My Dog is Scared of Fireworks, How Can I Keep My Pup Calm?

Crackle… sizzle… BOOM! If you’ve got a dog who is scared of fireworks and doesn't 'do' loud noises, you know just how daunting holidays with fireworks can be. While we may “ooh” and “aah!” at the spectacular displays, dogs may panic during fireworks and could hide, become aggressive, urinate out of fear, and show many other potential behavioral issues related to their anxiety.

At VEG ER, we are all-too familiar with the fear and stress fireworks can trigger in your pup. Here are some facts and tips to help your doggo get through it all.

Why is My Dog Afraid of Fireworks?

If you’ve ever been startled by an unexpected loud noise, you’ll have a sense of how your dog feels when fireworks go off. This unconscious reflex with its added jolt of adrenaline and increased heart rate, helps prepare the body’s flight or fight response while the brain works to identify what and how dangerous the sound threat might be, as well as how close it is. 

As you might imagine, even if you were initially startled by a noise, your emotional response would be different to the familiar sound of a car backfiring down the street vs. random, inexplicable explosions detonating all around you. Fireworks tend to fall into the latter scenario for our pets.

Along with not understanding what these loud noises are or where they could be coming from, a dog’s hearing is twice as sensitive as our own, so fireworks can be loud enough to cause ear pain in addition to the fear invoked by their seemingly random and unidentifiable nature. 

How a Fear of Fireworks Presents in Dogs

Like people, dogs have different temperaments and stress responses due to any number of reasons, including overall health, previous noise exposure, innate temperament, breed and age, to name a few. 

Shaking, drooling, hiding, running away, panting, barking, freezing, fawning, pacing and restlessness are common fear responses of dogs afraid of fireworks. In a panicked state, some dogs may even growl or nip. Understand that this is not an aggressive response, but a fear response. Don’t scold your scared dog.

Dog scared of fireworks? Read this blog for how to help your dog cope with loud noises!

What to Do for Your Pet Before, During, and After Fireworks

It’s not unusual for dogs who weren’t fearful of fireworks or other loud noises to become afraid, especially as they get older. Here are some tips to help you prepare for fireworks, as well as what to do during and after the event.

Before fireworks: prepare your pet and your home

Speak with your primary care vet

If you know your pet will be a nervous wreck on the 4th of July, work with your primary care vet beforehand about possible medications you can give to help them through this time. Don’t give your pet Benadryl, gummies, or anything else without checking with your vet first. Your vet may advise you to start your pup on meds a day or so before the 4th so their nervous system is calm by the time the fireworks kick off.

CBD oils for dogs to help with them with loud noises

Talk to your vet about giving your dog pet CBD oil (not CBD for humans) as a substitute or adjunct to prescription anti-anxiety medications and ask for brand recommendations.

Microchip for peace of mind

In the event of a firework freakout by your dog, a microchip is one of the best ways to ensure your pup’s safety. This tiny device, implanted under your dog’s skin through a quick and simple procedure, contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. If your dog gets spooked and runs away, the microchip makes it easier for vets and authorities to identify your pup and contact you.

Create a safe space in your home for your dog

Put together a dog-friendly safe space where your furry friend will feel protected and secure during the fireworks.

• Familiar places: You may already know which spaces your dog gravitates towards when scared, so follow their lead and make these spots safe and comfy for them.

• Crating: If their crate is their safe place (and your pup isn’t destructive) you may want to include an extra blanket both inside the crate and over the top of it to help muffle noise.

• Alternate room: Set up their bed in a powder room, laundry room, or guest room that can belong only to the dog for the night.

Keep a bowl of fresh, clean water in or near their safe space so your dog doesn’t have to travel far to get a drink, but refrain from providing food until your dog has settled down again later on.

Familiar scented items or favorite bedding, blankets and toys may help your pet feel more comfortable in their designated safe space. Be aware that some pups may engage in destructive chewing when stressed, so make sure these items are pet-safe or don’t include them in their space.

Prepare your pet for firework noise

Give your dog plenty of exercise and attention before the fireworks begin. Make sure he or she is fed, walked, and went potty before the fireworks start. This will help to avoid upset tummies and accidents once the fireworks begin. A fed, tired pup that’s ready to relax in a comfy safe space is the goal.

During fireworks: how to manage stress for your dog

Don't leave your dog alone during fireworks events

If at all possible, make plans to be at home with your dog when fireworks are scheduled. You don’t have to spend every moment with your dog during the fireworks (your pup may want some space), but your presence will be comforting for your dog and further help reduce stress during this time. 

If you absolutely cannot be at home during fireworks, consider having a friend, family member or pet sitter stay with your dog. 

Drown out the sound of fireworks for your pet

It’s not possible to totally drown out the noise of fireworks, but you can help your dog feel a little more relaxed by muffling the sound in different ways. There are noise cancelling headphones for dogs and ear hoodies, white noise machines or apps, even sound machines with music/sounds specifically curated to ease your pet’s anxiety. You can download pet calming music and sounds to create your own pup soothing playlist. Experts advise sticking with instrumentals (avoid those with reed or percussion instruments), at beats that don’t exceed 95 per minute and at a decibel level around 25-30 (think rustling leaves). 

Try a calming wrap, thunder shirt, or vest for your dog

These shirts provide deep pressure therapy by making the dog feel wrapped up and secure during a situation that causes panic or anxiety. Be sure to try the wrap on your dog before the fireworks begin to make sure it fits, and to determine whether or not your dog may be more anxious having the vest on, which can sometimes happen.

Remain calm for your dog during fireworks display

Last but not least, try to keep any anxiety you may have, in check. If you are worrying about your dog all night, then your dog is going to pick up on those feelings as well. The calmer you are, the better. Forget the old school advice that petting your scared dog will reinforce anxious behavior. Calmly comforting your frightened pup is soothing and reinforces the bond you share.

After fireworks: evaluate and adapt

Assess what worked and what didn't

Did your dog seem calmer after you draped a blanket over their crate? Did he or she settle down once you started playing some soft music? Did the medication your vet prescribed help ease their anxiety? Note which methods worked, which ones needed to be improved upon or which ones didn’t help at all.

Desensitization to fireworks

Consider investing some time and effort into desensitizing your pup to make future firework events less scary. Your vet or behaviorist can help you with the process which includes incremental exposure to firework sounds (available online) with positive reinforcement over an extended period of time.

Need Emergency or Urgent Care for Your Dog? See a VEG Animal Clinic Near You

Emergency vet hospital open 24 hours, even on holidays

With the right planning and preparation, even a dog who is very scared of fireworks can get through the Fourth of July and other holidays that prominently feature fireworks.

Remember that, if all else fails, there is no harm in asking your vet for advice and possibly for anxiety medication that can help your dog feel calmer during these times of the year. Your vet will be able to give you the best information for your individual dog’s needs.

However, if your dog is having a hard time during the fireworks, especially during a holiday or late at night when many general practices are closed, it may be necessary to seek emergency vet care.

At VEG, all of our locations are open overnight and 24 hours on weekends and holidays, with most being open 24 hours every single day of the year. If you notice that your dog is really struggling during the fireworks, call us at any time for advice. Dogs should never be worked up or stressed for long periods of time, as this could cause them to develop other health problems. Our emergency vets will speak with you directly to help you determine if your dog should receive care right away and will answer any other questions you may have about your dog’s health.