Why Dogs Are Afraid of Fireworks & How to Calm Them Down
Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
If your dog is scared of fireworks, you're not alone. The loud booms and flashing lights are common sources of intense fear and anxiety for many pets — in fact, as many as 50% of dogs suffer from fear of fireworks, according to the New York Times.1
But why are dogs scared of fireworks? And how do you calm dogs down from this anxious state, so that the entire family might be able to enjoy the celebration stress-free?
We rounded up the best tips on how to help a dog afraid of fireworks with context on what may be triggering their reaction. Keep reading to learn more about firework anxiety in dogs, because the better you understand their condition, the more you'll be able to help.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Why are dogs afraid of fireworks?
It's not unusual for loud sounds to make dogs panic or freak out. While some canines may have a genetic predisposition to noise aversion, life experiences can also play a very significant role.
Below, we'll look at several underlying reasons that could explain your dog's fear of fireworks.
Genetic markup
In addition to age and past experiences, some dog breeds may have a higher prevalence of noise aversion and, therefore, are more afraid of fireworks. For example, in a study of 5,257 dogs, the intensity of fear toward fireworks in the Shiba Inu and Border Collie was significantly greater than that demonstrated by the Great Dane and Boxer.2
The same study found that, with respect to loud noise:
- Female dogs were 1.3 times more likely to be fearful
- Neutered dogs were 1.7 times more likely to demonstrate fear
- The odds of being fearful increased by 3.4% for each additional year in age
Age-related changes in sensory perception
Noise sensitivity in dogs may develop at any stage of development, though some are likelier than others:
- Socializing stage (3-12 weeks old): The time in which they learn to make strong positive or negative associations with unfamiliar experiences, sights, sounds, and environments
- Initial time of fear sensitivity (8-10 weeks old): Not all dogs experience fear periods, but those that do usually show the first signs of heightened sensitivity around 2 months old, around which time they are weaned from their mother and enter a new home.
- Juvenile period (6-14 months old): As the main window of socialization begins to close, puppies may show fear of the unfamiliar for a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
- Adolescence (5-36 months old): Noise aversions can still develop while dogs are maturing.
- Adulthood (2-7 years old): By the time they reach social maturity, it's unlikely, though not impossible, for dogs to develop a new phobia. However, noise sensitivity can also be linked to certain medical conditions like an undetected ear infection in dogs.
- Senior years (ages 7+): Geriatric dogs often experience a cognitive decline in their late age which may lead to changes in how they perceive their environment, including loud sounds.
Lack of socialization
According to a recent study, 52% of 1,225 dogs were at least partially affected by fireworks , and the majority developed a fear in their first year of life.3
Failure to socialize puppies from a young age may cause them to become anxious and fearful of anything unfamiliar as an adult dog. Traumatic experiences and social transmission (i.e. behavior learned from other dogs) can also contribute to noise aversion.
Evolution
Loud, unpredictable sounds, accompanied by bright flashes of light can trigger intense anxiety (known as “noise phobia”), which is the result of canine evolution. Evolution has trained dogs and other animals that avoiding a perceived threat is worth it for overall survival , even if the threat doesn’t end up being real — like in the case of fireworks.
As you can see, the reasons why dogs are scared of fireworks are many and complex. The most important thing is to recognize whetheryourfour-legged friend exhibits dog fireworks anxiety symptoms so you can then learn how to calm his or her nerves.
Signs your dog has firework anxiety
Fear can be normal and adaptive, but phobias are excessive anxiety responses that result in extremely fearful behaviors. The time it takes for the dog to recover from the noise will indicate whether the behavior is normal or maladaptive. If left untreated, noise phobias will certainly worsen, with a fear of one sound likely to spread to other noises.
Behavioral signs of noise phobia in dogs
- Excessive barking
- Licking or shaking
- Accelerated heart rate
- Drooling (hypersalivation)
- Panting or overheating
- Pacing back and forth
- Experiencing tremors or shaking
- Following people
- Hiding or cowering
Why firework anxiety in dogs can be dangerous
Dogs have been known to injure themselves from trying to escape the sound of fireworks. They might clear a backyard fence, jump through a window, run out the door, wedge themselves beneath furniture, or gnaw and scratch at a door frame until they bleed. Possible injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Suffocation
- Life-threatening tremors due to heat
- Even death by accidental injury
If your dog’s fear of fireworks leads to an accidental injury, know how to recognize whether you need to take your pet to the emergency vet. It may also benefit you to keep a pet first-aid kit on hand to address minor cuts or abrasions possibly sustained if your dog freaks out at fireworks.
