Natural Ways To Help Keep Your Dog Calm During Firework Season
For many dogs, firework season can be a frightening and stressful experience. Whether it’s Bonfire Night on 5th November in the UK or indeed the weeks running up to it, Independence Day on 4th July in the USA, or New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world, the sudden bangs, whistles and flashes can leave our beloved canine companions feeling unsettled or even terrified.
How can you tell if your dog is feeling anxious?
Dogs communicate their emotions through their body language and behaviour. Signs of firework-related fear can include:
* Trembling or shaking
* Tucking their tail between their legs
* Frequent yawning
* Panting
* Licking their lips
* Hiding beneath furniture or in other enclosed spaces
* Whining or barking
* Growling
* Restlessness and pacing
* Holding their ears back
Watching a beloved pet become frightened can be heartbreaking, especially when you just want to help them feel safe and secure.
Thankfully, there are several approaches you can explore to help your dog feel more settled. From preparing in advance and creating a safe environment to exploring natural calming products, even small changes can sometimes make a real difference.
Many of these suggestions may also be helpful during thunderstorms, although these can be a little more difficult to anticipate.
1. Preparation Is Key: Start Before Firework Season
One of the most helpful things you can do is start preparing your dog well before the fireworks begin. Giving them time to become familiar with different sounds and experiences can help you feel more prepared, too.
Gradual desensitisation and counterconditioning
These training techniques aim to change your dog’s emotional response to a noise they currently associate with fear.
Rather than automatically reacting to the sound of fireworks with anxiety, the aim is to help your dog gradually learn that hearing those noises can be associated with something positive.
This process takes patience and consistency, so it’s best to start well before firework night rather than leaving it until the last minute.
A common approach is to play a recording of fireworks at a very low volume while offering your dog something they particularly enjoy, such as a favourite treat or their meal. The volume can then be increased gradually over time, provided your dog remains relaxed and comfortable.
If your dog shows signs of distress, reduce the volume or stop the session rather than pushing them to tolerate it.
Dogs Trust provides a useful soundtrack that can help you get started.
Consider a natural herbal supplement
You may also wish to explore Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian. This herbal combination is traditionally used to support relaxation in dogs and cats.
It may be worth discussing with your veterinary professional as part of your wider preparation plan, particularly if your dog takes medication or has an existing health condition.
Find out more here:
For further information about counterconditioning, Dr Conor Brady explains the principles in this article:
2. What You Can Do During the Day
If you know fireworks are likely that evening, there are several practical steps you can take before darkness falls to help your dog feel more comfortable.
Enjoy an early walk. If your dog is comfortable going out, aim to walk them while it is still light and before the fireworks begin. Allow plenty of time for exercise and sniffing, which can help them settle later. Avoid overexerting older dogs or those with health problems.
Check your home and garden. Make sure gates, doors and fencing are secure. Frightened dogs can react unexpectedly and may try to escape, even if they would not normally do so. It’s also worth checking that your dog’s microchip details are up to date, just in case they manage to get out.
Offer dinner before the noise begins. Feeding your dog a little earlier can help avoid the need to take them outside once the fireworks are underway.
Consider chamomile.
Chamomile has traditionally been used for its calming properties. You could offer a little cooled chamomile tea alongside your dog’s food or as a drink, provided it is a suitable preparation and your dog is happy to take it.
Further reading on German chamomile:
3. Helping Your Dog Feel Safe at Night
When the fireworks begin, your priority is to help your dog feel safe, secure and supported.
If possible, stay at home with them during the evening and keep them indoors once it gets dark.
Here are a few simple ways to make things a little more comfortable:
* Close the curtains to reduce the flashes of light from outside.
* Switch on the television or radio at a comfortable volume to provide familiar background noise.
* Create a cosy retreat using your dog’s favourite bed, blankets or a familiar resting place.
* Offer an enjoyable distraction, such as a suitable long-lasting chew, a stuffed Kong or another enrichment activity, if your dog feels comfortable eating and engaging with it.
