As Autumn & Winter evenings roll in, the sounds of fireworks often accompany celebrations and festivities. While many people enjoy the spectacle, for our canine companions, these loud noises can be a source of great anxiety & fear.

 

​

Understanding Your Dog’s Anxiety

​

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why dogs may be afraid of fireworks. The loud bangs, flashes of light, and unfamiliar smells can be overwhelming for their sensitive senses. Signs of anxiety may include:

• Whining, howling or barking

• Hiding or trying to escape

• Trembling or pacing

• Destructive behaviour

Recognising these signs is the first step in helping your dogs cope.

 

1. Create a Safe Space

Some suggestions include; a covered crate, under a table/desk with a cover, an interior room/space without windows.

Make the space inviting:

• Provide a Cosy Bed: Use your dog’s favourite bed or blanket to create a comfortable spot.

• Incorporate Familiar Items: Add toys or items with your scent, which can provide comfort and reassurance.

• Training: Include some training in the area to ensure your dog is comfortable, such as crate training or boundary games.

 

2. Soundproofing and blocking visuals in the Area

While you can’t completely eliminate the noise and visuals, you can dilute them:

• Close Windows and Doors: Make sure all windows and doors are securely shut to minimise noise.

• Close Curtains or Hang Blankets: Close all curtains and blinds or cover windows with blankets to block out light and sound.

• Play Soothing Music or White Noise: Soft music or white noise machines can help drown out the sound of fireworks, creating a calming atmosphere. Another option would be to position a fan facing into the corner of a room; when the air from the fan hits the wall and rebounds off this can create an air disturbance. It will also help keep the dog cool.

​

It is important to start these ASAP! Dogs are fantastic predictors so if every time a firework goes off there is a mad scramble to close everything and pop music on or turn up the volume of the TV, they can soon associate these things with fireworks so making it a regular part of your schedule habituates the dog to these activities and means your home is prepared before fireworks go off (and even if they don’t go off, at least your dog is settled. It’s better to be over prepared than under prepared!)

 

3. Plan Ahead

Whether you know fireworks are taking place or not, always be prepared in advance:

• Exercise Early: Take your dog for a long walk or play session earlier in the day to help them burn off excess energy. Take them out before it gets dark for a final toilet break.

• Schedule Time Away: If you know your area will be particularly loud, consider arranging to stay with a friend or family member who has a quieter environment or book some time away (if this is possible), there are lots of firework free locations available.

• Make sure your dog has an ID tag attached to a collar: This is a just in case if your dog escapes at any time, such as if you are caught off guard or they escape from an open door (but ideally these will remain closed at all times)

 

4. Desensitisation Training

Desensitisation is a behavioural training technique that involves gradually exposing your dog to the source of their fear—in this case, fireworks—at a low intensity and rewarding them for being around the sounds.  The goal is to help your dog associate the previously frightening sounds with positive experiences, reducing their anxiety over time.

If you know fireworks are coming up, begin the desensitisation process as soon as possible. The earlier you start, the more effective the training will be. Ideally, begin several weeks in advance of the anticipated noise.

 

You will need:

Firework Sound Recordings: You can find various audio recordings of fireworks online.

Training programme or enrichment activity: This is the dogs calming activity or job.

High-Value Treats: Use treats your dog loves—these will be crucial for positive reinforcement.

 

The Training:

a. Play the Sounds at Low Volume

Start by playing the firework sounds at a very low volume whilst employing your dog in an activity such as training or an enrichment activity. It’s essential that the sound is barely noticeable to your dog. Mark and reward your dog with extra treats if they appear to notice the sounds.

b. Increase Volume Gradually

Once your dog is comfortable with the low volume, slowly increase the volume over several sessions. Always ensure that you’re moving at a pace that your dog can handle. If they start to show signs of anxiety, back off and lower the volume again!

 

5. Play Noise Games

To prepare your dogs for fireworks we can increase their confidence around other novel sounds. It seems odd but typically dogs who have a fear response to loud noises struggle with other sounds too. So, by working on their overall confidence and optimism to all kinds of strange noises this can really elevate our training.

They are also fabulous games to engage with after fireworks to rebuild some tolerance to noises.

Noise games are played without force, so the dog is in control. Allowing dogs to control sound can again really support your training and the dog’s emotions towards loud, novel noises.

 

6. Create a Distraction

Sometimes, engaging your dog’s mind can help alleviate anxiety:

• Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys can keep your dog occupied and distracted from the noise.

• Training Sessions: If your dog enjoys training, short, positive reinforcement sessions can help redirect their focus.

• Calming activities: Any activity that involves sniffing, licking or chewing will help your dog’s arousal levels as all these types of activities are self-soothing.

(This will only work if your dog is in a position where they can cope so don’t be disheartened if they do not engage with your distraction. They probably just need a safe space and comfort)

 

7. Start Using Anxiety Aids

If your dog has severe anxiety, consult with your veterinarian about options that may help:

• Calming Supplements: Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound are a fantastic addition to support your dog during this time.

“The active herbs in these products help to naturally support the calming pathways within the nervous system, reducing anxiety without immobilising muscles or causing drowsiness. Valerian and mistletoe support the natural relaxant pathways within the nervous system, without affecting muscle tone and helping circulation. Scullcap contains valuable compounds including those which bind to the GABA receptor and reduce anxiety. Gentian supports natural active compounds and helps normal liver function, and vervain is commonly used to help ease anxiety.”

For best results, Scullcap & Valerian Tablets should be given every day for a minimum of three weeks before the event (but they will still have an impact if taken later).

Valerian compound can be administered during the event for immediate support.

Dorwest typically offer a discount on this duo every year around Autmn time, alternatively, you can use our code to save 10% (TRAINERAMY10)

• Thundershirts or body wrapping: These snug-fitting garments apply gentle pressure to help calm anxious dogs. Please be sure to condition your dog to this garment and ensure they are comfortable wearing it before the event. (Note: not all dogs enjoy this type of holistic support and can have opposite effects, just like in humans)

 

8. Stay Calm and Reassuring

Dogs can sense their owner’s emotions, so it’s vital to remain calm. Here are some tips:

• Be Present: Spend time in the safe space with your dog, providing comfort and reassurance.  It’s a common myth that doing this will teach your dog there is something to be fearful of, but don’t worry this isn’t the case because you can’t reinforce an emotion.

• Avoid Punishment: If your dog is acting out due to fear, do not scold them. Instead, offer positive reinforcement for calm behaviour or general support.

 

After the Fireworks

Once the noise has subsided, check in on your dog. They may still be feeling residual anxiety, so offering gentle affection and a calm environment is crucial. Spend some time together, and reward them with treats or their favourite activities as a way to re-establish a sense of normalcy.

 

The following Day & Days

Dogs may carry some levels of stress/anxiety for up to 1 week (on average around 72 hours) so be mindful of the activities you do with your dog during this time.

I recommend plenty of decompression activities and safe walks/exercise. Their heightened emotions may cause them to act out of character at smaller triggers so bare this in mind with the behaviours they choose.

Remember, this will restart after each episode of fireworks.

 

Final Thoughts

Fireworks can be a source of fear for many dogs, but with careful planning and a little extra love, you can create a safe space that helps your furry friend feel secure. Remember, your support and understanding are invaluable in helping them navigate these stressful moments.

Here’s to a happy and safe firework season for you and your canine companion!