Is Your Dog Scared of Fireworks?

Here's what to do if your pet is afraid of fireworks or has noise phobia

As we prepare for the upcoming Canada Day, we want to talk about noise phobia! Could your pet be suffering?

July 1st is often celebrated with fireworks, and sometimes with gunshots. These loud noises trigger a fear response in some dogs, as can thunderstorms. 

There are a number of factors that determine a pet’s reaction to certain noises, such as their age, socialization, and experience. Depending on the type of animal you have and the severity of their fear, signs of pet noise phobia may include:  

· Hiding

· Trembling or shaking 

· Seeking out the owner

· Urinating or defecating

· Pacing/Panting

· Chewing

· Digging

· Barking or howling

Some dogs become so fearful of the noise that they try to run away from it, including escaping and running as fast as they can away from the noise.

How can you calm your dog's fear of loud noises?

Your pet may be comforted by being in a smaller, confined space such as a crate (if they are accustomed to a crate), a bedroom, closet, or bathroom. Play soothing music or turn on the TV for your pet. Human company helps, but try not to over-indulge your pet with sympathy. Give your pet attention and act like everything is normal! 

Never Use Punishment

Under NO circumstances should punishment be used when you are helping your pet overcome noise or storm phobias, especially if there has been physical damage that occurred while you were away. Punishment only serves to increase the pet’s anxiety and fear. Keeping your pet calm and relaxed is a requisite part of treatment.

Wraps & Shirts

Some dogs respond well to the various capes and wraps available, including Anxiety Wrap (anxietywrap.com), and Thundershirt (thundershirt.com).

The Anxiety Wrap and Thundershirt are designed to apply gentle pressure to the dog’s torso, resulting in fear reduction by maintaining “swaddling” pressure and applying acupressure. 

Pheromone Products

Pheromone products can help dogs with noise and storm anxiety. Adaptil (ceva.us) contains a synthetic analogue of dog appeasing pheromone (DAP), which reportedly helps provide reassurance and comfort to puppies and dogs of all ages. One study showed that desensitization (white noise machine or gentle music) in combination with DAP helped dogs handle their fear of fireworks.

Adaptil for dogs is available in 3 forms:

1.     Diffuser that covers approximately 600 square feet

2.     Collar that (when fitted snugly) constantly diffuses DAP

3.     Spray for use on bedding and other surfaces, but NOT on the dog

Feliway pheromone for cats aids in curbing unwanted cat behaviors such as spraying, scratching, and general fearfulness.

Feliway for cats is available in 3 forms:

1.     Spray for use on bedding and other surfaces (including the carrier) but NOT on the cat

2.     Diffuser that covers approximately 600 square feet

3.     Wipes for use on surfaces, and in cat carrier but NOT on the cat.

Medications to help calm a dog during fireworks

Some medications have proven useful in calming the pet during stressful noise events. If you would like to further discuss these options, please give us a call. If your pet normally takes prescription medication for noise phobia and you need a refill, please allow 72 hours advance notice for us to prepare the medication refill for you. 

Please let us know if you have any questions. We wish you and your pets a happy and safe 1st of July!

Brad Pattison is a world-renowned dog behaviourist, trainer, and educator with over two decades of experience transforming relationships between dogs and their humans. He is the author of four acclaimed dog training books, including the national bestseller Brad Pattison UNLEASHED.

Brad has hosted three popular television series, including At the End of My Leash and Puppy SOS, helping millions of viewers across North America better understand their dogs.

As the lead instructor at Hustle Up Dog Trainers Academy, Brad continues to train the next generation of hands-on, leadership-based dog professionals across Canada.

📱 Follow Brad and the Hustle Up team on Instagram: @hustleupdogs📘 Join us on Facebook: Hustle Up Dog Training📩 Questions? Reach out anytime at info@hustleupdogtraining.ca