Is Your Dog Afraid of Fireworks? This Is What You Need to Do

Is your dog afraid of fireworks? Unfortunately, this is a widespread problem with canines.

As such, you can use many tried and true methods to calm your poor, anxious fur baby. And we’re going to share these with you in the following guide.

Most of these methods involve giving your dog the right kind of attention and comfort. But there are also a lot of simple steps you can take to safeguard against canine firework anxiety.

Plus, this guide will inform you whether getting your dog some professional help might be time. Read on to learn how to calm a dog during a fireworks display.

1. CBD Dog Treats For Anxiety

Calming treats are a great idea regardless of any other methods you use. The other methods on this list are external measures you can take to make the situation less frightening to your dog. But even when you use these methods, your dog may still react with some degree of fear.

Alternatively, CBD dog treats can significantly calm your dog’s fear reactions from the inside. For more information, read this complete guide on giving a dog CBD.

2. Anxiety Vests

Next to calming treats, an anxiety vest is the second-best investment you can make to calm your dog’s fear of fireworks. These are essentially tight blankets that hold your dog snugly for comfort. It feels, to your dog, that he/she is being hugged the entire time the fireworks are going off.

There are products available that are specifically designed for this purpose. But you can also use DIY dog wrapping methods to achieve the same effect.

3. Exercise Your Dog Before Dark

One good thing about your dog’s fear of fireworks is that fireworks are primarily punctual. For starters, fireworks are only allowed on certain holidays in most locations.

Secondly, a few naughty people will be setting them off during the daylight hours of these holidays. But most of the pyrotechnic action happens after dark and lasts only a few hours.

As such, one trick to prevent your dog from getting spooked is to wear them out before the fireworks start. Give them as much exercise as possible before sunset to drain their energy. Then, they’ll be so drained that they won’t have much energy left to react with fear.

4. Keep Your Dog Indoors

Next, you don’t want to let your dog out while the explosions go off. Also, when the fireworks start, your dog might be too troubled to eat his/her dinner.

So, be sure and feed/potty your dogs before sunset. Then, keep them indoors until the fireworks have mostly subsided, even if they’re generally outdoor dogs. For outdoor dogs/nervous piddlers, you’ll want some potty pads and cleaning supplies on hand.

Another reason to keep your dogs indoors is so that you don’t lose them. Spooked dogs often try to run away. And sometimes, they succeed.

5. Drown Out the Noise

Dogs fear thunder and fireworks for the same reasons as children sometimes are. The noises are sudden, unpredictable, and very loud. They inherently sound like a dangerous threat.

Thus, it can help if you drown out the noise with something more gentle. You can turn on calming music or white noise loud enough to at least silence the explosions of the fireworks outside.

6. Cuddle With Your Dog

Since your dog is with you inside, keep close to him/her. Reassure your dog with pets, hugs, and calming words during the fireworks. This will also keep your dog distracted with happy things.

7. Keep Your Dog Busy During Fireworks

Playing with them can help keep your dog distracted, too. This is especially true of restless dogs.

If your dog keeps pacing, give him/her something better to do. Toss their favorite toy or play tug of war with them.

On the other hand, this method is not for every dog. If your scared dog wants to lay and cower, it probably won’t respond to your attempts to play. For these dogs, cuddling is the better option.

8. Speak to Your Vet

If you try all these methods, but your dog is still extremely troubled by fireworks, he/she probably needs professional help. Take your dog to the vet for expert, personalized instructions on how to help your dog.

In extreme cases, your vet may prescribe medication to help your dog. Feel free to get a second opinion before giving your dog any such drugs.

Additionally, your vet might know other methods/products for calming your dog that you haven’t tried. There are perhaps even some dietary changes that can make your dog less nervous. In any case, your vet can help you when other methods fail.

9. Relocate

This tip we put last on the list because it’s so extreme. But, technically, it is an option.

As we said, fireworks are limited in most locations. In others, they’re not allowed at all.

Conversely, you may live in an area where fireworks are allowed year-round. If so, this is an extremely poor environment for a dog afraid of fireworks.

It’s not right for your dog to live where they experience constant anxiety. Consider relocating to a fireworks-free environment if possible for your dog’s sake.

Before taking extreme action, try “Hush, Puppy” CBD+ calming soft chews. They’re chock full of natural calming ingredients like hemp, chamomile, and tryptophan.