Many dogs find fireworks scary and dog owners deal with anxious dogs during fireworks. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help your dog. Here are a few tips to prevent your dog from freaking out during fireworks.
Before the firework season starts
Planning ahead can help dogs cope with the fireworks season. Before the fireworks season starts, make sure your dog has a safe place to stay. This 'safe place' in your home should be a quiet room, where you do not give your dog attention if they are in that room. Make sure your dog associates this room with positive experiences, such as (chew) toys and a safe place to sleep. After a while, your dog will learn that this is a safe place to stay. When there is firework, they might go to this room to feel safe.
Make sure your dog is microchipped and the address is up to date. It’s critical to ensure people can identify your dog and contact you if they run off in fear. But first of all, it is important to prevent your dog from going missing.
On the day(s) fireworks start
Walk your dog as much as possible on moments there will be no fireworks. Do not let your dog walk off the leash on these days to avoid the risk of your dog escaping out of fear. Walk with a harness to avoid the risk of your dog slipping out of a collar. If your dog is outside most of the time, keep them inside on this day.
During fireworks a lot of dogs get lost. Fireworks create loud and unfamiliar noises that the dog does not understand, and they can perceive them as signs of danger. This can make them run away and eventually get lost. For this reason, it is important to walk your dog on the leash and preferably with a harness instead of a collar to make sure your dog is not able to slip out his or her walk-gear.
A safe place at home
Provide favorite (chew) toys, (chewing is stress relieving for a dog) a blanket and a cushion in your dog's safe area.
Close windows and curtains for less sound. You can make the room dark to make sure your dog doesn't see the flashes of the fireworks. Mask the noise with television or music if this is something your dog is used to hear. You can try to distract your dog by playing with his or her favorite toy, but don't force your dog to play. A really nice treat (peanut butter, anyone?) may make them feel less anxious and help establish a positive association with this happening and keep them busy, but also with treats it is best to not force anything.
My dog is not scared of fireworks
Not all dogs are scared of fireworks. If your dog is not scared, it's best to make not a big deal of this day or event. We do recommend to always keep your dog inside, even if you think your dog is not scared of fireworks.
