Why Are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?
Fireworks are fascinating to watch especially during special events such as ushering in a new year. The scenic view created formed by fireworks is just breathtaking and it becomes a source of stunning entertainment to those viewing it. The bad thing about fireworks is that most dogs are afraid of them. Fireworks might be fun for human beings, but they can wreak havoc in homes with dogs and other pets. If your dog is already desensitized, he is going to have no problem with the sight and sound of fireworks. On the other hand, if you have a dog who isn’t desensitized, he is going to be afraid of them. Knowing what causes fireworks fear in dogs is good and knowing how to keep your pooch calm during fireworks is even better.
Dog’s experiences with fireworks are different from other loud noises such as thunderstorms or gunshots. This is because fireworks are much closer to the ground, more vibrant and are accompanied by flashes and burning smells. Besides, dogs are particularly prone to having panic attacks and anxieties caused by loud noises and fireworks can become overwhelming for them.
So, What’s the Root Cause of Fireworks Fear in Dogs?
Dogs are different but when it comes to fireworks fear in dogs, over 40% of the canines across the globe suffer from fireworks anxiety. Since dogs are naturally afraid of loud noises, the noise and unpredictability of fireworks scare them away. Dogs have a similar physiological response to anxiety to human beings. Different dogs will respond differently to the loud sound caused by fireworks. Some will run away as they look for a place to hide while others will start to bark. We have expounded on what causes a dog to afraid of fireworks.
So, let’s take a look.
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Fireworks are Scary
To humans, fireworks are fascinating to watch. This is however not the case with many dogs. Dogs cannot express their fear in words and so they communicate with body language which is at times difficult for their owners to interpret. With dogs having a superior hearing ability compared to that of humans, fireworks noise becomes too loud for them. When fireworks are lit, your dog will experience a similar kind of startled response to the one you do when you are surprised by a sudden loud sound. This means that they can increase their heart rate, a rush in the adrenaline as well as an increase in stress hormones that circulate through their body.
Some of the most common signs of fireworks fear in dogs include trembling, hiding under the table, chair, or bed, involuntary urination, trembling, pacing, lowered eyes and tail, wide eyes, panting and drooling, and destructive behavior which also includes self-harm. Moreover, the common triggers of these symptoms vary from one dog breed to the other and may change in individual dogs as time passes by and they outgrow the anxiety.
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Fireworks are Loud and Intimidating to Dogs
Another cause of fireworks fear in dogs is the loudness accompanying the fireworks. With dogs being sensitive to very loud noise, the loud and unexpected sounds of fireworks cause them stress and anxiety. Your dog’s acute hearing makes him more sensitive to the sounds of fireworks than human beings do. For your dog, fireworks aren’t the same as thunderstorms. What thunderstorms do is that they come with many warning signs such as changes in barometric pressure and high winds, so your dog anticipates them. On the other hand, fireworks are sudden and they also occur less often compared with thunderstorms. This makes dogs get intimidated by them.
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They Pose as A Threat
The loud noises plus the unpredictability of fireworks make many dogs perceive them as threats. Just like humans, when dogs perceive anything to be a threat, they trigger their flight or fight response. Your dog may turn back and run away or he may decide to start barking. He may also show other signs of fear such as restlessness and panting. Moreover, fireworks also produce an odor that many dogs are sensitive to.
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Fireworks Make Dogs Feel Trapped
The other justification for fireworks fear in dogs is the feeling of being entrapped. Fireworks are often lit on special days such as Independence Day or New Year. If the loud sound of fireworks triggers your dog’s flight response, he will try to run away from the threat but he might have nowhere to go. This makes him feel trapped because he can still hear the loud booms even when inside the house.
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How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm During Fireworks
As you have seen, if your dog isn’t desensitized, he has solid reasons to fear fireworks. Fortunately, your dog doesn’t have to live all his life fearing fireworks. There are several things that you can do to help your dog feel safe and secure when fireworks are lit. They are:
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Stay Calm
The best thing you can do to keep your dog feeling calm and safe when fireworks are lit is to remain calm around him. Just like dogs, some owners are also afraid of the loud sound of fireworks. Making a big fuss around the dog only shows him that there is a good reason to panic. Dogs look upon their owners for reassurance. Dog owners should therefore show their dogs that they are calm and relaxed. If the owner is calm and relaxed, every dog will understand that the fireworks don’t pose any threat to him.
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Acclimation
One of the best ways to prepare your dog for fireworks is by making sure that he is snug with the loud sound in advance. While such a process always takes time, it is always fruitful in the long run. The process can take up to 4 months of playing recorded sounds of fireworks to your dog. You start by playing the sounds at a low volume then gradually increase it as your dog starts to adapt to them. You can decide to play him those sounds before he eats before you both take a walk outside and before affection and play. This will condition him by the association to hear the fireworks loud sounds and interpret them as something good.
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Get Him Distracted
The other thing to do when you know that holidays, where fireworks are lit, are approaching is to get your dog and distracted. You will only have to do this if your dog is always afraid of fireworks. Turn on the TV for him to watch or turn on calming music which is known to calm fireworks loud noise. If the dog is feeling playful, grab some toys and play around with him. You can also reward him with his favorite treats too. Just do anything as long as distracts him and creates a positive association with the loud sound of fireworks.
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Preparation
Arrange to have your dog stay in a place where there won’t be loud fireworks noise and display. You can decide to take him to your friend or relative’s home as long as he will stay safe and snug. You can also opt to take him to doggie daycare and later on pick him up when the fireworks display is over. Take him over there a few times before the holidays begin so that he familiarizes himself with it and not get surprised when you take him there on the big day.
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Provide Him with the Right Accommodation
After finding out that your dog is scared of fireworks displays, provide him with a safe indoor space to go to when he feels scared. If your dog is crate trained, you should train him to go to his crate days before the holidays begin. That way, he will be able to feel calm and safe. You can also introduce toys to him to keep him occupied. To help absorb the loud sounds of fireworks, cover the crate with a blanket but leave the door side uncovered to prevent him from feeling trapped. If you don’t have a crate for your dog, bathrooms are a favorite retreat for dogs suffering from static shocks, but other good options for safe places include basements if you have one and closets.
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Other Treatment Options
Another popular suggestion for relieving dogs’ anxiety to fireworks is the use of specialized dog vests, jackets, and capes which are readily available from different commercial stores. The idea behind the clothes is that swaddling the dog with something that’s tightly fitted around his body will give him a sense of security. Like any other form of behavior modification, you must have your dog wear the vest before the big day arrives.
The other treatment option available is the use of medication. Giving your dog sedatives will only make him sleep before the fireworks begin, however you will not be able to address the underlying problem of anxiety. While antidepressants do a great job in relieving fireworks anxiety in dogs it is important that you first determine your dog’s anxiety level because dogs with anxiety levels of 8 to 9 will have their mental state overrule the medication.
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Conclusion
All dogs are different and not all dogs are afraid of fireworks. Since dogs always take cues from their owners, a dog who wasn’t afraid of fireworks might eventually begin to develop fireworks anxiety if you make a big fuss around fireworks displays. Show your dog that you are calm and relaxed and most likely he will understand that there is no real danger in fireworks displays.
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