Dog Hates Fireworks? How To Help.

Fireworks are tough on many dogs. What can you do to help your dog get through the fireworks season? Here are a few approaches:  

Strategy #1 For Dealing With Fireworks: Get Out Of Town

When you know ahead of time when fireworks are likely to happen, you might be able to avoid them completely by getting out of town. If you can afford to rent a remote cabin, you could make a vacation of it. But even getting into the car and driving your dog somewhere quiet for a few hours might be enough, if most fireworks are restricted to a short timeframe in your area. 

Strategy #2 For Dealing With Fireworks: Ask Your Vet About Anti-Anxiety Medication

Many dogs with fear of fireworks or other noise phobias benefit greatly from anti-anxiety medications. Talk to your vet about this if your dog is anxious during fireworks. 

Strategy #3 For Dealing With Fireworks: Muffle The Noise 

If you can't get away from home to avoid fireworks, keep your dog indoors and do everything you can to muffle or mask outside noises. Shut the windows and doors, and play noises that will mask fireworks. These might include music with a heavy bass line, or tennis balls in the dryer. There is great information about sound masking for dogs here and here. 

It can also help to sit with your dog in a room that doesn't have windows and isn't against any exterior walls. Bathrooms and closets are often favorite hiding places for dogs trying to cope with fireworks. 

Strategy #4 For Dealing With Fireworks: Give Your Dog Something To Do

Giving your dog a high value kong or lickimat can be a good way to keep them busy and divert their attention from fireworks. Since an anxious dog is less likely to be interested in food, I recommend combining food toys with the sound masking strategies above. 

 Want real-life examples? Check out this video where I give some strategies shared by our Confidence Builders Club membership and our free Facebook group.

 If you found this information helpful, or if you have important pointers that have helped you, we'd like to hear from you! You can comment below this blog, shoot us an email ([email protected]), or message us on Facebook or Instagram.