Every 5th of November, Jon gives his 11-year-old Lakeland terrier, Scout, a mild sedative. He drives her as far from the local fireworks as possible, cranks up the radio, and makes a heroic attempt to keep her calm. Scout isn’t alone.
Fireworks were the most common trigger for fearful behaviour in dogs.
A 2013 study by the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences found fireworks were the most common trigger for fearful behaviour in dogs. Responses included:
- trembling
- shaking
- hiding
- seeking comfort
- destruction
- urination
- salivation
So, why are dogs afraid of fireworks, and what can we do to help them? Fortunately, there are plenty of simple strategies for dog owners. From distraction to anti-anxiety vests and more, we’ve rounded up all the tips you need to help your pet feel better when the noises start.
Stay indoors or get away from it all
Experts from the Humane Society emphasize the importance of keeping your dog indoors on fireworks-heavy days. This helps reduce their exposure to the sounds, plus prevent their running away. Turning on a radio or television helps provide white noise and distraction.
Also, consider leaving town for a quieter spot if you can. Camping, perhaps? If you’re not able to get away, and you live in an area with lots of fireworks activity, try a pet sitter who doesn’t live as close to all that noise. A loving, local sitter or doggy day care provider can also help if your pup is going to be alone over the holiday.
What about medications?
Talk to your veterinarian about medication if you know your pet is upset by the holiday festivities. There are a variety of options that could help treat your dog’s firework phobia.
- Pheromones. Available via a diffuser, a spray, or a collar, Adaptil dog-appeasing pheromones can reduce your dog’s anxiety—whether it’s related to fireworks, storms, travelling, or separation. A research study published in the Journal of the British Veterinary Association specifically evaluated its use for storm phobia in dogs and found it effective.
- Melatonin. This over-the-counter supplement is widely available. When using melatonin for anxiety, pet parents report differing levels of relief. Dr Dodman, in his book The Well-Adjusted Dog, states that while he’s seen some success stories, melatonin isn’t always effective—”but it never hurts to try.” Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate doses for your dog.
- Prescription medications. Especially in severe cases, medication can be a lifesaver for a noise-phobic dog. Your veterinarian can guide you through the various choices.
Snuggles are therapeutic
A common myth has it that if you pet your pup during an anxious episode, they’ll feel more afraid.
However, calmly soothing and reassuring your dog is fine as long as you avoid loud exclamations or frantic movements. So cuddle away!
Pressure wraps or vests
These snug-fitting vests apply sustained, comforting pressure to your dog’s torso.
Temple Grandin, professor of animal sciences, has researched this method and discusses it in her book Animals Make Us Human. Dr Grandin advises putting on the wrap for 20-30 minutes, removing it for a similar period, and then reapplying it. A handful of companies offer them; we like both Anxiety Wrap and ThunderShirt.
Preventing escapes
More dogs going missing over the 4th of July than at any other time of year. The reason? They get spooked. This can happen when you least expect it! To help:
- Make sure your dog has identification. Even indoor pets can panic and use drastic measures to escape when frightened. Microchipping your dog is a good protective step.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at home. If you are headed out to enjoy the holiday without them, find a sitter who offers dog boarding. Rover.com has short-term sitters for just such situations.
For more great tips—and a video—on securing your home and yard, check out this handy post. It also details just what to do if your dog does get out.
Distraction might be the best medicine
Dr Stanley Coren, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, prefers the following steps over anti-anxiety drugs. “Some meds take several weeks to build up,” he said. “You always have the behaviour techniques at hand.”
Coren’s top three techniques for a fireworks-averse dog include:
- Act as though you do not recognize the behaviour. Walk him and talk to him as if you were back in puppy training, giving treats for sitting and staying.
- Get them involved with something else, or as he says, “jolly them up.”
Why do fireworks scare our dogs?
Studies that point to nurture
Until recently, most theories on this noise sensitivity in dogs suggested environmental factors as a cause. These could include a traumatic noise-related event early in a dog’s life, or a lack of exposure to loud noises as a puppy.
The way owners respond to a dog’s fearful behaviour and how other dogs in the pack react to the noise has also been offered as possible explanations.
“Our results suggest that the characteristics of dogs, their early environment, and exposure to specific loud noises are involved in the development of fear responses to noises,” Dr Rachel Casey explained. “Interestingly, less than a third of owners sought professional advice about treatment for their pet’s response to noises.”
The Bristol research discovered a correlation between changes in a dog’s environment and fear. Dogs raised by the same owners who bred them were less likely to be afraid of noises later in life. The researchers noted that hunting breeds such as Labradors or springer spaniels were not as sensitive. And that cross-breeds were likely to be more fearful.
Recent research links to nature
A 2015 Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Oslo study on noise sensitivity found that the answer to why certain dogs are fearful might have more to do with biology than environment. In other words, it isn’t you, Scout, it’s your genes. The researchers looked at over 5000 dogs from 17 breed clubs across the country. The study looked at four types of loud sounds: fireworks, loud banging, thunder and traffic. 23 per cent of the dogs involved showed fearful responses in one or more categories.
The results showed a marked correlation between breeds and noise-sensitive fearfulness.
The results showed a marked correlation between breeds and noise-sensitive fearfulness. Norwegian buhunds, Shiba Inus and soft-coated wheaten terriers were more fearful. Pointers, Great Danes, boxers and Chinese cresteds showed the least amount of fear.
Dr Stanley Coren wrote about the Oslo results in Psychiatry Today and spoke by phone about the conclusions. “There is a genetic predisposition,” Coren explained. “There might also be a hormonal factor.”
Female dogs were about 30 per cent more likely to be afraid and neutered dogs were 72 per cent more likely. The study also found a 3 per cent increase in sensitivity in older dogs. Coren noted that loss of hearing offsets that increase somewhat. Though dogs can be afraid of both fireworks and thunder, Coren explained that those noises sound quite different to dogs.
“Thunder has a reasonable explanation. The low rumble sounds like a throaty growl. Like a huge dog,” he said. Fireworks are also loud but have a sharp component as well.
The bottom line
Most dogs have some level of fear when it comes to fireworks. You know your dog best, and will know how much to intervene during the festivities. When in doubt, remember that prevention, distraction, and lots of love are always a good idea!
