Let’s try a different style to our Blog this time – in the style of a Q&A for you!!
Does a Dog’s fear of Fireworks only come from the bangs?
A dog who has already shown fear of fireworks previously will also be aware of the additional stimulus such as scent. Fireworks will smell very distinctive and dogs have an amazing olfactory system so a bonfire being lit, quieter fireworks starting a display that are more visual without an actual bang etc can remind a dog of the loud bang from previous years or previous nights of fireworks have already been happening.
Environment can also become associated with fireworks and dogs have been know to start showing fear once it gets dark as they are expecting fireworks to start once its dark. They may stop going out in the garden after dark as that is where they heard fireworks previously so the combination of the back garden and darkness can make a dog become very scared before fireworks have started.
Association plays a big part with developing fears and dogs can form an association of a scary event happening with a non scary stimulus or event very easily, hence becoming scared when it’s dark having heard Fireworks after dark previously, or going on a walk in certain directions if there was the scent of a bonfire that way.
How might Dog owners known their dog is struggling with Fireworks?
Stress and fear signs vary but there will be more than one happening; more noticeably a dog may race about in a panic looking for somewhere safe to hide, may stand trembling, or come to you for reassurance. Less obvious signs might be ears pulled back, lip licking, drooling, bloodshot eyes, wide eyes, tail tucked right under the body, panting, quietly going off to hide somewhere.
A dog may have heard fireworks in the distance that we cannot hear ourselves and stop wanting to eat a meal they usually love, refuse to go into the garden or start a walk once the door is open etc.
When there have been previous nights with fireworks dogs who are fearful will be overwhelmed, tired and stressed so we might spot that they are quieter, not as hungry as usual, not wanting to engage with their family or other dogs or alternatively may seek company more than usual.
Is it best to keep to normal routines eg evening walks if a Dog is scared of potential Fireworks
Evening walks during fireworks season may be fine to keep depending on the time they take place. With the evenings becoming darker earlier we can find fireworks are started earlier in the evening too. If a walk is likely to be after dark there’s more risk of being out when fireworks start, which can increase the risk of a scared dog backing out of collar or harness or bolting forward and pulling the lead out of the owners hand. A scared dog bolting might head home but also may just run and potentially run into traffic, get lost etc.
So if you usually walk the dog after dark around fireworks season it can be worth considering changing to some fun activities at home instead or a very short walk for toilets then home for some fun training, play etc.
However sometimes dogs are not worried about fireworks they hear on a walk despite being scared if they hear them at home. On a walk they may already be excited, engaged in sniffing etc so they have more serotonin and endorphins which helps them not feel so fearful. Being outside also means the sound of fireworks is different to when at home as they sound different outside, it’s less claustrophobic on a walk and at home the sound is invading their safe space.
So sometimes walks can be fine but do ensure your dog’s walking equipment is fitting properly
Is there a way for owners to help their Dog know there is a safe space for them?
Dogs will typically find somewhere they instinctively feel safer and that might not be the same place we would expect. We can give options and ensure dogs can get to places they may find comfortable or places they gone to previously. For example we can prop open doors to bedrooms and move items from under the bed in case that is inviting. Open the cupboard under the stairs and put a door stop in the way to stop it closing on your dog, putting a cosy bed inside for your dog.
We can show dogs areas we have prepared earlier in the day so once they hear fireworks they can head for their safe location – literally lure them to follow, call them to you when you are by the safe space, offer their meals in the new space etc. Doing this in advance means they know it’s there rather than trying to make sense to them when they are worried during the Fireworks.
Is it better to comfort a nervous dog during Fireworks or ignore them?
Dogs who go to their owner for comfort should absolutely be given that comfort and support. This might be stroking them, letting them snuggle up, laying on their owners lap, being picked up, sitting next to their owners- it will vary. I’ve known dogs lay behind their owner who is sitting on the sofa.
A dog who is actually already fearing the fireworks happening is unlikely to be able to be distracted from them. A dog that is stressed is less likely to take food or treats. If a dog really enjoys playing with toys it may be possible to encourage a game to help them cope better but if play isn’t a big part of their life usually then it is unlikely to be of interest when they are scared.
What tells an owner which option a Dog wants?
Not all dogs find interaction comforting generally and so don’t go for comfort when scared. These dogs may sit nearby but in their own space, take themselves off to another room or under a bed. A dog actively moving away from people is unlikely to find a cuddle comforting as they don’t enjoy it normally. Give these dogs space but keep an eye on them and let know be aware you are nearby.
Are there Household sounds you might try to mask the sound of Fireworks?
It can be worth having sounds in the home like the tv or radio so that it’s not silent with fireworks being the only sounds surrounding a dog, or having general utility items on if a dog is comfortablewith them such as washing machine with washing in, a fan or hot air heating etc.
Does the method of putting tennis balls in the washing machine or drier really work?
I’ve personally never tried this but do wash dog toys and the banging is pretty loud!
