06/28/2023
Animals and fireworks are almost always not a fun (or safe) combination. Although many people enjoy celebrating holidays like the 4th of July with fireworks, most animals are not fans. The sudden loud sounds and bright lights can be very startling and traumatizing to them. The sound of fireworks can be very stressful for dogs, sometimes causing a fight-or-flight response. A dog may bolt to try to escape the intense noise. In fact, more pets are lost around the 4th of July holiday than any other time of year.
Here are 7 expert tips for keeping your dog calm and safe
Before the fireworks start lighting up the evening sky in your neighborhood, get prepped with these helpful tips to keeping your dog calm and safe during the fireworks displays and throughout all the seasonal festivities.
1. Keep your dog safe indoors during fireworks.
This tip is key. A scared dog is way more likely to run off, even if he or she is typically your shadow. Dogs can also be injured by fireworks or sparklers if their curiosity leads them too close to the action.
Keep your dog indoors during fireworks and make sure he or she is wearing a collar with proper identification. Ideally, stay at home with your dog during the fireworks displays.
If you’re having visitors, inform them that it is critical for your dog to stay inside, accounted for, and in a safe place. You may also want to explain to guests that your dog may be frightened and needs some extra space. Have all household members be very cautious opening doors to prevent your canine companion from slipping out unnoticed.
2. Make sure your dog is microchipped and the chip info and make sure your contact information is up to date! It is so heartbreaking when veterinarians scan found animals and find a microchip, only to discover that the chip has not been registered or has out-of-date contact information. Without up-to-date information, the chip can’t help veterinarians reunite lost animals with their pet parents.
If you’re not sure whether your furry friend is microchipped, or whether the microchip information is up to date, ask your vet to scan your dog and record the microchip number for you. You can look up the unique identification number on the American Animal Hospital Association’s pet microchip search page.
3. Before fireworks season begins, speak with your dog’s vet about SAFE anti-anxiety products.
If your dog has mild anxiety, speak with your veterinarian about nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements) and/or synthetic pheromones. Products like Adaptil mimic the pheromones secreted by nursing mother dogs, and can have a calming effect.
Other neutraceuticals including CBD oil for dogs and certain calming treats may be helpful for a dog afraid of fireworks.
For some dogs with anxiety on the milder side, this can be enough to “take the edge off,” typically without the side effects that we sometimes see with some prescription anxiety medications. Speak with your vet about which over-the-counter options may be worth trying to reduce your dog’s fear of fireworks.
4. If your dog has moderate to severe anxiety or sound phobias, speak with your vet about prescription anti-anxiety medications. Please opt AGAINST unsafe tranquilizers like Ace Promazine even though many vets prescribe them.
A bit of a veterinary soapbox: Please make an effort to discuss these options with your veterinarian well in advance of “fireworks holidays” like July 4th and New Year’s Eve. Veterinary staffs often find themselves scrambling to fill prescription requests fast enough on July 3! I also sometimes recommend giving “test doses” of new anxiety medications on a non-stressful evening to monitor for any unwanted side effects.
5. Diminish the sound of the fireworks by playing calming music.
If your dog is afraid of loud noises, lessen the sound of the fireworks by playing music as white noise. There’s now a cadre of data that music can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety in pets. If you don’t have a specific dog relaxation playlist, classical music is a good option.
Most smart home devices are capable of playing white noise, but keep in mind that static or rain noises may increase stress in dogs with thunderstorm phobias. Give it a trial run to see how your dog reacts to different white noise options before the fireworks kick off.
Turning up the TV is another alternative. Of course, not so loud that the volume is a stress in and of itself—but enough to diminish the impact that the sound of the fireworks is having on your dog.
6. Create a safe space where your dog is most comfortable.
If your dog fears fireworks, make sure to provide a safe haven. For example, if your pup likes the crate, it can be a safe den-like space. Some dogs even like to retreat to a closet. An environment that feels safe will help your dog remain calm as he or she gets through the noise phobia.
7. Try a body wrap before the fireworks begin and when your dog is still calm.
Some dogs are calmed by body wraps such as the Thundershirt®. I always think of the wrap compression as giving a gentle hug, which releases calming endorphins. For more information on how to use a comfort wrap for maximum calm, please follow Thundershirt’s® four tips for best results. Just like the synthetic pheromone treatment, wraps such as Thundershirt are typically most effective at quelling mild anxiety.
If your dog is scared of the sound of fireworks, ask your veterinarian about these or other solutions. Most of these options can be used in combination with each other! Just like us, dogs are individuals and it may take some trial and error to tailor a plan that works best for your pup.
In addition to keeping our dogs calm and safe from fireworks, there are many other hazards that go hand-in-hand with 4th of July or other summer celebrations. Common items like glow sticks, corn cobs, insect repellents don’t get as much “airtime” as fireworks. But none the less, they can cause your dog serious harm or stress.
That’s why, as you get your pup prepped for fireworks, I encourage you to be vigilant and have a strategy in place throughout the entire day or weekend.
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