Preparing for fireworks
If your dog is okay with fireworks, don’t take this for granted! It doesn’t matter if they’re a puppy or a senior dog. Pair up fireworks with good things (bang = treat) and still try to block out the overall intensity of the bangs. Sound sensitivity often develops after a particularly intense episode and can be linked to pain, hence why many dogs over six years old appear to develop a sudden onset of sound sensitivity. It can change very easily and it’s not uncommon for us to see a sudden reduction in tolerant to fireworks when dogs get to 2+ years of age, having appeared unphased by them as young dogs and puppies.
Steps to take before fireworks
- Give your dog a slightly larger meal than normal: This can have a calming effect (the big pasta dinner effect). Be cautious with deep-chested dogs or those who become nauseous when anxious.
- Provide a distraction: Give your dog a chew, kong, Lickimat, or snuffle box (treats in a box of paper). Raw meaty knuckle and marrow bones are great as they last ages.
- Move to a central room: If there’s a central room in your house (surrounded by walls), move there with your pets. Even if this is the bathroom!
- Use the TV for noise: Move the TV in front of the window and turn it up louder than normal.
- Choose the right music: Classical music may be calming but won’t cover the sound of fireworks well. Consider playing something with lots of beats. We have enjoyed listening to 70s disco on 5th November before.
- Invest in brown noise speakers: Purchase brown noise speakers and situate these in front of windows. We have three mini speakers around the home that play brown noise and one that plays the sound of a rippling stream/water. The variety of sounds can be a bit wearing, but it blocks out a lot of the noise. We use ‘LectroFan speakers which are amazing.
- Consider alternative noise sources: Consider putting some shoes in the spin dryer (ones you don’t mind potentially ruining!). Be sure to start this before fireworks so it doesn’t make your dog more anxious.
- Muffle the sound: Hang duvets or heavy blankets over your windows. This may muffle the sound.
- Create a den: Make a den out of chairs and tables and hang duvets or heavy blankets over these, or over a crate your dog enjoys (please don’t shut them in it when there are fireworks though as this could make them more anxious!).
- Cover the fireplace: If you have a fireplace/chimney, cover this with thick blankets.
During the fireworks
- Avoid outdoor trips: Don’t take your dog outside for a wee when fireworks are going off. Ensure they have been around 4 pm so they can hold on until later if needed. Please DO NOT walk your dog in the evenings around fireworks seasons, it’s just not worth the risk.
- Make light of sudden bangs: If a bang goes off when your dog is in the garden toileting, try to make light of it by responding with the ‘jolly affect’ where you say ‘oooooh never mind’ or ‘waheeeeeeey’ to try and make light of it. This will not work for phobic dogs but may help dogs who are startled or anxious but not phobic.
- Use treats for positive reinforcement: If your dog will take food, give them a tasty treat after each bang or even do some fun training with them. Ad hoc counter conditioning has been found in research to improve sound sensitivity parallel to psychoactive medication.
- Allow hiding: Let your dog hide if they want to. Ensure they have the option to hide by being given access to different rooms.
- Reassure your dog: Reassure your dog if they seek comfort; this won’t reinforce their fear.
Seeking professional help
Plan ahead and ensure you have medication from your vets and everything you need in place. Sometimes stocks become low of the medication in peak season, so ordering it 1 month ahead is advisable. If your dog is really struggling with fireworks mid season, call your vet first thing tomorrow morning and discuss fast-acting medication. Cast aside any stigma attached to medicating dogs if it means they are going to be free from distress. They shouldn’t (and generally don’t!) become zombies, and being a little woozy is emotionally and physically healthier than being terrified. Sound sensitivity can generalise to daytime, where dogs start to become anxious of banging noises and refusing to go for walks. If medication helps give them a better quality of life, then embrace it and speak to your vet about options.
Long-term desensitisation
It’s too late to desensitise your dogs just before and during fireworks season, so focus on sound blocking, ad-hoc counter conditioning and distracting them using food and chews. Start desensitisation around March/April after your dog has not encountered the stressor for a while.
By following these steps, you can help your dog stay calm and safe during fireworks, ensuring a less stressful experience for both of you.
