How to Calm a Dog Afraid of Fireworks

It's entirely normal for a dog to be afraid of rockets, firecrackers or fireworks in general, because of the loud noise they cause. Dogs don't know these are celebratory items humans use to have fun — they simply get scared by the racket they cause.

That's why here at SoyUnPerro we're going to give you some simple guidelines to help your dog calm down and overcome their fear of the loud noises caused by fireworks, so that before long, they'll go unnoticed for them.

Symptoms of Fear of Fireworks

Those of us who know our dog like the back of our hand notice right away when something's not right, when they're scared or getting nervous.

Even so, not everyone can pick up on their non-verbal signs, which is why it matters to know the main symptoms of fear of rockets and firecrackers. If your dog shows one or several of these symptoms, it's because they're scared:

• The dog tucks their tail between their legs
• They whine or bark on hearing the fireworks' noise
• They get nervous, trying to watch and check every corner of the house
• They tremble or drool for no reason
• They hide behind our legs, under the bed or behind the sofa
• They're unable to stay still, and their heart rate speeds up

Every dog is different, and may show one or several of the symptoms described. Even though at first their fear level may seem small, it will keep growing until it reaches a state of panic.

Christmas fireworks, rockets during local festivals, or fireworks at any celebration will turn into a genuine nightmare for them. That's why it matters so much to train and prepare them properly around fireworks.

Tips for Calming a Scared Dog

Calming our dog down when they're scared because of the noise firecrackers or rockets cause is very simple, but we need to devote a bit of time and patience to it. Some dogs manage to calm down and even overcome their fear within a short time, while others need a few weeks.

The first thing we need to do is tire our dog out so they release their energy; to do this, we need to take a long walk and play with them, an hour before the noise from the fireworks starts.

Once we're home with them, we'll put music or the TV on so they get used to hearing noise — a noise that doesn't scare them, since the idea is to keep them distracted and relaxed.

It's hugely important to stay with them once the fireworks start, since that will convey calm to them. If they get scared, we shouldn't stroke them or pick them up in our arms, since we'll be feeding their fear.

The trick is to keep them distracted, whether by giving them food while the fireworks go off or playing fetch with them or a chew toy inside the house. This way their mind will stay focused on something else, considerably reducing their nervousness.

We should keep the windows closed so the noise from the rockets and firecrackers is as quiet as possible. We'll act entirely normally, as if nothing at all were happening — we'll simply distract our dog so they don't focus on their fear.

We can even run around the house so they chase us, always laughing and cheerful so they feel good. By following this advice, our dog will gradually learn that the very loud noises they're hearing won't actually harm them.

What We Should Never Do With a Scared Dog

There's a series of steps some people take thinking they're helping their dogs this way, but that actually harm them even more. These are the things we should never do with our dog when their fear of the noise caused by fireworks starts:

• Don't stroke your dog if they're scared, because they'll think being scared is fine since that's what you're rewarding them for.
• Don't talk to your dog to calm them with phrases such as "it's okay" or "nothing's wrong", since they'll pick up that something's not right and get even more scared.
• Don't pick them up in your arms, because even though you think you're protecting them, you're actually feeding their fear of the unknown (the noise from the firecrackers and rockets).
• Never leave them alone at home if they're afraid of fireworks — they could go into a panic.
• Don't take them out on the street when there are fireworks going off, since the noise will be more intense and they could even have an attack.

And although it's not common, some dogs get so nervous and scared that they can even become aggressive. So it's not advisable for them to be around other animals or children.

Medication for Fearful Dogs — Is It Necessary?

Medication should always be our last resort, and only used when the vet considers it appropriate. Remember a drugged/sedated dog can still hear the noise from fireworks and suffer an attack.

This is because they'll go into a panic but will barely be able to move because of the medication, something that could even cause them a seizure: How to resuscitate a dog who's had a seizure.

That's why if your vet offers you medication to prevent fear, it needs to be done in a way that leaves your dog entirely asleep. Not dazed but conscious, because in those cases, they have an even worse time.

Even so, medication is always the last resort, and few vets prescribe it for these reasons.

Is the Tellington TTouch Method for Calming Dogs Reliable?

This method involves gently tying a band around the dog's body in a figure-of-eight shape. This way, the band applies minimal pressure that's supposedly meant to calm the dog.

It's a technique created by Linda Tellington-Jones, who was an animal therapist and naturopath. Even so, it's not a technique we share, since its beneficial effects have never been fully proven.

Some dogs may even feel uncomfortable being tied up, which can further increase their stress, anxiety and fear levels. So, obviously, we don't recommend it.