The thumping from the dryer or washing machine is said to create a constant background noise that dogs can focus on better than the inconsistent bags of fireworks. For a dog who specifically is scared of fireworks and no other sounds I can see how this can help. However a dog who is noise sensitive with many sounds may find the additional banging increases their fear further.
Classic fm have played music to help dogs cope better with fireworks for several years so that can be played through the tv or taiko drums have also been useful in helping dogs cope. Again it depends on each dog as some will find the sound of drums scary too!
What might be useful for owners to work on while there might be a few weeks before most Fireworks?
For a dog who has a pre existing fear of fireworks we want anything towards helping them to be started immediately as fireworks can start happening any time now.
Using scent in the form of Pet Remedy, DAP Diffuser or self selection (Zoopharmacognosy) need time for o start helping so shouldn’t be left until the first fireworks have been heard.
Without sprays or diffusers having time to build up they are a lot less effective.
Creating some cosy safe dens and letting the dog explore them and find their preferred location now means if they are scared during fireworks they know what is available and where to go so there can be less panic at the time.
You can plan ahead if you see there will be a big display locally to you is it possible to take your dog to visit someone who won’t have a big display closeby, stay somewhere for the night or take your dog somewhere they enjoy going to (for example we have an indoor dog play barn for hire in our area)
It is likely too close to fireworks to start working on actually reducing the fear itself as ideally you need time without any fireworks happening for a few weeks minimum but it can be possible to start introducing games with noises so your dog is ‘in control’ of the sound which can help increase confidence with sound. For example different dog toys that have different sounds, knocking over tubes that make a light bang, playing with a bottle with something inside that rattles (obvious watch your dog so the bottle doesn’t get damaged).
Is there anything a Dog might benefit from the next morning / day once Fireworks have stopped?
The next morning a dog who has been fearful of fireworks is likely to be fatigued, stressed and more hyper aware about what is happening around them.
Quiet time in the home, given space from family trying to entice them to interact; a quiet and peaceful walk if a walk is even given.
Ideally a dog who has been scared due to fireworks the night before will have access to their own quiet space which might be something they have all the time or can be set up especially for the fireworks period. A safe and quiet space can be a puppy pen with a cover over it, a good fitting crate with a crate cover over it, a cosy bed under a table in a room that isn’t busy, a kids teepee set up under the stairs etc
Having this space means not interrupting the dog inside so they know they can rest and relax, stay away from additional sounds etc
Can a Dog’s reaction to Fireworks change throughout their life?
Yes, dogs can develop a fear of fireworks any time in their lives and also a dog fearful of fireworks when younger can have a reduced fear or even no fear when older.
A fireworks fear can begin when a puppy first hears fireworks and finds them scary, or can be when a dog is a few years old and hears fireworks while unwell, or a sudden loud bang rattles the windows in the home and it startles them. Association plays a big part as does what is happening directly before and after the fireworks happen.
Dogs can be fine with fireworks for many years then suddenly become scared and this can be due to something having happened earlier that day or the day before such as a dog jumping on them, an injury happening, or something causing them to feel stressed. While still in recovery the sound of fireworks can then raise the stress higher and thus a new fear is unlocked.
Sometimes as dogs become older they are experience new pain and discomfort. If they are having increased pain around the time fireworks are happening this can create an association with the sound arriving with the pain, or can be that the pain lowers a dog’s tolerance to sound and the fireworks are just now too much on top a pain they have had for months such as joint pain, arthritis, ear infections, dental pain etc.
Typically if a dog is unsure or scared of fireworks one year then each year they experience them more without intervention that fear will increase as they know what to expect, plus fireworks are getting louder, the season lasts longer etc.
In the opposite side as dogs age they find their hearing changes and although they can still smell the fireworks and see flashes of light the sound element is reduced or removed when their hearing goes and so the main factor for fear is gone too. Sometimes you can find a dog struggling all their lives with firework fears no longer responds for their senior years.
For additional help for your Puppy or Dog around Fireworks Season, New Years Eve etc we recommend:
✅ Pet Remedy – to help with calming and start this as soon as possible for the most benefit. Treat your dog to a cheeky discount too! Pet Remedy
✅ Try some fun Tricks with your Dog for fun interaction and confidence building with the Online Dog Tricks Club which gives you over 100 different Trick Tutorials via video and written tips. Take 7 days completely free to find some Tricks to start with then only £4.99 per month inc support, feedback, live sessions and the Challenge of the Month! Dog Tricks Club
✅ Add play to your dog’s regular routine and help with confidence boosting and positive associations to sound. Our favourite Dog Toys include: Tug-e-Nuff, Calm Dog Games and No Fuss Fill
If you would prefer more personal support for your dog’s fear of fireworks look local canine behaviourists in your local area and check their reviews on how they have helped dog’s with fireworks fears – not all behaviourists specialise in this area and it can be too easily for methods to make things worse!
October, November, December are not typically the best times to start working on helping dogs with a severe firework fear as we need there to be no sudden fireworks happening between progressions so usually behaviour work would be February through to July time. However we can help a dog through Management.
