Published: June 30, 2021  

Last updated: October 17, 2024  

Author: Debi McKee

The dreaded time of year is upon us. Fireworks going off all day/week/month long for what feels like an eternity. Your poor dog is afraid of fireworks, running, hiding, and shaking uncontrollably when they hear and feel the loud boom of fireworks.

Dog fireworks anxiety is so heartbreaking as dog moms and dads, we just want to make it all go away. Unfortunately, we can’t stop the fireworks. So we are left wondering how to help our dogs through this season, so let’s dive in…

Fireworks survival guide for dog owners.

Preparing your dog well before the fireworks start will help give you the best results. Follow these tips several weeks before the season.

1. Create a safe space

Create a designated quiet, comfortable area for your dog. The area should be in a part of the house where your dog feels most comfortable… maybe the bathroom, a closet or a small bedroom. Usually, a space without windows works best.

Have a comfortable dog bed or a special blanket in this area. For dogs that like their crate, set up the crate with a blanket or cover over it to create a quiet den-like experience.

2. Desensitization and counter-conditioning

Desensitization and counter-conditioning take time, but it’s never too late to start. You will want to start slow, by using recordings of the sound at a low volume and work your way up louder and louder.

Some dogs get anxious by the rumble of the fireworks, so if you have a sound system on your TV, playing a video of fireworks at a loud volume could add vibration to the room.

It’s important to remember to take this step slowly, this can take several months to help your dog overcome their anxiety about the sound and vibration of fireworks. It may be too late this season but start now for next year’s fireworks season.

3. Get plenty of exercise

To prepare for the fireworks, plan walks and play sessions earlier in the day to tire your dog before the fireworks begin. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise not just on fireworks day, but for the entire week leading up to it.

Play games such as fetch, tug-of-war, puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, or nose work. These activities will help fulfill both physical and mental exercise needs.

Regular exercise reduces anxiety, as a tired dog is generally calmer. Physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood elevators that help keep your dog in a positive state of mind.

4. Collar and ID tags

Make sure your dog has their collar and ID tags on. If your dog does get loose, you want to be sure they can find their way back home. This is an excellent time to get a dog tracker with GPS option!

📖 Read: Dog Microchips: Everything you need to know

Super Dog Confidence Toolkit on a computer, laptop, tablet, phone, worksheets, and download button.

Fireworks don’t usually occur for just one night. Neighbors may be exploding fireworks all week or maybe all month long. It’s frustrating for us as dog parents. But how you handle the situation will have a direct impact on how your dog deals with them.

1. Provide comfort, stay calm and positive

Dogs mirror our energy. If you are anxious about the fireworks, so will your dog. It’s important to stay calm and support your dog through this season.

Try meditating with your dog. Use an app on your phone, I use Insight Timer, and spend 20 minutes calming your mind with your dog laying next to you. You may be surprised to see how your dog relaxes as you relax.

Sit with your dog and give them a relaxing massage session. There are many modalities to choose from, but keep it simple and go with what your dog enjoys.

2. Keep your dog inside the house

The best thing to do is to keep your dog inside the house when fireworks are being set off. Many dogs get confused and scared when they hear the loud noises of fireworks, they try to get away and end up lost. Animal shelters see a huge increase in runaway dogs the day after firework displays.

Take your dog outside during the day when fireworks are less likely, go for a long walk, go to the dog park, whatever it takes to run burn off energy. 

If you must take your dog outside today, keep them on a harness or a martingale collar they cannot slip out of. When our dog Ginger gets scared, she can slip out of her flat collar in a heartbeat… no matter how tight it is.

Never leave your dog outside in the backyard unattended. They could dig under or jump the fence to try and get away from the loud fireworks.

📖 Read: My Dog Ran Away! What Should I Do?

3. Play games inside with your dog

Just because you stay inside today doesn’t mean you can’t have fun together. There are many ways to keep your dog entertained inside the house. Puzzles, hide and seek, treat games, basic training skills and so much more.

📖 Read: Indoor games and training fun

4. Keep your windows and doors closed

Closing the windows not only reduces the noise but to ensure your dog can not escape. I’ve heard several stories of dogs jumping out windows, even with the screens in place.

Close the blinds or curtains and keep your lights on inside at night so any bright light explosions aren’t as visible to your dog.

5. Leave the TV on or play music

Drown out the loud noises from outside with calming music inside. Use ambient sounds that your dog is already accustomed to. I have a playlist on Spotify for my dogs.

6. Give your dog a special treat

Treat your pup with a frozen kong or a new chew bone to keep them occupied. This also helps desensitize your dog, using positive reinforcement during a time when they are feeling afraid.

7. Compression vest

The ThunderShirt for dogs was created to help dogs feel more comfortable. I’ve heard stories both of success and failure.

Our first foster dog, Silla, was extremely afraid of thunder and fireworks! She would shake and pace from room to room. I would have to sit next to her, holding her until the storm passed. Her adopters used a ThunderShirt with some success. But every dog is different, so you will have to try different options with your dog to see what they respond to best.

8. Calming products

I prefer natural remedies over prescriptions whenever possible, but depending on your dog’s level of anxiety, you may want to talk to your vet.

Here are the natural anxiety options I recommend trying:

9. Be aware of your dog’s body language

Every dog will react to fireworks differently. Watch your dog’s body language for any signs of stress. Even if they seem fine, they may be expressing anxiety in other forms you aren’t aware of.

📖 Read: How to speak to dogs – Dog Body Language

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1. Clean up debris

The day after any firework displays, check your yard for any debris. Residue can end up in your yard from surrounding areas. The last thing you want is for your dog to ingest something dangerous!

2. Overcoming traumatization after fireworks

Remember that dogs pick up on our anxiety, so it’s important for you to stay calm and comfort your dog. Before, during and after the fireworks.

It may take a few hours or maybe even days for your dog to overcome the ordeal of fireworks. So be patient, and give them the time and space they need. Continue using the tips above to help calm your dog’s nerves.

If your dog’s anxiety continues, consult your vet for further advice.

3. Continue desensitization and counter-conditioning

Because desensitization and counter-conditioning are not quick fixes, continue to work on training skills to help your dog become more confident throughout their lifetime.

Consider getting our Super Dog ConfidenceToolkit, and give your dog the gift of confidence!

Super Dog Confidence Toolkit on a computer, laptop, tablet, phone, worksheets, and download button.

If you have any additional tips that work for you and your dog, please comment below and share so others can help their dogs that have fireworks anxiety.

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About the Author

Debi McKee

Debi McKee is the expert behind Rescue Dogs 101 where she guides you in your journey of adopting and raising a rescue dog every step of the way. She is a mom of 3 human kids and 4 dogs and volunteers for a local dog rescue and Humane Society. Click here for more about Debi and her passion for helping you and your dog.

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