Dogs: Firework Phobias

Medication

Medication may be useful in some cases but must only be given under veterinary supervision. Remember medication should ideally be given so they take effect BEFORE any noise starts or panic sets in. This is usually at least an hour ahead of the events. However, there can be some benefit in administering certain medications if you come home to find your dog in a state of distress or your dog has a fear inducing experience which you were unable to predict, for example someone setting off a firework in the middle of the day while you and your dog are out on a walk. Please contact us for further advice.

Synthetic PheromoneAnalogues

Plug in diffusers that release synthetic analogues of the natural calming chemicals that help to reassure dogs are now available commercially. These chemicals are naturally produced by dogs in certain situations and are known as pheromones. If you plug in a device in your dog’s favourite resting place in a dark room (see below) and leave it on the whole time, you may find that this helps your dog cope through the firework season. He may continue to react to the noise by stopping what he is doing when he hears a noise but should not panic. The diffusers need to be plugged in several days before the expected event and many dogs choose to lie close to them. These diffusers can be used in addition to medication if necessary, but neither are a substitute for a proper behaviour therapy programme to minimize the problem. Details of this are provided in another handout.

Punishment

Do not punish your dog when he is scared as it only serves to increase fear and anxiety. Additionally the change in your behaviour will only confirm that there is something to be afraid of and will make matters worse.

Reassurance

Equally don’t fuss, pet or try to reassure your dog when he appears scared since this can signal that the response is appropriate. It is best to either ignore any fearful behaviour that occurs or better still be positively jolly at these times, to signal that there is nothing to be worried about.

Feeding

Feeding your dog a good meal in the mid afternoon and giving a supply of carbohydrate (such as pasta) three hours later with added vitamin B6 may help by giving your dog a full stomach during the evening, This diet may also increase the body’s natural calming chemicals in the brain. 

If your dog is prone to diarrhoea when scared or at other times, or has other medical conditions necessitating a special diet, please consult your veterinarian for specific advice regarding this strategy for your dog.

Environment

Your dogs environment should be stable, safe and secure at all times. Even the most placid dog can behave unpredictably when frightened by noise and should he bolt and escape he could end up being injured or causing injury to others.

Can I do anything to reduce the impact of the noise and flashes from the fireworks?

When you know that fireworks are likely to occur such as on new years eve, your dog should have access to a dark room. Darkening the room may help remove some of the potentially additional problems of flashing lights, flares etc. that may become predictors of the noises of which your dog is scared. 

Provide plenty of familiar toys, but change these frequently so there is lots of new stimulation to interest your dog at this time. 

Try to arrange that you are with your dog so that he does not have the additional problem of being isolated at this time. Remember dogs are very social creatures. Try to resist the temptation to reassure your dog or use physical contact such as cuddling to make him feel better however, if your dog becomes calmer with close physical interaction then you should allow your dog to stay close to you.

"Try to resist the temptation to reassure your dog or use physical contact such as cuddling to make him feel better however, if your dog becomes calmer with close physical interaction then you should allow your dog to stay close to you."

Keep all the windows and doors closed so the sound is decreased as much as possible. 

Try to provide background sounds from the radio or television. It does not necessarily have to be loud as long as there is a constant distracting rhythm to the music that might prevent your dog from concentrating on the noises outside. 

Ignore these noises yourself and try to involve your pet in some form of active game (such as juggling your dog’s toys), that your dog can choose to join in, but only if he wants.

My friend down the street has a dog that is not scared of fireworks and gets on with mine. She has offered to lend me her dog for support. Shall I accept?

This could be a helpful strategy in some cases provided that the non-fearful dog is emotionally robust and is not going to be adversely affected by the fearful dog. Playing with the non-fearful dog when your own becomes scared may help to encourage your dog to join in and reduce your dog’s fear. However, every case should be judged on its own merits and bringing another dog into the situation is certainly not always a helpful strategy.

Are ear plugs available for dogs?

Ear plugs can be used and do work in some cases, but are not generally well tolerated by dogs. You can improvise ear plugs by rolling pieces of damp cotton wool. It is rolled into a long thin cylinder and twisted into the dog’s ears so as to pack the canals. The procedure is not easy since care has to be taken that the cylinder is not so thin that it goes too deep into the ear canal or so thick that it can’t be secured. You can use an old stocking or sock with the end cut off as a bonnet to help keep the ears down and the ear plugs in place, if your dog will accept it.

Is there anything else that I can do that is worthwhile?

Don’t just ignore the problem because it only happens a few times each year. You should instigate a desensitisation and counter conditioning programme so that you can help your dog changes his perception of fireworks and learns that they are not a real threat. A veterinary behaviourist will be able to help.