With New Year’s Eve celebrations fast approaching, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the game and ensure your dog is comfortable during these noisy events. Fireworks lighting up the night sky can be particularly overwhelming for a dog scared of loud sounds. Even if your pup is usually calm, these sudden, booming noises can trigger anxiety. In this guide, we’ll explore how to prepare your dog for fireworks and share practical tips on how to calm a dog scared of loud noises, ensuring your pet stays relaxed during the excitement of the holiday season.
Why is my dog scared of loud noises?
If you have a dog scared of fireworks, you often also have a dog scared of thunder and other loud noises. Both thunder and fireworks are unpredictable, loud and startling for dogs and humans alike. But while some dogs seem to rest calmly throughout the crashes, others pant and panic.
The fear of loud noises can occur for several reasons:
Lack of exposure as a puppy.
Controlled exposure to the sounds and experiences of storms or fireworks during the puppyhood socialization window may reduce the fear of these types of loud sounds later in life, especially if the experiences are paired with positive rewards like delicious treats and attention.
Association with traumatic experience.
If your dog experienced something scary in association with a loud noise, they may associate fireworks with fear. For example, if your dog was outside on New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July during the fireworks display and was repeatedly frightened by loud noise, they may react fearfully in future years.
In some cases, you may not know exactly why your dog developed a fear of fireworks or other loud noises. This noise aversion could develop slowly over time or appear suddenly. It’s best to be prepared for the anxiety that may come with loud holiday celebrations.
Preparation is key!
Luckily, you have the advantage of knowing the fireworks are coming. This means you have time to prepare!
- Work on desensitization and counterconditioning. When it comes to how to prepare a dog for fireworks, desensitization and counterconditioning are key. For example, in the months leading up to New Year’s Eve, you can start playing fireworks sounds quietly in your home and reward your pup with treats when they’re calm. Gradually increase the volume over time and reward your dog for remaining calm. This may help to desensitize your dog to the sounds of fireworks while conditioning them to expect something positive associated with the noise.
- Create a sanctuary. Create a cozy haven where your dog can retreat and feel safe and secure from the commotion outdoors. Pick an area where your dog likes to hang out that will also block out the sights and sounds of fireworks. Try out different places, like a walk-in closet or a room with blackout curtains. Include a comfy pet bed and favorite toys, and make it extra awesome with playtime or treats.
- Explore calming supplements and aids. Natural supplements or pheromone-based solutions designed to lessen anxiety can work wonders for dogs. While some supplements may be helpful for dogs with very mild symptoms, they are not likely to help dogs with moderate to severe fireworks distress.
- Visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog is severely distressed by the noise of fireworks, seek guidance from your veterinarian. They can offer tailored strategies and, if needed, prescribe anti-anxiety medications.
Prevention of fear the day-of
Preparation in the time leading up to the holiday will set you up for success on the day of the event. However, you’re still going to need to support your dog when the fireworks begin.
Follow these tips:
- Give supplements or medications early in the day. Start any calming supplements or anti-anxiety medications before the fireworks begin. Starting early may help relax your dog and reduce their reactivity.
- Guide your dog to their sanctuary. With repetition, your dog will learn to seek out their happy place on their own.
- Mask the sounds from outside. Fill their space with calming music, turn on a fan and close all the windows and doors in the house to help block the booms. By creating a quiet and well-insulated (soundproof) space, the white noise from the fan or music can be very helpful for dogs. Additionally, products such as a Thundershirt or dog earmuffs can also relieve your pet’s anxiety.
- Provide plenty of distractions. Tempt your dog with a new toy or treat-stuffed puzzles to divert their attention.
- Let your guests know your dog is fearful of loud noises. Ask them to keep doors and windows closed, and to leave your dog undisturbed in their sanctuary space.
- Keep calm and carry on. While it’s only natural to want to soothe your dog when they’re distressed, excessive comfort may reward your dog’s behavior—or worse, validate their fears. Instead, offer gentle reassurance and continue with your routine as usual.
Now that you know how to calm a dog scared of loud noises, you can start planning. Browse our veterinarian-approved selection of calming supplements for dogs here. >>