Additionlly, more pets run away on holidays with firework celebrations (like the Fourth of July) than other days of the year. To increase your odds of reunification if your pet were to escape, make sure that people can identify your dog and get in touch with you upon finding them. It's a good idea to get your dog microchipped and attach identification tags to their collar before the celebrations, just in case they manage to get out.
If your pet runs off out of fear, they could also jump into oncoming traffic, potentially resulting in your dog getting hit by a car — another scary scenario that can cost thousands of dollars and even their life.
Even mild fear of noise in dogs has broad effects.4 It can impair a dog’s ability to move, learn, problem-solve, listen, etc . For instance, a dog that normally has good recall might not come at the sound of its name or know how to navigate home if they were lost.
Ideally, a dog afraid of fireworks should be insulated from the loud noise in a safe, enclosed room where they cannot hurt themselves.
How to help a dog scared of fireworks
There are several measures you can put in place to keep your dog calm during fireworks:
Pack a bag full of treats
If your dog is afraid of fireworks, then offering treats during the show can not only distract them from the commotion, but the food can actually alter your dog’s mood to be in a less anxious state .
Give them a treat, one at a time, to help reinforce a pleasant experience with the loud fireworks noise. You can also freeze a Kong toy filled with a mixture of kibble and baby food puree made from safe fruits or vegetables to occupy their attention.
This process, known as counterconditioning, works by changing your pet’s emotional response, feelings, or attitude toward a certain stimulus — which, in this case, is the sound of fireworks.
The goal is to eventually replace your dog’s fear response to fireworks with a positive association. Ideally, this should be done while your pet is still young and within the prime window for puppy socialization.
Practice ahead of time
Prepare in advance by playing YouTube videos of fireworks shows , starting with short, quiet increments and gradually increasing the intensity of sound and duration. Gradual exposure helps build confidence and desensitizes them to the stimulus.
Exhaust their energy
Give them an intense workout or some rigorous playtime before the fireworks to tire them out . Dogs that are tired and well-fed tend to be less anxious.
Create physical distance
For dogs deathly terrified of fireworks, consider leaving them inside, at home, or at a friend/family member's house away from the noise .
When possible, it may be the safest option for dogs with severe firework anxiety. If you plan to place your dog in a kennel, be sure to do so only if they’re already comfortable with it.
Muffle the sound
Drown out the sound of the fireworks by keeping your windows closed and turning up the TV or radio . An air conditioner, hairdryer, fan, or white noise generator can also be helpful if your pet isn't afraid of these sounds. You should also consider purchasing noise-blocking ear muffs for dogs.
Comfort your dog
If your pet is frightened, don’t ignore them . Ownerscan provide a buffer against stress, so be sure to be there for your pet.5
If you don't know how to calm down your dog, remember that the best way to help them through it is by staying calm and positive.
The emotions we display can impact dogs’ state of mind, so don’t become irritable or impatient if they display anxiety.6 Understand that it is a visceral response.
Try an anxiety vest
Anti-anxiety vests are believed to calm dogs by applying constant pressure, mimicking what their mother did to the litter. According to one study, 79% of pet owners said that anxiety wraps were somewhat to totally effective in helping with dogs’ fear of fireworks.7
Talk to your vet
Ask your vet how to calm a dog scared of fireworks. Your vet can rule out any other medical conditions that might cause or worsen your pet’s fearful response. They will also prescribe medication and design the most effective treatment plan.
Hire a professional
Dogs that experience extreme fear or phobic behaviors as a result of fireworks should get professional help. Your vet will be able to refer you to a trainer or board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
Did you know that some pet insurance covers anxiety and other behavioral conditions?
How NOT to help a dog afraid of fireworks
- Do not give your dog a tranquilizer, such as Acepromazine. This can be severely traumatic for dogs as they are still able to process the unnerving stimuli while sedated, but unable to respond to them.
- Don’t leave your pet unsupervised outdoors or unattended at home. If you are headed out to enjoy a celebration and know your dog is terrified of fireworks, it's wise to hire a sitter to prevent your pet from accidental self-injury.
- Don't change your behavior. When their pets show signs of dread, many people feel compelled to try to calm them down by petting them more often than usual or showing extra attention. Rather than alleviating your dog's concerns, this frequently promotes the dog's anxious habits. You should also avoid pressuring your canine friend to seek comfort from you. It's one thing if a dog approaches you, but if not, don't force it.
