and stress. We call this \u2018\u2019learned helplessness\u2019\u2019. It\u2019s often when they\u2019ve tried other strategies to try and get themselves to cope or get out of the scary situation, but it\u2019s not worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a dog who is scared of fireworks, then you’re probably asking yourself the obvious million dollar question: \u2018\u2019How do I calm down a dog<\/a> who is scared of fireworks?\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, there are in fact, some things you can try. Here\u2019s our take on what you can do at home, to keep your dog calm during fireworks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Block out outside noises by shutting up your house. Shut blinds, close curtains and windows as a first step to keeping your dog calm during firework season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not sure your dog is scared of fireworks, using some kind of sound deadening or muffling to block the noise of the fireworks is a good idea. This can be a white noise machine<\/a>, turning the TV up loud or playing classical music. This idea is that you\u2019ll cover up the sudden and unpredictable bangs with a more constant level of noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also hang extra blankets or sheets on the windows to create more of a noise-cancelling space. Your living room might look like a haunted house, but will definitely have the opposite effect for your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most firework displays are at night, so go out for exercise<\/a>, playtime and walks nice and early in daylight so that you don\u2019t need to go out after hours. A tired dog will generally be more sleepy and relaxed, so take them on a good, mentally enriching walk<\/a> before you think the firework frenzy will start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get your dog or puppy used to an indoor potty<\/a> in a place like your bathroom, so you don\u2019t need to take them out for quick wees when firework displays are in full swing. This will be especially useful if you’re potty training a puppy in an apartment or apartment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many dogs appreciate somewhere to go and hide, whether it\u2019s a crate with a blanket over the top or a pillow fort between your sofas. Your dog will be eternally grateful for having the option of going in there if they want to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full guide to crate training<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chewing<\/a> releases endorphins, which helps dogs relax. They work in a similar way to stress balls for humans; they\u2019re something active your dog can turn to if they\u2019re stressed. Kongs<\/a> and puppy chews<\/a> prepped in advance are brilliant during fireworks – especially when you can stuff them with yummy treats and peanut butter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Puzzle toys<\/a>, interactive brain games<\/a>, and DIY enrichment toys can also be used to help distract your dog from the fireworks. They\u2019ll also mentally tire them out as well, which will make it easier for them to relax and doze off for a good night\u2019s sleep<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people find great results in using calming herbs like Scullcap and Valerian. Aromatherapy scents such as lavender or synthetic pheromones like Adaptil also work fantastic when it\u2019s firework season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using Tellington-touch style body wraps, or Thundershirts may help some dogs to feel safer. They’re a bit like weighted blankets for humans: some of us love them, some can\u2019t bear them. If your dog struggles with the crashing sounds falling from the sky, they\u2019re worth a try. They definitely fall into the \u2018can’t hurt, might help\u2019 line of anti-anxiety dog products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog is scared, they may be extra cuddly. Don\u2019t lie, you know you love it when they do this. Getting extra cuddly is perfectly fine! Do what you need to help them feel safe – we\u2019re sure you wouldn\u2019t just ignore them or roll your eyes\u2026but just in case, don’t do the latter. Their feelings are important!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If they don\u2019t want cuddles then this is also fine. The important thing is that we meet our dogs’ emotional needs. It\u2019s all about them at this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As well as keeping your dog calm when it\u2019s firework season, we must learn how to keep them safe too. Scared dogs will often bolt or get into potentially harmful situations when they panic; you certainly want to stay away from anything like that happening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s our tips on keeping your dog safe at fireworks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a dog who is scared of fireworks, don\u2019t leave them home alone<\/a>. Scared dogs can injure themselves by pacing or digging. Some panicked dogs have been known to jump out of windows! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The easiest way to return a found dog is by calling the owner, so do make sure your dog is wearing an ID tag. It\u2019s also a legal requirement for dogs to have an ID tag in the UK, so make sure you have one to avoid getting into trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Too often, dog owners forget to update their microchip<\/a> details when they get a new phone, or move house. Contact your provider to make sure they have the correct details for you in case something were to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can, consider always having 2 doors between your dog and exit points. This means your dog can\u2019t just run out of the lounge and straight out of the front door if a visitor calls – they\u2019ll be held back by an extra door that keeps them off the street safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes! Counter-conditioning can help puppies overcome their fear of fireworks. It’s not a quick process or something you start the day before bonfire night, but it’s worth calling a behaviorist to assist you in creating a behavior plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Counter conditioning works by changing the association in our dog\u2019s mind: From \u2018yikes, that\u2019s scary\u2019 to \u2018oh, was that a fart? Almost didn\u2019t hear it\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The very best way to help your puppy cope with loud noises is to socialize<\/a> them from the beginning. We want to show them that loud noises are no big deal, and often mean treats! Puppy socialization classes<\/a> will often have exercises to help with novelty and sounds too. Why don’t you have a look?