Dogs and Fireworks | Tips For Calming Firework Fears
This post is about dogs and fireworks, and specifically some tips for calming firework fears.
It’s topical because it’s firework season.
In the UK we have an increasing unrestricted use of fireworks all year round. While I’m not against fireworks (in fact I think they’re brilliant), when I was young that fireworks tended to be reserved for:
- around Bonfire Night, usually 3rd – 6th November depending on how the weekend fell, and
- New Year’s Eve
These days we get fireworks in built up areas from about the end of September through till New Year. It used to be especially bad in Birmingham. That’s because it’s a big city, but also because we had the Asian festivals as well as the English ones coming together at the same time.
My lurcher Jess (pictured here) used to be terrified of fireworks. This is what firework noise used to do to her:
- She used to hide under the coffee table or behind the sofa
- She would try and dig her way into the floor
- She refused to go out for walks
- She would not eat
- She would only go out to toiet when the firework noise had gone
The problem is that she also ‘infected’ the other dogs with her terrors.
Right now, Kylah is the only dog with a noticeable fear of fireworks. However it isn’t that major. She will still come out for walks in the evening. Last night because the fireworks were relatively small (in light and noise) once we got to the wasteland area where the rabbits are she lost all interest in the fireworks and was ok to be let off the lead. Rabbits in the bushes were far more interesting.
A lot of dogs have a huge fear of fireworks. They don’t like the noise or the lights, they can’t understand where the noise is coming from and they can’t get away from them.
However, even if you have a dog that is terrified of fireworks, there are lots of really simple things you can do to make their life more pleasant. So here are some quick tips for calming firework fears, from years of living with dogs:
Quick tips for calming firework fears
- Invest in a plug-in pheromone diffuser such as Adaptil available from the internet, pet shops and your vet. These emit a ‘happy dog’ pheromone. You can’t smell it but the dog can and it will calm their nerves. You plug it in where the dog spends most of its time and should start using it 2 weeks before the fireworks usually start. They last about 6-8 weeks for each refill. Use them until the fireworks are gone.
- A few drops of lavender oil on the dog bed can also be soothing and calming.
Don’t act any differently when the fireworks are happening. Don’t pet or reassure your dog more than usual because that reinforces the notion that there is something to be afraid of. If they come to you for cuddles let them but just remain as normal as possible. In fact, yawning to show boredom can often help. I know a lady with a whippet who did this and it really worked!- Make your dog a ‘den’ to hide in, or let it find its own place naturally. Put a blanket or cushion where it wants to be. Let it be in its den and don’t try to force or pull it out. They will come out in their own time. Kylah hides under the lounge coffee table but feels safest on my bed. So I have covered the bed with an old sheet in case she sneaks up there when I accidentally leave the door open.
- Put on other background noise. The TV or radio can distract your dog from the fireworks.
- Close the windows and close the curtains to keep out the noise and light. The ‘lightning’ caused by the massive commercial fireworks can be very unsettling for your dog.
- If you dog really does not want to go for an evening walk, don’t force it. If you dog does come out, it is best to keep it on a lead all the time. Small fireworks might not make any impact, but your dog can bolt when those big commercial ones go off . And then you’ve a lost, fearful dog and who knows where they might end up.
- If your dog doesn’t want to toilet outside, buy some potty training pads or newspaper. That way if they do need to go, you should pick up the signs and help them onto the paper quickly.
- If you have to go out (including to a firework display, because they are wonderful things) try and get a professional dog sitter or friend to be company for your dog
- Put food down as normal but do not be alarmed if your dog does not eat its evening meal. They were designed to survive without food for a few days! However you might want to put the dog food in the fridge to keep it fresh (if wet) or back in the container (if dry) until later when your dog does want it.
- Don’t let children pester or try and hug the dog if it is worried. Alarmed dogs can often get aggressive and nip, even though they have been mild mannered before. They’re just wanting everything to ‘go away!’
If your dog is really frightened by fireworks, go and see your vet. Sedatives for fireworks should be a last resort, but they do help many dogs every year who otherwise would be very, very unhappy.
Dogs and Fireworks
I found a really good free booklet on dogs and fireworks which covers all my quick tips here and adds a few more thoughts. Download Dogs and Fireworks here
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