Key takeaways:
Many dogs have a “noise phobia,” an irrational fear of loud noises from fireworks or thunderstorms.
Some strategies to prepare your pup for fireworks are: creating a safe space, getting an anxiety vest, and giving your dog anxiety medication.
Symptoms of a noise phobia — or noise anxiety — include constant barking or whimpering, trying to hide or run away, and peeing or pooping in the house.
Most people love a fireworks display, but many of our furry friends don’t. The loud bangs and crackling sounds can trigger anxiety symptoms in dogs, like pacing, panting, and excessive drooling.
It’s hard to watch your pup go through this. But, fortunately, you can take steps to calm their anxiety and give them a sense of peace during a noisy night.
What can you do ahead of holiday fireworks to help calm your anxious dog?
The best way to deal with your dog’s noise anxiety is to work with them and their veterinarian ahead of a triggering event. Below are eight strategies you can try out before the next fireworks display in your area.
1. Create a safe space
Pick a quiet place in your home, like a windowless room, the basement, or a large closet. (A crate is also an option.) Fill the space with your dog’s favorite chew toys.
Once a day, have your dog spend time in this space and give them treats while they’re in there. Over time, they’ll associate being there with safety and security. This gives them a comforting place to go during fireworks.
2. Play sounds of fireworks
You can try to get your canine companion used to fireworks by playing a recording of them. “This is usually very effective at a very low volume, but you have to do it consistently,” Zachary Nesbit, DVM, a veterinarian with Godley Station Animal Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, told GoodRx Health.
Nesbit recommends doing this in your dog’s safe space. If it doesn’t bother them, try raising the volume a little at a time. But don’t be discouraged if your dog doesn’t get used to the sound.
“Some dogs are so sensitive to noise that even the low volume will set them off,” Nesbit said.
3. Try a pressure vest
Pressure vests are also called anxiety wraps, thundershirts, and anxiety jackets or vests. They apply gentle pressure to your dog’s torso.
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Studies have found that pressure vests may ease stress in dogs if they are used often and comfortably. Nesbit recommends putting a pressure vest on your dog as part of their daily safe-space time.
4. Take walks
Exercise is a great stress reliever. Try going for extra long walks leading up to and on the day of a fireworks display. For some dogs, the physical activity may tire them out enough to keep them relaxed through the noise. For others, it may only ease their stress a little.
5. ID your pet
An anxious dog may go into “flight mode” while fireworks are going on and try to run away. Make sure your dog’s tags have your current contact information and get them microchipped. Don’t forget to keep your contact information for your dog’s microchip up to date as well.
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6. Hire a trainer
Ask your veterinarian to recommend a reputable dog trainer. A trainer can work with your pup to modify their anxious behaviors and incentivize wanted behaviors.
7. Get anxiety medication
If you think your dog is going to need medication to help them stay calm during a fireworks display, talk to your veterinarian. You’ll want to get a prescription filled, so you have the medication on standby, just in case.
Anxiety medications veterinarians prescribe for dogs include:
8. Suggest alternatives to event organizers
Ask event organizers to consider a “silent fireworks” display. These fireworks aren’t completely silent, but they’re quieter than the more common, explosive ones. You could also ask organizers to replace a fireworks event with a laser show set to music.
What can you do during holiday fireworks to help calm your anxious dog?
Whether you’ve done the above prep work or not, you can take steps on the night of a fireworks event to calm your anxious pup:
Play soothing music. Studies show that classical music may calm a stressed-out pet.
Play white noise. You could also try turning on a fan, a white noise machine, or the TV to drown out the fireworks.
Play with your pet. Distract your dog by playing fetch, tug-of-war, or any other game they can enjoy indoors.
Remain calm. Comfort your pet and reassure them that everything is OK. You’re their ultimate source of comfort and keeping your cool will help them keep theirs.
What are signs of pet anxiety during fireworks?
You can usually tell when your dog is anxious. They become agitated, just like people. It’s their way of telling you they’ve got the jitters and they need you.
An anxious pup may display the following behaviors:
Barking more than usual
Displaying destructive behavior, like chewing the blinds
Hiding
Pacing
Appearing restless
Displaying repetitive or compulsive behaviors
Trying to escape or run away
Whining or whimpering
What medications can you give dogs for firework anxiety?
