How to help your dog’s fear of fireworks
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a dog be really, really afraid of fireworks. I was at a resort with my family and some family friends. The other family had a small white dog who I absolutely loved taking for walks (even as a kid, I always wanted to be around dogs!)
One night, the resort had a fireworks display, and as usual I was happily holding on to the dog’s leash. But when the fireworks started, the dog broke free from me and raced into the darkness, terrified. I ran after her and managed to grab her leash before she got lost in a strange place. I was just a child, and it never occurred to me that a fireworks show wasn’t a good place to bring a dog.
Now, as a certified trainer, I’m well aware of how scary “sky booms” can be for dogs. Firework displays may be exciting for humans, but they’re no fun for dogs. (Sidenote: As I approach my mid-forties, I’m finding I don’t enjoy them like I used to - especially since in my Toronto neighbourhood, inconsiderate people like to set them off in parks at random times, which is just annoying! It helps me empathize with dogs, at least.)
If your dog seems stressed by fireworks sounds - hiding, panting, trembling - the best thing you can do is be proactive. Don’t wait for fireworks season to roll around - in Canada, think summer with Canada Day weekend and other long weekends. The sooner you get a plan in place to help your dog, the better.
Don’t worry, there’s hope for your fireworks-sensitive dog! Here’s some steps you can take ASAP.
On fireworks days, change your walk schedule and prioritize safety
While there will always be morons setting off fireworks at random times (at least if you live in Toronto, like me), on holidays and long weekends when fireworks are expected, make sure to walk your dog well before they normally start.
And it goes without saying, but it never hurts to be reminded: Now is a good time to make sure your dog’s ID tags and microchip are up-to-date with your current information. Make sure your dog is always wearing his collar and tags, and keep him safely secured in the house during fireworks. A freaked-out dog escaping through an open door is a recipe for disaster (as I flash back to my time at the resort with the little white dog).
Make your dog a “boom room”
Your dog may already be trying to escape the scary noises, so give him a special spot in the house to hide out until the fireworks pass - ideally a windowless room or area where the sound will be muffled. This could be a space in your basement, a bathroom, an office, or a closet.
Make it comfy with beds and blankets, and add some soothing enrichment activities like a lick mat or frozen Toppl. Plan to hunker down there with your dog before the fireworks actually start and for their entire duration. We want him to feel like this is his special safe zone! Check out Instagram user @mykomushroom’s Boomie Roomie for inspiration!
Experiment with sound masking
This might take some trial and error, but try playing some white noise or other low-frequency sound that will “mask” the sound of fireworks. Eileen and Dogs had success with the TMSOFT white noise app. She also advises against music that is supposed to calm dogs, as the goal is to cover up whatever sound is bothering your dog, not give your dog something to listen to.
Obviously you don’t want a sound that is scary to your dog, because that would defeat the whole purpose of sound masking! Try auditioning different sounds at a time when fireworks are unlikely to occur, so you can figure out what works best before the sky booms actually start. You could try sounds like running water, ocean waves, air conditioner - just make sure you can tolerate the sound as well!
Pair the scary event with something your dog likes
A tool in my dog trainer toolbox is counterconditioning - pairing something that makes a dog worried or upset with something they like, such as food, a toy, or a game. We can use this technique to change a dog’s worried/upset emotional response to a happy emotional response.
The order of how you present each “thing” in the pair is super important: the thing we’re trying to condition must come first, followed by whatever we’re using to condition. So for example, the fireworks sounds start, then we start feeding the dog small pieces of steak or playing his favourite game. Never do this backwards, or it could produce the unwanted effect of teaching your dog special treats predict fireworks!
The science behind this technique is that we’re teaching the dog that fireworks predict good things. It is possible to teach a dog that something he previously feared isn’t actually so bad.
Talk to your veterinarian about meds
Using medication to help your fearful or anxious dog isn’t cheating or being lazy! Some dogs really do need pharmaceutical help to get through stressful events, and there’s zero shame in scheduling a vet consultation.
Your veterinarian may prescribe a situational medication that is given on the day of the fireworks (usually a few hours before they start). In my career as a dog trainer, I’ve seen meds make a huge difference for fearful dogs. If your dog is having a really hard time with fireworks (or any sound), along with the other ideas mentioned here, I highly recommend exploring this option.
It’s tempting to muck around with CBD or other natural options, but save yourself the wasted time and money and just talk to your vet! Get your dog the good stuff.
And finally, comfort your dog
Your dog is having a hard time, so don’t be afraid to comfort him! Ignore outdated advice to ignore your dog so you don’t “reinforce the fear” - emotions can’t be reinforced! Your dog is already afraid, and you’re not going to make the fear worse by giving your dog some special attention.
Good luck making this fireworks season a more pleasant one for you and your dog!
Need a helping hand with your fearful dog? I can help! Browse my day training and virtual services for fearful and aggressive dogs.
