07/04/2023
Happy 4th of July! While we want to have a fun-filled day (and night), lets keep our babies safe while doing so.
Below is some helpful info:
If your dog is scared of fireworks, you likely have witnessed the following anxious behaviors:
A sudden alertness
Flattening their ears
Refusing to go outside or attempting to escape the house
Restlessness
Shaking or trembling
Panting
Excessive vocalizing (whining, barking, etc.)
Hiding
Becoming extra clingy
From flashes to booming sounds, the startling nature of fireworks trigger the “flight or fright or freeze” effect in dogs. This causes dogs to perceive fireworks as a threat or potential harm, which then manifests into dramatic fear and panic.
“Firework anxiety is a genuine phobia,” says Karishma Warr, MA, CCPDT-KA, FFCP, CSAT. Warr is the Co-Founder and Head of Training and Behavior at Calm Canine Academy. “When a dog is scared of fireworks it’s a panic disorder, and it’s vital that you treat it as such.”
How to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks
From things to give your dog as a distraction to remedies that help them relax, here are ways to make sure your dog feels comfortable and safe during active fireworks:
Medications: Every expert we spoke to agreed: talking with a veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication is a good idea. A recent study found that 69% of owners said medications helped their dogs with firework anxiety. And Sileo® is the first gel medication FDA-approved for noise-induced anxiety.
Pheromones: Dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP, or Adaptil®) mimics the pheromones produced by a mother dog, creating a sense of well-being in dogs. It’s available as a room diffuser, spray, or collar and can help your dog’s firework anxiety.
Distraction with high-value treats: “Self-soothe” techniques involve helping the dog calm down through sniffing, chewing, or licking. Joe Ryan, PMCT-1, CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP, says to use goodies they love and put them in puzzle toys to encourage your dog to focus on something other than the noise outside.
Let your dog “run it out”: A tired, sleepy dog doesn’t have the energy to pace or pant through the house. On days of scheduled fireworks, take your dog to the park for some high-energy, enrichment activities. Or out for a jog. But make sure you’re back before the festivities start!
Give your dog lots of comfort and attention: Old behavioral theories recommended avoiding snuggles. But Warr says it’s up to the dog; if you have a pup looking for reassurance, there’s nothing wrong with quietly soothing them with some cuddles.
Put on a pressure wrap or vest: The ThunderShirt behaves similarly to a “hug” machine, applying even pressure across the torso. Reviews show it may or may not work in the moment when your dog is panicking. But as Ryan admits, it’s a “can’t hurt, might help” option.
Play white noise or music: The noise of fireworks prompts fear in dogs the most. If you can drown out those crashes and booms with a white noise machine or pleasing music, you can quickly reduce their stress levels.
Allow your dog extra space or a hiding place: Many dogs look for somewhere out of sight and hearing of the fireworks. Mindy Waite, Ph.D., CAAB, CPDT-KA and Certified Dog Behaviorist at Senior Tail Waggers, says, “Our greyhound, Staale, did not like fireworks, but he did okay if we hung out in the basement and if the basement windows were covered to avoid seeing flashes of light.”
Pair your dog with a dog who isn’t afraid of fireworks: Modeling, where dogs learn from each other, can work in reverse, too. If your nervous dog sees an older or more dominant dog relaxing and remaining calm during the fireworks display, it can set a precedent.
Stay calm yourself. “Be the executive, but stay calm yourself,” reminds Warr. Dogs sense even the tiniest changes, down to our body temperatures. If you feel nervous or edgy, your dog may also interpret fireworks as the problem. So take some deep breaths and remain calm. (source: https://www.rover.com/blog/why-are-dogs-afraid-of-fireworks/) Rover.com
