How to Soothe Your Dog’s Firework Anxiety
July is on its way, which means it’s time to sit back with a hot dog and an ice cream sundae and enjoy a beautiful summer evening with some fireworks. Whether it’s the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, or you’re just having some good old-fashioned fun, including your pups in the celebration can be a perfect way to spend time with your furball. However, it’s essential to recognize the risks of this stressful environment on anxious dogs. These simple tips could help your pooch cope with the chaos and enjoy the evening with the entire family.
Why Does My Dog Hate Fireworks?
The first step in soothing your dog’s fireworks anxiety is understanding how fireworks can negatively impact Fido. There are plenty of reasons your dog may not enjoy a loud explosion. For starters, we do not expose our puppies to loud noises when they are born. Without this association, they fail to make connections to loud noises that reaffirm their safety. Regardless of whether your dog is desensitized or not, all loud noises can cause a sense of danger or threat when they are a surprise. Breed and genetics can play a role in how sensitive a dog is to sound, or a previous traumatic experience can also change how your dog responds.
No matter what the situation is, it’s important to consider the mental health of your canine while celebrating. In no time, everyone will be able to participate stress-free.
Sound Training and Desensitization
Sound training is probably the most straightforward tactic for managing your dog’s anxiety about fireworks. Leading up to your event, take the time to get your pup comfortable with the loud boom and sight of flashing lights. We recommend desensitization with a video of fireworks. In the weeks leading up to your event, slowly increase the volume of the video and how frequently you practice. This will familiarize your pooch with the experience, and you’ll both be excited to see what the night has in store. Giving yourself plenty of time to get your dog comfortable is crucial. You never want to rush your furry friend into a stressful situation, so it’s best to give them lots of time to adjust!
When your event comes around, take note of the social climate. If other pups are in attendance, pair your doggy with one already desensitized to loud noises. This example of a calm animal amidst all the noise could serve as a great influence on your pup!
Keep Fido Occupied
Before your night out, take your pup for a day of play. If your dog is out of energy by the time the evening rolls around, they will be less interested in reacting poorly to loud noises. Enjoy a day at the park, or a long walk before dinner, and their pent-up energy will disappear.
Another great way to distract your dog is with toys and treats. Play games that they love or that involve high focus. Good treats and attention help build positive associations with fireworks that carry over to other holidays. You may also consider teaching your dog self-soothing techniques. Sniffing, chewing, and licking can help a stressed dog calm down; luckily, all come naturally.
If your pet seems to need a cuddle or a hug, don’t be shy about giving it to them. Many experts have suggested that reaffirming stress and anxiety with hugs doesn’t actually help them overcome their fear. However, it’s important to care for your pup’s emotional needs. It’s more than okay to make exceptions for our furbabies.
Consider Stress or Anxiety-Management Medications and Treatments
If your dog suffers from an extreme case of anxiety, it may be better for you to choose a different strategy. If you want to take a more medicinal approach, consider speaking to your vet about anti-anxiety medications. If you don’t want to get a prescription for your four-legged counterpart, there are plenty of over-the-counter remedies that can have similar calming effects. CBD treats or supplements can have a significant calming impact on dogs without breaking the bank.
Diffusers can also be helpful. Scents such as lavender, ginger, lemon, vanilla, valerian, or even scents that mimic a mother’s pheromones can have lasting effects on how your dog reacts to loud booms. If medications aren’t your thing, that’s not a big deal! Medication-free treatments are available, too. Try having your dog wear an anxiety suit. These suits work similarly to a waddle for babies. This good pressure reduces anxiety by making your pet feel secure. We recommend having your pup wear their suit or vest for a couple of hours before heading out so they can benefit from the effects of the pressure and make sure your pup will be comfortable all night long.
The best thing you can do for your canine when there is a possibility of anxiety or stress is to set them up for success beforehand. Consider reaching out to your vet with any concerns and look into stress training with a positive trainer who will help your pup manage their anxiety proactively. You and your furry friend will love watching the beautiful night sky explode with color and fun patterns!