How Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

Fireworks can be a source of great stress and anxiety for many dogs. The loud noises, bright lights, and unfamiliar smells can turn a festive celebration into a frightening experience for our canine companions. As a responsible and caring dog owner, it's essential to take proactive steps to ensure your dog remains calm and comfortable during fireworks displays.

Here are 8 effective strategies on how to keep your dog calm during the stress of fireworks:

1. Exercise them during the day so they are tired at night. Dogs that have anxiety often have a lot of nervous energy. If you can get rid of some of that extra energy, they may be too tired to be bothered with the sounds from the fireworks.

2. Use white noise while the fireworks are happening. Using the television, radios, or loud fans can work. White noise machines may help drown out the sounds of the fireworks.

3. Use dog pheromone products such as dog appeasing pheromone (Adaptil®). A study in the Canadian Veterinarian Journal states: "A natural form of dog-appeasing pheromone is secreted from the sebaceous glands between the mammary chains of lactating bitches directly after parturition. The pheromone is reported to be detected by Jacobson’s organ or the vomero-nasal organ (VNO), and to have calming effects in both young and adult dogs under a wide variety of stressful situations."

4. Use pressurized clothing such as Thundershirts. The ThunderShirt design applies gentle, constant pressure, like a hug, which may calm anxiety, fear, and over excitement. The concept was developed based off of human medicine, which found that autistic children who received firm constant pressure like a hug, had reduced stress levels.
   

5. Try to distract your dog with high value treats. This could be peanut butter stuffed treats or chew toys that take them time to chew.

6. Provide them with a safe spot to hide. This is where crate training can be extremely beneficial. If your dog finds their crate to be a calming, safe place then they can go there when the fireworks are scaring them.

7. Nutraceuticals. These are natural products that can help with anxiety. Some of my favorite products are Composure Pro and Solliquin.

8. Prescription medications. This is a last resort if you have tried a combination of all of the above methods. There are many effective products such as Sileo, Trazodone, and gabapentin. Call and schedule an appointment to talk to your veterinarian today .

Treating any anxiety, especially noise aversions can be very difficult. It is not a one method and done. Try using multiple different methods together, such as giving a calming chew while your dog is wearing a Thundershirt. If all of the more natural methods do not help with your dog's anxiety then it is best to consult with your veterinarian for tailored advice and support.

If you are a veterinarian or animal healthcare provider then check out this poster summarizing this whole article for clients.