Understanding Fireworks and Your Dogs Anxieties
This time of the year is exciting for many who enjoy dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky but for dogs, it’s a different story.
Fireworks can trigger dog anxiety, causing intense stress and fear for our beloved four-legged friends.
If fireworks cause your dog to be anxious, then it’s important to understand the trigger and ways to help them feel safe and calm.
Why Do Fireworks Cause Dog Anxiety?
There are two primary reasons why fireworks frighten dogs:
Sensitive Hearing
Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans. Their ears are designed to detect even the quietest sounds, which means loud fireworks feel twice as intense to them. This can be both overwhelming and harmful to their hearing.Lack of Understanding
Unlike humans, who know fireworks are harmless, dogs don’t understand what’s happening. To them, the loud bangs and flashes of light are unfamiliar and threatening. They may interpret these as signs of danger, wondering, “What are these scary noises?” and “Will they hurt me?”
The Psychological Impact of Fireworks on Dogs
Noise anxiety is a real and distressing condition for many dogs. It’s the fear of loud or unexpected sounds in their environment, and fireworks are one of the most common triggers.
Additionally, dogs can experience panic attacks just like humans. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as trembling, pacing, or hyperventilation.
These reactions make it crucial to take proactive steps to manage dog anxiety during fireworks displays and keep your pet safe during New Year’s celebrations.
By understanding the causes and effects of dog anxiety and fireworks, you can better prepare to support your furry friend during this time of the year.
Tips to keep your dog safe and calm
Carly from Superwoofers is a puppy and dog trainer in Hobart. She has some great tips on how to keep dogs safe and feel calm during fireworks, some of which we have included below:
- Keep your dogs indoors. In their panic, many dogs who are left outside will instinctively want to run from the scary noises and may escape the backyard. If you can, stay inside with your dog when you know that there will be fireworks. Draw the curtains, and put on the TV or play some music to drown out the noise.
- Talk to your vet about CBD oil. When sourced and administered under the guidance of a veterinarian, CBD oil can help manage the anxiety and panic attacks that pets can feel as a result of fireworks. CBD works by interacting with your dog’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating your pet’s mood – making it a natural adjunct therapy to help with stress and anxiety.
- Create a safe space. Making a den isn’t just for kids – our dogs can really love them too. Creating a secure, enclosed space will make your pup feel more safe. This could be a quiet room in the house with the curtains closed, a hidden nook, or a pet carrier – somewhere familiar that they associate with comfort and safety. Deck out the den with their favourite toys and bed, and add an extra layer of bedding so they can easily hide away when they’re feeling frightened.
- Do walkies in daylight. Exercise your dog earlier in the day to avoid being outside when fireworks are set off. A walk also has the benefit of helping your dog feel more relaxed and in the mood for sleep. After the walk, providing enrichment like treat scatters and games can keep their minds occupied and distracted.
- Comfort your dog. It’s a myth that comforting your dog during times of stress will reward the behaviour and make them more fearful. In fact, the opposite is true. The feeling of security is mutually exclusive to feeling fearful. If your dog is seeking comfort, please provide it.
- Make a plan if you go out. If you won’t be at home, plan ahead and consider asking a friend or family member to come over and spend time with your dog. That way, it won’t feel like a big change of routine for your pet. Especially if they’re used to you being around all the time.
- Ensure their microchip and ID collar are up to date. This is a ‘just in case’ – but it’s absolutely paramount. Many dogs go missing on New Year’s Eve, so make sure this information is correct so that your dog can be easily traced and brought back home to you.
With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, now is the time to plan and take steps to protect your dog so they can feel safe and calm.
If you’re looking for a plant-based therapy that can help manage your dog’s fear, anxiety and panic during fireworks, talk to your vet about CBD oil.
CBD Vets Australia support vets to legally prescribe CBD for animals. Vets can register to prescribe here or reach out to us here if you have any questions or are looking for a local prescribing vet.