- Don't attempt to push your pet past their comfort zone by forcing them closer to the fireworks in order to get them habituated to the sounds. This may cause the dog to become more fearful or even hostile. Allow them to hide in their crate or beneath a bed if they prefer that.
- Don't punish your dog because he or she is terrified. This is a natural reaction, and punishing them will just make their behavior worse. It is preferable to provide comfort and employ distraction strategies.
Final tips on how to safely enjoy fireworks with dogs
- If you haven’t already, microchip your dog and make sure the info is up-to-date before the big day.
- Know when the firework show starts and give yourself plenty of time for exercise and potty breaks beforehand, so your dog won’t have to hold it during an already stressful time.
- Create a Quiet Zone inside for your dog to hang out in where they cannot hurt themselves and the sound of explosions is muffled out.
- Desensitize your dog beforehand and distract them during the show by offering their favorite treats and toys.
- Consider signing up for pet insurance so that you can be protected against unexpected costs related to your dog such as hefty vet bills. Some pet insurance providers cover medication for pet anxiety, as well as behavioral therapy that is recommended by your veterinarian.
Pawlicy Advisor can help you find a pet insurance plan that best fits your dog’s needs and your budget
Questions & Answers
What’s the best way to calm a dog scared of fireworks?
An online survey investigated treatment and management methods for firework fear in dogs and their effectiveness. The four management strategies included:
- Environmental modification- keeping windows closed, playing music, and providing a hiding place
- Feed/play - providing the dog with food, chews, and toys during fireworks
- Alternative - use of calming homeopathic remedies, herbal products, pheromones, and nutraceuticals
- Interaction - petting, allowing body contact, and talking to the animal when loud noises occurred
Only the feed/play approach was statistically connected with a reduced fear response.
Improvements were seen by 69% of dog owners with prescription medicine, with high success rates reported for the most often prescribed pharmaceuticals, Sileo (74%) and Alprazolam (91%).
Anti-anxiety vests were found to be beneficial by 44% of owners, while counterconditioning (offering positive stimuli following the occurrence of loud noises) was deemed the most effective method for alleviating dogs' fear of fireworks, successful in more than 70% of participating pups.
Relaxation training was almost as effective at 69%, whereas noise CDs were shown to be useful in 55% of cases. As a result, counterconditioning, relaxation training, and anxiolytic drugs appear to be the best ways to help dogs that are scared of fireworks.
What can I give my dog for fireworks anxiety?
Vets may prescribe medication such as Trazodone to reduce anxiety in stressful situations, like fireworks. It works by inhibiting activity at certain serotonin receptors in the brain and can be administered as needed, once daily, or as often as every 12 hours.
Other medication for dog firework anxiety might include Silio or Alprazolam.
If my dog is scared of fireworks, can I give them Benadryl?
Only a veterinarian can safely prescribe anxiety medication, including Benadryl for dogs. Do not give your dog over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs made for humans, as these are two of the most dangerous household toxins for dogs and can easily result in accidental overdose.
Talk to your vet about your dog’s anxiety, especially if it’s a behavioral disorder that occurs regularly, outside of holiday celebrations.
References
- New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/03/well/dog-afraid-of-fireworks-what-dog-owners-say-works-for-them.html
- Today's Veterinary Practice, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/journal-club-focus-on-canine-noise-induced-fear/
- PLOS ONE, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0218150
- Fear Free Pets, https://fearfreepets.com/even-mild-fear-of-noise-in-dogs-has-broad-effects/"
- http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0058475"
- http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0047653"
- Do You Believe in Dog, https://www.doyoubelieveindog.com/2012/12/what-kinds-of-dogs-are-troubled-by.html#.WVXfi9Pys_U"
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Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
Kaelee Nelson is a die-hard dog mom, part-time dog trainer, and ultimate pet enthusiast. She recently rescued a puppy named Zoey who went from the streets of Mexico to the big lights in L.A. after Kaelee helped her become officially studio-trained for production work, with the goal of strengthen her dog's confidence as well as the bond they share. Kaelee remains passionate about pets in her role as Content Marketing Manager by helping owners prepare for the financial burden that often comes with giving our furry BFFs the best care possible. Enrolling Zoey in a pet insurance policy was a no-brainer for Kaelee, as it enabled her to get reimbursed for vet costs like spaying, vaccinations, routine care, and more.
