Updated on January 11, 2023
An indication of joy, fireworks are generally associated with New Year’s Eve or Bonfire Night. Our dogs, unlike many people, do not enjoy viewing fireworks.
Please remember to include Fido in your New Year’s Eve preparations. Your dog’s greatest nightmare is undoubtedly a party with pyrotechnics, which is understandable given that most canines view them as a potentially dangerous and intimidating presence.
Avoid going anywhere and instead stay home to comfort your dog. What could be more enjoyable than spending New Year’s Eve with your beloved four-legged companion?
Here are some tried-and-true methods for keeping your dog quiet and secure during the fireworks season.
WHY ARE DOGS SCARED OF FIREWORKS?
Studies have shown that almost half of all dogs react negatively to pyrotechnics. The loud booms, pops, and whizzes of fireworks might startle us if they happen unexpectedly. Because a dog’s hearing is so much more acute, these sounds will appear much more intense to him.
There is no way for our dogs to predict when the next round of fireworks will be set off, or even to understand what they are. And because of your dog’s acute hearing, the loud noises will appear much closer to him than they actually are, thus adding to his distress.
Way, way back, our dogs were wild animals who needed to have great survival instincts. Dogs still have a fight-or-flight response, and the loud, unexpected bangs of fireworks could set it off, leaving your pet edgy, nervous, and on edge all night.
In an effort to survive, many dogs attempt escape on New Year’s Eve and Bonfire Night.
Besides the obvious danger of fireworks, your dog may also be exposed to new people, places, and experiences on evenings when they are celebrated. Overall, the holiday season can be very stressful for pets, and it’s not only the fireworks that might be a problem. As a pet parent, you have a responsibility to do everything you can to ensure your dog’s safety and reduce the stress he or she feels as a result of the many new and unfamiliar things that can happen over the holiday season.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY DOG IS STRESSED BY THE FIREWORKS?
You probably already have a sense of how your dog reacts to adversity and can predict how he or she will react to various stressful situations. Keep an eye out for these stress symptoms as the fireworks season approaches:
Barking \sPanting
Too much yawning
Pacing
Behaviors indicative of restlessness in the home toilet include: drooling and urinating incessantly
Cowarding and ducking behind the couch
Whining
“tail between legs”
Improvements in Personal Hygiene
Clinginess
Aggressive and self-destructive actions like chewing
Be on the lookout for subtle signs of anxiety, such as frequent yawning or drooling.
HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG WITH FIREWORKS
Your four-legged buddy is going through a tough period, and you should do everything in your power to make him or her feel secure and at peace. There are dozens of ways to do this, and one of the key ones is to attempt and desensitise your dog to the thunderous explosions of fireworks.
Puppy socialisation and desensitisation should begin as soon as possible after adoption, but don’t fret if your dog is already an adult; these processes can be initiated at any time.
DESENSITISING YOUR DOG TO FIREWORKS
Desensitization and counterconditioning have been shown to be successful in reducing dogs’ anxiety about pyrotechnics, with one study finding a success rate of almost 70% in a large group of dogs.
START SLOW
Obtain an audio recording of fireworks and play it around your dog at a very low intensity to initiate the desensitisation process. Your dog shouldn’t flinch or look up at the sound, so keep the level low.
UP THE VOLUME
If you think your dog has become acclimated to the first noise, you can gradually increase the volume. Don’t start with the volume barely there and have it blaring throughout the house.
In order to prepare your dog for the fireworks on Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve, you should gradually increase the volume of the noise over a long period of time. Taking things slowly and steadily usually results in success.
START COUNTERCONDITIONING
When combined with counterconditioning, desensitisation proves most successful. In this scenario, the goal is to alter your dog’s perspective on fireworks so that it develops a more positive attitude about them.
This can be accomplished by playing the firework sound at a volume your dog can handle and rewarding him or her with something of great value (such as a favourite treat or fun game).
In this way, kids can learn to identify the fireworks with fun times and treats, and eventually come to accept the noise as a sign of celebration. It requires regular training and a highly valuable incentive to succeed.
ON THE NIGHT
You should make your dog feel as secure and calm as possible before, during, and after the fireworks start.
Closing the blinds and curtains will prevent your dog from seeing the flashing lights outside, which can be confusing and frightening for pets. I’m afraid you won’t be able to see the show either.
To make your dog less anxious about the loud noise of the fireworks, consider playing some soothing music or turning on the TV.
It’s a good idea to provide your dog with a den they can retire to when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. Provide entertainment by stocking it with their favourite bedding, chew toys, and feeder games.
It’s likely that some dogs won’t even consider leaving the room while the fireworks are going off, in which case you’ll need to be there to give them hugs and soothe them.
One of the most effective strategies to improve your dog’s response to the fireworks is to feed and play with them during the event. If your dog wants your reassurance and comfort, give it to them; if they want a quiet place to hide, give it to them.
It’s best to keep your dog on his regular schedule as much as possible while the fireworks are going off. Even if you have plans for New Year’s Eve, you shouldn’t leave your dog alone for long if they tend to get uneasy in unfamiliar environments, like for example, a hotel room.
We recommend spending the New Year at home with your dog, as this will allow you both time to reflect on the past year and plan for the next.
Make plans for a friend to stay home with your pet if you need to attend a social event without him or her.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP OUT YOUR DOG DURING FIREWORK SEASON
Avoid taking your dog out when fireworks are set off and be sure to take them on a long, exhausting walk during the day so they can rest easy when you bring them inside.
When taking them outside, leash them up so they can’t run off in fear.
If your dog needs to use the restroom, accompany them outdoors to give them reassurance that it is safe to do so.
If they manage to escape, you’ll want to make sure their microchip and identification details are correct.
Obviously, you should never penalise your dog for showing fear.
Maintain composure; your dog will pick up on any unusual behaviour, so try to tune out the explosions.
Tons of stimulating toys like lickimats, kongs, and snuffle mats
Applaud their restraint
Like swaddling a newborn baby, anxiety jackets are snug coats designed to make your dog feel safe.
Products tailored to alleviate stress and nervousness
If they are easily frightened, make sure the house is safe so they can’t get away.
The best thing you can do for your dog is the desensitisation process, so avoid these short-term fixes and start there instead. It may take a few months of practise, but you and your dog will be much better off in the end if you put in the time and effort.
Basically, all you have to do is play the audio, keep an eye on your dog, and reward him or her with lots of treats and playtime, and you’ll have a well-behaved dog in no time at all.
RECAP
Despite the fact that humans are supposed to be celebrating on New Year’s Eve and Bonfire Night, both are stressful occasions for our canine companions.
The best thing you can do for your dog during times of stress is to recognise the signs that he or she is experiencing anxiety and to put into practise strategies that will help.
Although your dog will likely never find the booms and flashes of fireworks enjoyable, training them to tolerate them will make a huge difference. Join your dog in celebrating the New Year by being there for him or her if he or she is feeling down.
