Imagine if every sound you heard was 30% more acute—that’s what it’s like for a dog when fireworks start going off.
Because of the festive nature of fireworks, many dogs don’t get exposure to them during their critical learning windows as puppies.
By the time fireworks start going off on the 4th of July or New Year’s Day, dogs may have never experienced anything like the sudden sound and vibrations of the explosions.
However, there are ways to ensure your dog doesn’t feel like the sky is falling this Fourth of July. From desensitizing them to the sounds early in their life to providing a quiet, secluded space with white noise, you can help them stay calm.
Tips—Plan Ahead
“Train long before the fireworks are due, and… counter-condition and desensitize by creating a positive association and a gradual exposure to fireworks,” said Ali Smith, a professional dog trainer, to National Geographic.
This can sometimes be done even if your dog is already grown by associating the loud explosions with something positive like a treat. YouTube videos of fireworks, with the volume gradually increased, can help them become accustomed to the noise profile of fireworks.
Another tip given to Nat Geo was to make sure they get plenty of exercise during the daytime hours. Play and exercise can help a dog remain calmer for longer, making it an effective method for reducing stress during fireworks. One study found that exercise was the most effective method of stress reduction in dogs during fireworks displays.
Lastly, consider creating a safe space for your dog with drawn curtains, dimmed lights, their favorite toys, and plenty of treats. This way, if they decide to run and hide, they have a secure and comforting place to go.
Products
“Humans can detect sounds at 20,000 times per second, while dogs can sense frequencies of 30,000 times per second,” says Dr. Ruth MacPete, veterinarian and author of the award-winning children’s book Lisette the Vet.
This very real distress for dogs has inspired a number of products to help them cope with fireworks displays.
Some involve pressure and weight, as dogs feel they’re being cuddled even when you’re not there to do it. These include the ThunderShirt and weighted dog blankets.
The ThunderShirt is a wrap that applies gentle pressure around your dog’s torso, similar to swaddling an infant. Some users on Amazon report it being effective, but others recommend conditioning dogs to associate the ThunderShirt with something positive before using it in advance of fireworks.
A weighted dog blanket works in the same way and is preferable if your dog likes to hide under things.
For sound reduction, you can use a pair of dog earmuffs or a white noise machine.
Several white noise machines are designed for infants, dogs, and adults with sleeping difficulties, making them a decent investment if you have multiple needs in your household.
With over 3,500 ratings totaling an average of 4.7 stars, the YogaSleep Dohm White Noise Machine has been reported by users to be effective at calming their dogs. This machine is also perfect for adding to your dog’s safe space.
Earmuffs typically come in two forms—hard cups or a compression sleeve. The compression sleeves seem to get better reviews on Amazon.
“My dog is a rescue and living in NY has him stressed. He is constantly scared of loud noises all day every day,” said the reviewer of the Nanaki Dog Hoodie. “Last week he was hiding after fireworks and I knew I needed to find something, [and] I do believe we found our solution. Eureka! The price is easy on the wallet, it’s adjustable and it’s washable. He seems comfortable and doesn’t mind it at all.”