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog is really<\/em> scared of fireworks and nothing else seems to calm them down, you can contact your Vet<\/a> for medication choices. Some will be long-lasting and heavily sedating which means your dog won’t remember the fireworks at all. Others may have a lighter effect, allowing them to see fireworks as things that aren’t as dangerous as they seem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One example is Sileo, a popular treatment to hit the market. It\u2019s received a lot of excellent feedback because it is not as sedating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people have also recommended products like Benadryl to help sedate their dogs when they\u2019re afraid of fireworks. We recommend always consulting your veterinarian before medicating your dog; what works for one dog may not work for yours, and we want to prevent all potentially dangerous situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you\u2019ve found our article on why are dogs scared of fireworks and how you can help, useful. In a nutshell, fireworks are scary for them because they\u2019re loud and unpredictable. You can be of fantastic help by providing them a safe, indoor place for everyone to hang out and be together. If they\u2019re showing you that they\u2019re scared, comfort them with those delicious cuddles you give, and treat them with things to do to take their mind off the fireworks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For some dogs, medication will be the thing that works best to help them to feel better, but make sure to contact your vet about that first. Firework phobia can definitely be worked on with the help of a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist. Why not contact them? We\u2019re sure they\u2019ll be happy to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An interesting thing about dogs with fireworks and noise phobias, in general, is that we often see it go hand in hand with separation anxiety. Have a read of our full guide on dog separation anxiety<\/a>. If this doesn’t sound like your dog, perhaps you\u2019d like to learn why dogs hump<\/a>? We\u2019re sure that question\u2019s been on your mind regardless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Download the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a> today, and we\u2019ll guide you through all of the training you need to help prevent firework anxiety. We\u2019ve got heaps of other great stuff for your puppy journey you\u2019ll find useful like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this journey, we want you to know you\u2019re definitely not alone. Feel free to get in touch with our team of dog trainers<\/a> when you have any questions, run into hiccups, or simply want a piece of friendly advice. They\u2019re there for you 7 days a week. Other Zigzag users refer to them as their lifeline, so you can tell they’ll be fine for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"How will I know if my dog is scared of fireworks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A dog scared of fireworks may begin shaking and trembling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fireworks can cause your dog to pant or drool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A firework phobic dog may dig<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your dog may whine <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your dog may bark very loudly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Firework anxiety can cause dogs to hide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your dog might shut down when scared<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to keep my dog calm during fireworks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Close your windows, curtains and cozy up indoors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Muffle firework noises with other sounds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Walk your dog before it gets dark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consider an indoor dog toilet if you live in an apartment.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Give your dog a den<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Provide plenty of chews for your dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use interactive feeders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consider using pheromones and other natural products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety wraps help some firework phobic dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Comfort your dog if they\u2019re worried<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to keep my dog safe during fireworks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Supervise your dog and be there with them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make sure your dog is wearing an ID tag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check your microchip details are up to date<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consider an air lock system in your home to prevent escapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Will puppies ever overcome their fear of fireworks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Should my dog be on medication for their phobia of fireworks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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