Firework Season: How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm
Firework season can be a stressful time for our furry friends. While we may enjoy the dazzling displays, the loud bangs and flashes can be terrifying for dogs, who don't understand what’s happening. At Barkshire Braids, we know how much your dog’s well-being means to you, so we’ve put together some tips to help make firework season a little less scary for your canine companion.
1. Create a Safe Space
Dogs naturally seek out comfort in times of stress, so creating a cosy, secure area in your home can make all the difference. Set up a quiet corner, preferably in a room where the fireworks are less audible, and fill it with their favourite blanket, toys, and maybe a piece of your clothing. Familiar scents and textures can help calm them down. You can even play soothing music to drown out some of the noise.
Pro Tip: Cover their crate or hideaway space with a blanket to make it feel more enclosed and secure, but make sure there’s enough ventilation.
2. Stick to a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and sticking to their regular schedule during firework season can help reduce anxiety. Try to walk them and feed them at the same time as usual, and plan their walks earlier in the day before the fireworks begin. Keeping things as normal as possible reassures them that everything is under control.
Pro Tip: Tired dogs are less likely to get anxious, so a longer or more engaging walk earlier in the day can help wear them out before the evening’s festivities start.
3. Use Calming Aids
If your dog tends to be particularly anxious, there are a variety of calming aids that can help. Anti-anxiety vests, like the ThunderShirt, apply gentle pressure to your dog’s body, which can have a soothing effect. You can also try calming sprays, diffusers, or chews that contain natural ingredients like lavender, chamomile, or valerian root.
Pro Tip: Start using these aids a few days before the fireworks begin to help your dog get used to them and maximize their calming effect.
4. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Dogs are incredibly in tune with our emotions, so if you stay calm, they’re more likely to feel that everything is okay. Speak in a soothing voice and avoid making a big deal out of the fireworks. Giving too much attention to your dog’s anxiety can sometimes reinforce their fears. Instead, act normally, offering them gentle reassurance without over-coddling.
Pro Tip: If they come to you for comfort, that’s okay, but try not to overreact. Calm petting or simply sitting nearby can provide reassurance.
5. Distract Them with Activities
Keeping your dog distracted can help take their mind off the noise. Offer them a new toy or a long-lasting chew, like a stuffed Kong or a puzzle feeder, to keep them engaged. This can help redirect their attention away from the fireworks and give them something positive to focus on.
Pro Tip: If your dog enjoys games, you can play indoors to help burn off energy and keep their mind busy during the loudest periods.
6. Consider Sound Therapy
In the weeks leading up to the fireworks season, you can gradually desensitize your dog to the noise. There are recordings of fireworks and other loud sounds that you can play at a low volume while your dog is relaxed. Over time, slowly increase the volume to help them get used to the sounds in a controlled environment.
Pro Tip: Pair the sound therapy with treats and positive reinforcement to help your dog associate the noises with good things.
7. Keep Them Inside
On firework nights, it’s best to keep your dog indoors to prevent them from becoming scared and running off. Even dogs that are normally calm can panic when faced with sudden loud noises, and you don’t want to risk them bolting out of fear. Make sure all windows and doors are securely closed, double-check your dogs microchip information is up to date and consider keeping your dogs collar on until bed time.
Pro Tip: If possible, pull the curtains or blinds closed to block out the flashing lights, which can also be a source of stress.
8. Consult Your Veterinarian
For dogs with extreme anxiety, it might be worth consulting your vet. In some cases, they may recommend medications or specific behavioral therapy that can help your dog cope better during firework season.
Pro Tip: If medication is recommended, be sure to do a test run before the actual event to ensure your dog responds well to it.
Conclusion
Firework season doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your dog. With a little preparation and some thoughtful steps, you can help your dog feel safe and secure, no matter how loud the celebrations get. At Barkshire Braids, we care about the health and happiness of your four-legged friend, and we hope these tips help make this firework season a little less stressful for both you and your dog.
Just like us, dogs are all different and will have different needs during firework season, but we hope these tips will help!
Stay safe, stay calm, and remember: your dog relies on you to be their comfort during scary times!