My Dog is Scared of Fireworks

While many people will be looking forward to watching fireworks and getting into the autumnal mood, if you have a firework fearful dog, you will probably be dreading the coming weeks. You’re not alone!

Firework fear is incredibly common in dogs, and it can often get worse with age. We might hope a dog will grow out of it or get used to the scary bangs, but often this isn’t the case. Firework fears are particularly likely to worsen with age and experience.

With any event that occurs at a high intensity and causes an extreme fear response, such as fireworks, dogs often become ‘sensitised’ to it, this means that rather than gradually getting used to the sound of fireworks, they actually become more fearful and anxious. This could even start to affect other parts of your dog’s life, it could begin with a fear-response to fireworks but generalise into a fear of any loud bang or similar noise, even from a long distance away.

This is why firework fears can be so challenging to improve and why many dogs become more fearful with age.

How to help a dog with firework fear

Helping a dog overcome a firework fear is a long and gradual process, and for some dogs it won’t be possible to entirely resolve their fear. If you consider how challenging it is for humans to overcome fears and anxieties, you can understand why there’s no quick fix for a fearful dog either. To really improve these fears, it’s important to begin training long before firework season begins, and after New Year, when the likelihood of big firework displays is low.

If you try to work on a firework fear between October to January, every bit of progress is likely to regress due to continued fireworks which will occur beyond your control. Each exposure to the fear-inducing firework noise will trigger your dog to feel anxious and fearful, increasing their existing fears further.

To successfully change a dogs’ association with a scary noise, you need to be able to expose them to it at a very low and controlled level where they don’t experience any fear. This means starting your firework training after all the big firework events of the year!

Start with low-level sounds and pair them with fun, positive experiences. Gradually increase the volume if your dog remains calm, but never rush the process … blasting out fireworks sounds daily will only stress your dog out even more. 

• Use a firework sound CD and follow the instructions. It’s advisable to consult a professional trainer for further guidance on this.

• Pair the sounds with positive rewards, like playtime, treats, or a food-dispensing toy.

• If your dog is startled or reacts to the sound, it’s too loud so turn down the volume and go back a step.

• Take your time and work within your dog’s limits, it’s essential to avoid them feeling anxious or fearful during this training.

Desensitisation training like this can be hugely beneficial but it’s unlikely to fully prepare your dog for real fireworks, it’s almost impossible to replicate the same sensory stimulation of fireworks … the vibrations through the floor, flashing lights, and booming sounds. For this reason, it’s important to give your dog additional ways to cope with the real event.

Coping Strategies for Fireworks

There are some methods you can try to help your dog through the season, for some dogs, simple management and coping methods are actually the best way to reduce their fear. For others, there is very little you can do to help them cope. It’s always worth a try though, and if nothing works, make a note to start that firework desensitisation as soon as the season ends.

Safe Space

Pick a room that’s shielded from the sights and sounds of fireworks. This might be a crate or a room in the house. Make sure the space is prepared well in advance, not just on firework night. Placing a fearful dog in an unfamiliar space on the night of the fireworks may cause even more anxiety.

A covered crate can muffle the sound and block the flashing lights. If your dog is comfortable in their crate, settle them with a chew or toy and cover the crate with a blanket (leaving gaps for ventilation). Place the crate in a central or enclosed room away from the fireworks, and play calming music. Keep an eye on your dog to ensure they aren’t panicking.

If your dog isn’t comfortable in a crate, let them choose their safe spot but help them out by encouraging them into a more sheltered area of the house. Some dogs may hide under a bed, behind the sofa, or under a blanket. Let them choose. Don’t force them to sit with you if they prefer to be elsewhere. Respect their choices about where they feel most secure.

Routine

If your dog never goes into their crate before 10pm at night and then suddenly you put them inside at 5pm and fireworks start firing off, they’re more likely to be scared and confused. Get them ready for fireworks by changing up the routine and preparing for those nights when evening toilet trips are impossible and evening crate time might be essential.

A sudden change in routine can cause huge stress, and when this is combined with scary fireworks, you have a potent cocktail. Mix it up so some evenings they spend time in their crate or safe room, keep evening toilet trips varied and switch the routine as much as possible.

Reassurance

You cannot reinforce fear by offering comfort. Contrary to what some people say, offering attention to an anxious dog will not encourage them to feel more fearful. While you should remain calm, it’s okay to comfort your dog. Some will seek reassurance and benefit from calm stroking or attention, while others may prefer to be left alone. Adapt to what works best for your dog.

Distraction

Though it’s tough to distract a dog in full panic mode, it’s worth trying. Play their favourite games, engage in trick training, or give them something fun to chew on. However, don’t push them to participate if they don’t want to, some dogs will want to be left alone and not hassled by the offer of activities when they’re struggling to cope.

Other Aids

Some dogs benefit from herbal remedies like Pet Remedy. Ideally, begin using these products before the fireworks and pair them with your desensitisation and coping strategies. There are calming aids like wraps, jackets, or medications that might help. Speak to your vet or a professional to find the right solution for your dog. Very fearful or phobic dogs may benefit from medication prescribed by the vet.

Firework phobia is an ongoing issue for many dogs, and it requires both patience and preparation. While some dogs may never fully relax during fireworks, many will experience reduced anxiety with the right approach. Start desensitisation as early as possible, ideally months ahead of firework season.

If your dog hasn’t shown signs of firework fear yet, don’t assume they’re immune. Firework anxiety often develops as dogs age, and it can become progressively worse if not addressed early. Desensitisation and preparation can help prevent this, even for dogs who don’t currently show fear.

If you need any support for this firework season or to prepare for next year, get in touch with us at The Hound Spot. We have lots of experience with noise-related fears and phobias and we can help you plan ahead to support your dog in the best way possible

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