* Stay calm and predictable. Continue with your normal routine and speak reassuringly if your dog seeks comfort. If you become stressed or angry about the fireworks, this may make your dog feel even more unsettled.
Remember, there is no need to ignore a frightened dog. Comforting them when they approach you will not reinforce the emotion of fear. Equally, if they prefer to retreat somewhere quiet, allow them the space to do so.
Natural calming products to consider
There are several calming products available that you may wish to explore for occasions when your dog needs a little extra support.
* Vince the Vet Fireworks Remedy
* Dorwest Valerian Compound
* Bach Rescue Remedy
* My Pet Nutritionist Calm Complex
* Ainsworths Pet Friend Spray
Check the ingredients and suitability for your individual dog before use.
4. ThunderShirts, Ear Covers and Half Wraps
Some dogs respond well to gentle pressure around the body, which is the principle behind products such as ThunderShirts.
Garments of this type are designed to provide an even, snug sensation around the torso, and some dogs appear more settled when wearing them.
They should fit comfortably, allow unrestricted movement and breathing, and never cause overheating. It’s a good idea to introduce them before firework night so your dog has time to get used to wearing one without the added stress of fireworks.
Similar snug-fitting dog clothing, such as a comfortable dog robe or their favourite jumper, may also be an option for dogs who enjoy wearing them.
Pet hoods and ear covers
Some dogs may benefit from a purpose-designed pet hood or ear covering that gently reduces the sensation of sound around their ears.
These products are not suitable for every dog, and they should never be tight or interfere with breathing, balance or normal movement. Introduce them gradually and remove them if your dog becomes uncomfortable.
A news article also describes a homemade sock-based approach:
Use caution with homemade ear coverings, as they may slip, restrict airflow or cause distress. A properly designed pet product is generally preferable.
The half wrap (see diagram below)
A half wrap uses a length of suitable fabric or bandage arranged around the dog’s body to provide gentle contact. Some owners find this helpful for dogs who enjoy being wrapped.
A soft scarf or appropriate fabric may be used for a supervised wrap, but it must never restrict the chest, neck or breathing. Avoid tight bandaging, and remove the wrap if your dog shows any signs of discomfort.
5. TTouch Massage
Another technique worth exploring is TTouch, an approach that uses specific gentle touches and bodywork techniques.
It is intended to encourage relaxation and body awareness and may help some dogs become more comfortable during stressful situations.
The Clouded Leopard is one of the TTouch techniques you could investigate for this purpose. It’s best to learn the method properly and use only gentle contact that your dog enjoys.
Always pay attention to your dog’s response. If they move away, tense up or appear uncomfortable, stop rather than insisting on the massage. The aim is to help them feel comfortable and supported.
Learn more about TTouch here:
6. Exploring Homeopathic Remedies
You may also wish to explore homeopathic products as part of your approach to managing firework anxiety.
HomeoPet produces a product specifically marketed for fireworks.
You can find it here:
This remedy may also be of interest:
Every Dog Is Different
There is no single solution that will work for every dog, and that’s perfectly understandable. Every dog is an individual, so you may need to explore several approaches to discover what helps your own dog feel most comfortable.
The most important thing is to pay attention to your dog’s individual needs and never force them to participate in something that makes them more frightened.
If your dog chooses to hide in a safe place, allow them to do so. If they come to you for reassurance, offer comfort and gentle support. Give them the freedom to move away from anything they find unsettling, and let them know you are there for them.
For dogs with severe firework phobia, these measures may not be enough on their own. Speak to your vet well in advance, as behavioural support and prescription medication may be appropriate. There is no need for a dog to endure extreme fear when additional help is available.
With a little preparation, patience and understanding, you can help make firework season a more manageable experience for your beloved companion. ❤️
Recommended Further Reading
1. Help! My Dog Is Scared of Fireworks by Toni Shelbourne and Karen Bush
Find out more about the book here:
2. Six Natural Solutions for Dog Anxiety
3. Dogs and Fireworks: Nine Tips to Help Calm Them Down
4. Dogs Trust: Behaviour and Health Advice
