Dog Scared of Fireworks? Here’s How You Can Help

The final long weekend of summer is quickly approaching, and for many of us that means enjoying the warm weather and celebrating outdoors one last time! Whether you’re taking a trip to cottage country or planning a staycation, there will likely be fireworks set off nearby by those bidding farewell to summer! While most of us pet parents find fireworks beautiful and exciting, unfortunately many of our fur babies don’t feel the same way. As they’re unsure what is happening, the loud noises can scare and stress out many of our four-legged family members. However, with some preparation you can help your pet feel as safe and comfortable as possible!                                                                                     

Leave Your Pet at Home 

While it may be tempting to bring your beloved companion along with you if you’re planning on enjoying a fireworks display outdoors, typically the safest option is to leave them at home. Although you will likely enjoy the display, many pets will feel scared and uncomfortable and may end up acting out of character. The last thing you want when trying to relax on a long weekend is your fur baby getting spooked and running off on their own! If your dog is severely scared of loud noises and you can’t be at home with them, see if a friend or family member can keep an eye on them. 

Distraction 

It may not be possible if your dog is extremely scared or anxious, but it never hurts to try to distract them while the fireworks are booming outside! Try enticing them to play with their favourite toy, put on a movie or television show, or create a playlist with some calming music to distract them from the loud noises outside. Be sure to also close the windows and draw the blinds so they aren’t startled by any bright flashes of light. If your dog is willing, keeping them in their crate can provide an enhanced sense of comfort and security while the fireworks are going off.    

Calming Products 

Luckily, there are a variety of products available that are specially designed to help calm dogs during stressful situations like fireworks. 

• Thundershirts

By producing a gentle, constant pressure when worn, Thundershirts offer a dramatic calming effect which helps to relieve anxiety in most dogs. If you’re putting a Thundershirt on your dog for the first time, try offering a small amount of dry food using the Thundershirt as a "plate". This will hopefully create a positive association with the Thundershirt and your dog, as dogs generally become more trusting and comfortable with something that brings them or is associated with food. 

• Diffusers and Balms

In stressful or anxiety-inducing situations our dog’s nerves get over-stimulated which results in many different signs of distress, something that diffusers can help with. Working alongside the brain’s neurotransmitters, the special blend of essential oils released by the Pet Remedy Calming Diffuser helps calm the nerves of anxious or stressed dogs. Simply plug in the diffuser and let the destressing properties slowly release into the surrounding area. 

Pet balms, such as the Espree Lavender Calming Balm, can also be used to reduce stress and anxiety your dog experiences during fireworks. With the light scent of lavender, this balm helps calm anxiety and is formulated with renewable and sustainable botanical, vegetable and mineral resources.