Depending on your dog’s typical anxiety level, you may want to give them medication before a fireworks display. The below prescription and over-the counter medications may give your canine some relief.
Anxiety medications
Trazodone and Xanax work well for dogs that are sensitive to noise. These medications can take 1 to 2 hours to start working, so make sure you give whichever one you use to your dog well before the fireworks start. Talk to your veterinarian to get a prescription.
Sileo gel
Sileo gel is an effective treatment for dogs who fear loud noises. You apply it to your dog’s gums, and it takes 30 minutes or less to start working. You can get a prescription from your veterinarian.
Antidepressants
Medications like amitriptyline and fluoxetine (Prozac) can help dogs who have anxiety in general. They’re given once or twice a day and can take up to a month to start working.
Antidepressants tend to be part of a larger behavioral treatment plan for dogs. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
Benadryl
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a popular antihistamine that is considered safe for most dogs.
It’s not an anxiety medication, but it can make your dog sleepy.
“That may be enough for some dogs, but a truly stressed-out dog can break through the sedation and still get wound up,” Nesbit said. Benadryl is better for things like car rides than it is for fireworks, he added.
Ask your veterinarian about the proper dose of Benadryl for your dog if you want to try it. Even though Benadryl is available over the counter, you want to be sure you have the correct dose to avoid poisoning your dog.
Can you give dogs CBD oil for noise anxiety?
Some dog owners and veterinarians swear by CBD oil for everything from joint pain to seizures. But Nesbit says there isn’t enough evidence to support giving your dog CBD oil for noise anxiety.
“We don’t truly know a therapeutic dose in dogs, and there is significant variability in the amount of active ingredient in many of the commercial products,” he said.
For that reason, Nesbit doesn’t recommend CBD oil as a treatment for noise anxiety in dogs. However, you can discuss CBD oil with your veterinarian to get their thoughts on it.
Frequently asked questions
Dogs can develop a fear of fireworks for several reasons, including:
A negative past experience around a loud noise
Limited socialization as a puppy
An illness
Changes in their brain as they age
A general predisposition to certain fears
Studies show that certain breeds, like the Norwegian buhund, lagotto Romagnolo, and wheaten terrier, are more prone to noise anxiety. Mixed-breed dogs are also more fearful of loud noises.
Covering your dog’s ears with doggie earmuffs can lower (but not completely cancel) firework noise. Make sure you introduce your dog to earmuffs in advance. They may need time to get used to them. And earmuffs won’t work for all dogs.
Dogs can develop a fear of fireworks for several reasons, including:
A negative past experience around a loud noise
Limited socialization as a puppy
An illness
Changes in their brain as they age
A general predisposition to certain fears
Studies show that certain breeds, like the Norwegian buhund, lagotto Romagnolo, and wheaten terrier, are more prone to noise anxiety. Mixed-breed dogs are also more fearful of loud noises.
Covering your dog’s ears with doggie earmuffs can lower (but not completely cancel) firework noise. Make sure you introduce your dog to earmuffs in advance. They may need time to get used to them. And earmuffs won’t work for all dogs.
The bottom line
Noise anxiety related to fireworks is a common issue for our furry friends. Their fear could stem from a bad experience or limited socialization as a puppy. But there are steps you can take to calm your dog before and during fireworks.
Start by giving your pet a safe space to hang out in every day. Fill it with toys, treats, and soothing music or soft firework sounds. They’ll begin to associate that space with safety and security. You can also take your dog for extra walks, try a pressure vest, and introduce them to earmuffs.
If your pup needs a little something extra to calm their nerves, talk to your veterinarian about medication. They may prescribe your dog an anxiety medication like trazodone or Xanax to have on hand.
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References
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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). CBD: What you need to know about its uses and efficacy.
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Fear of fireworks and thunderstorms.
Curtis, T. M. (2013). Noise and storm phobias and anxiety in dogs. Today’s Veterinary Practice.
Lindig, A. M., et al. (2020). Musical dogs: A review of the influence of auditory enrichment on canine health and behavior. Animals.
Salonen, M., et al. (2020). Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Scientific Reports.
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