Why your dog is scared of fireworks and what you can do about it

Fireworks sales began on Saturday, much to the dismay of dogs across Wichita.

The fear of fireworks can make the summer a difficult time for many dogs. However, new scientific research and advice from veterinarians offers guidance into how dog owners can effectively treat fireworks-related anxiety and keep furry friends safe during the holiday weekend.

Noise phobia in dogs

We might experience the boom of nearby fireworks as noisy, but harmless. For dogs, it’s a different story.

“Their ears are a lot more sensitive than ours,” said Dr. Susan Nelson, a clinical professor at the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center. “So those loud noises are really, really scary stuff for them.”

Being afraid of sudden, loud sounds like fireworks or thunderstorms is a normal trait for dogs. It’s the product of thousands of years of evolution. However, the fear that helped keep your pup’s ancestors safe from predators isn’t so useful when it’s making your dog tremble, whine, and pace during a neighborhood fireworks display.

For some dogs, fireworks cause more than just a little scare.

Dogs with more serious noise aversion may run into windows or try to chew through the door in their panic to escape the booming noises. These behaviors can hurt both your dog and your home.

For other dogs, the anxiety can continue long after the grand finale. Recent research finds that more than 15% of dogs still exhibit signs of fear days after fireworks events.

“It is a true phobia,” said Nelson. “They are terrified.”

Nelson notes that she has treated dogs of every breed for noise phobia, not just breeds considered to be more anxious, such as border collies. Similarly, survey studies find that about half of dog owners report noise aversion behaviors in their pet.

Treating a dog’s fear

When it comes to calming your canine companion, prevention is the best medicine. When fireworks begin, give your dog treats, a favorite toy to play with, and other positive reinforcement, even if they don’t seem scared.

This tactic, called counter-conditioning, helps your dog create a positive association with the loud noises. In a new study comparing different treatments for canine firework fear, counter-conditioning was found to be the most effective strategy to reduce dog anxiety. Counter-conditioning reduced fear symptoms in over 70% of dogs, and was even more effective than prescription anti-anxiety medication.

However, this intervention works best when dogs are young.

“As they become adults, we start seeing more of the noise phobias,” Nelson said. “If they weren’t brought up to be accustomed to loud noises as a puppy, they aren’t going to cope with it well as an adult.”

If your dog isn’t responsive to counter-conditioning, there are other treatments you can try. The same study found that pressure vests were effective in just under half of dogs, and over-the-counter supplements worked for about a third.

Dr. Danielle Estivo, a veterinarian at Skaer Veterinary Clinic in Wichita, advises creating a soothing environment for your dog during fireworks events. She suggests keeping your dog in a basement room away from windows, turning down the lights, and playing calming music.

If your dog has serious noise aversion, consider talking with your vet about prescription anti-anxiety medications.

A prescription gel is available specifically for noise-related anxiety, though owners need to be careful to administer it properly to avoid accidental overdoses.

Holiday safety with your pet

The Fourth of July is not just a scary holiday for dogs – it can also be downright dangerous. There are a few things that dog owners should do to secure their pup’s safety.

Make sure that your dog has at least one form of identification, as panicked dogs may run away. Ideally, dogs should wear a collar with tags and be microchipped. If you’ve moved or changed phone numbers, make sure that your dog’s microchip information is updated.

This week, Estivo recommends bringing dogs inside for the night before it gets dark and people begin setting off fireworks.

“If you can keep them home, you can keep them safe,” Estivo said.

If you have any fireworks or glowsticks in your house, keep them out of reach of your dog, who may try to eat them. And, if you’re planning on taking part in backyard fireworks, keep your dog inside. Dogs trained to fetch, particularly retriever breeds, have been known to chase lit firecrackers after they’re thrown.

Talk to your veterinarian

The cancellation of large fireworks displays such as Red White and BOOM could make this summer relatively quieter for dogs across Wichita. However, the absence of community fireworks shows might be counteracted by an increase in backyard pyrotechnics. Consumer fireworks sales are at a record high this summer, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association

Either way, Nelson suggests talking to your veterinarian before the festivities begin, especially if your dog needs anxiety medication to get through the holiday weekend. If your dog has reacted strongly to fireworks in the past, the issue is unlikely to disappear on its own, so seeking professional advice is the way to go.

“Be proactive,” Nelson said. “Get the help that your pets need.”

This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 5:01 AM with the headline "Why your dog is scared of fireworks and what you can do about it."