While fireworks are a time-honoured tradition used for many celebrations and events, unfortunately, many dogs donโt find them an enjoyable experience.
The noise from fireworks can be quite scary for many dogs and can make them feel anxious. In fact, research has shown that up to 40% of all dogs suffer from noise-related anxiety.
When your dog is scared of fireworks, their fight-or-flight response is triggered, which leads to an array of anxious behaviours, including:
- Hyper-alertness
- Shaking or trembling
- Hiding
- Whining or barking
- Attempting to run away
- Becoming extra clingy
How to help your dog during fireworks
The best way you can help your dog cope with fireworks is to keep them calm and secure.
- Walk your dog before dark to tire them out. A tired dog doesnโt have as much energy to try and run away or pace throughout the house, so going for a long walk or run at the dog park in the afternoon is good preparation before a night when fireworks are expected.
- Secure your house and create a safe space. Ensure all doors are closed to stop your dog from trying to escape. Set up a quiet and comfortable area for your dog with their bedding and toys โ or let them hide in a room or closet if this makes them feel safe.
- Keep your dog inside for the whole night, as there may be some โunscheduledโ fireworks going off at different times throughout the night. Donโt leave it until just before the scheduled โofficialโ fireworks to secure your dog, as there are often additional fireworks let off as well.
- Close your windows and curtains. Minimise the noise and stimulus from fireworks flashes by closing all windows and curtains.
- Put the TV or radio on to reduce the noise of the firework โbangsโ. This background noise can help drown out the sound of the fireworks.
- Distract them with favourite treats or toys while fireworks are going off. Help shift their focus away from the noise of the fireworks by engaging them with play.
- Consider using a thundershirt to help calm your dog. Thundershirts are designed to provide gentle, constant pressure to a dog’s torso, and can help to calm anxious dogs.
- Use pheromone sprays or diffusers. Using synthetic pheromones such as Adaptil can help reduce the anxiety your dog may feel from the noise of fireworks.
It’s important to every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another, so it may take some trial and error to find out what works for your dog when it comes to fireworks-related anxiety.
If your dog is still highly anxious after trying all of these tips, we would recommend you consult a vet. At Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital, we can undertake a full behavioural assessment of your dog and discuss a range of strategies to help your dog with their anxiety.
To book an appointment you can call us on 03 9555 4808 or visit our Bayside vet clinic at 328 South Road, Hampton East.
