Dogs and Fireworks: How To Calm Dogs During Fireworks

Why Are Dogs Scared Of Fireworks?

Dogs are often scared of fireworks due to the loud bangs, bright flashes, and the strong, unfamiliar smells that come with them. The sudden noise and bursts of light can be overwhelming for their sensitive hearing and vision. These sensory overloads can make fireworks a frightening experience for even the calmest dogs.

Keeping Your Dog Safe During Fireworks

• First and foremost, ensure your dog is microchipped, so if they do manage to escape out of fear, you'll have an extra layer of protection to help bring them home.
• It may be a good idea to plan toilet breaks early in the day when it's quieter. If you must take them out after dark, always keep them on a lead to prevent sudden dashes.

How To Calm Your Dog During Fireworks

Reduce Your Dog’s Stress by Planning Ahead

• It helps to make sure your dog is fed before any expected disturbances, as they may become too nervous to eat. Providing a natural diet, free from artificial ingredients, can help to reduce any hyperactive behaviour.
• Let your dog out for a comfort break at dusk, before any fireworks are set off, as it may be a while before it's safe to let them outside again.
• Use music to desensitise your dog to typical firework noises. This usually takes a few weeks to see a marked improvement and is best carried out well in advance for optimum results.

Keep Your Dog Indoors During Fireworks

• Make sure your dog is shut safely inside a room to avoid them running away if you need to open any external doors.
• Close curtains and windows to help drown out the noise and block out any scary flashes of light. Don't forget to block off any cat flaps to stop your dog (or feline friends) escaping!
• Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off. If you're unsure if there will be fireworks, be on the side of caution and make sure your dog has plenty of exercise earlier in the day.

Use Calming Music For Dogs During Fireworks

• Turn on the radio, TV or play music to help drown out the noise of fireworks.
• Try making a den with old blankets for your dog to hide away in. You can encourage its use by hiding treats and toys inside. Once they’ve settled down in it, leave them be and don’t coax them out.
• Act and behave normally, because your dog will pick up on any anxious behaviour. Remain calm, happy and cheerful as this will send positive signals to your dog. Reward calm behaviour with dog treats or playing with toys of interest.

Calming Treats For Your Dog

All dogs love a little treat, but when those treats are tailored to reduce stress and anxiety, everyone is happy.

This is where our calming treats come in.

Made with a bespoke blend of camomile, lemon balm and lavender, our Calming Multi-Functional Soft-treats are perfect to help your pup stay calm throughout firework season. They are packed full of natural ingredients designed to support a healthy diet and promote calm behaviour. Importantly, these are grain-free treats and do not include any artificial ingredients that could increase anxiety.

Are you using these treats to reduce anxiety around an episodic stress like fireworks? We suggest giving your dog a calming treat just before the event for the best results.

Other Anti-Anxiety Options For Your Dog

• Herbal remedies like Skullcap & Valerian, Bach's Rescue Remedy and Pet Remedy can help to calm your dog during distress. They all work slightly differently so make sure you're fully informed before offering them to your dog.
• If your dog is particularly prone to becoming very distressed, have a chat with your vet or dog behaviourist for expert advice.

Many pet owners know that fireworks can cause unnecessary stress for any animal. Sometimes they are unexpected, but mostly they happen at certain times in the year. We think that with a little planning, and some treats in our pockets, it doesn’t have to be a painful experience.