Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?

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Bonfire Night can be a blast – literally – for kids (and adults who never aged out of blowing things up for fun) wrapped up warm with the bright colours of fireworks lighting up the night sky. But for our four-legged family members, the 5th of November brings a lot more stress than it does entertainment. If you’re a pet parent, you likely know how loud noises like fireworks can ruin your dog’s day. Maybe they curl up in a corner and shake or look for a safe spot in the house to hide. Fireworks aren’t just a source of anxiety for many dogs – they can also lead to burns and health issues if you’re not careful.

Kinship talked to Dr Gabrielle Fadl, Veterinarian and Director of Primary Care at Bond Vet in New York City about the dangers of fireworks to dogs and how to keep your pup safe this holiday. 

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Why are dogs scared of fireworks? 

The short answer: loud noises can be frightening to many dogs and cats. The booming blasts of fireworks are unpredictable and sudden and are likely louder than most noises your pet hears on a daily basis. If you have a dog who’s terrified of thunderstorms, they will likely feel the same way about fireworks. 

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“Similar to thunderstorms, fireworks causing loud, unpredictable noises can be interpreted as a threat to dogs, causing them to hide, show signs of anxiety (panting, trembling, pacing, whining) or run,” says Dr Fadl. 

With their bright lights and loud noises, fireworks can also create sensory overload in animals, resulting in a panicked fight-or-flight response. Although there is no real threat, your pet doesn’t know that and may experience an adrenaline rush that results in rising blood pressure and a faster heart rate. This sense of danger causes some pets to attempt to escape or even react with aggression towards other animals and humans in the home. 

How are fireworks dangerous to dogs?

Fireworks come with many risks for dogs, so it’s best to keep your pets safely inside during any Bonfire Night celebrations. In addition to a sense of fear and stress, dogs who are outside unattended during firework displays run the risk of becoming burned, injured, or even ingesting lit or used fireworks. 

Fear and anxiety

“If dogs are not properly restrained, dogs can get loose and run away in an attempt to find safety,” says Dr Fadl. “As a result, dogs can get lost or injured while attempting to climb or dig to escape these sounds.”  

Burns

Even if your dog isn’t stressed about the noise of fireworks, allowing them outside while you’re lighting sparklers or having a bonfire can be dangerous. Dogs may not realise the danger of lit fireworks and get too close, which can result in burns to the face or even the inside of the mouth if they attempt to ingest a lit firework. 

“The same precautions that you would take when using fireworks around young children should also be taken with your pets,” says Dr Fadl. “That means making sure fireworks are not being set off with pets nearby and able to get near hazardous sparks, flames or strong smoke or odours.” 

Health issues related to ingesting fireworks

Fireworks don’t even have to be lit to cause injury to your pet. When roaming the garden or park after a firework display, dogs may ingest debris or pieces of used fireworks, which contain dangerous chemicals, such as heavy metals, sulfur and colouring agents. Eating fireworks can cause serious health issues for dogs, such as gastrointestinal distress or even muscle and nerve dysfunction, which can result in permanent damage. 

Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about cats ingesting fireworks because they tend to be more discriminating eaters and likely won’t attempt to eat a used firework. But you should always clean up all used fireworks and debris in your garden before allowing your pets outside again.

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Tips for keeping your dog calm and safe during fireworks displays

If you know that your dog is scared of loud noises, make sure to have a plan for soothing your pet during Bonfire Night celebrations and know how to calm a dog during fireworks. Start by keeping your dog away from any nearby firework displays and safely cosied up in the house. 

Make sure your pet has proper identification

Well before Bonfire Night comes around, your pet should be microchipped and have an ID tag on their collar featuring your current contact information. No one expects their dog to run away, but fireworks can make your pet’s behaviour unpredictable so it’s best to take as many precautions as possible. Ensuring your dog has proper identification can improve the chances that they will be returned to you if they do become lost. 

Create a safe and calming space for your dog

One of the best ways to calm your dog during fireworks is to make a space in your home for them to feel safe and comfortable. Choose a space with no windows, like the inside of a large closet or a bathroom, and create a cosy cave where your dog can hide from the noise and lights of the fireworks. You can even use a crate if your dog already feels safe there. Give your pup some of their favourite toys and treats so they feel at home and (hopefully) more relaxed. 

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“If you can, try to engage your dog in a playful or fun activity, such as a training or play session, before the noises are expected to begin,” suggests Dr Fadl. “Using positive reinforcement, like rewarding calm behaviours with treats or affection, can be helpful in a sound-phobic dog.” 

Try playing white noise

Soft, soothing noises can be an antidote to the loud bangs of fireworks. Try leaving a fan, TV or radio on to help cover the sounds of any fireworks displays and give your dog something else to focus on. You can even find soothing white noise playlists, including some specifically designed for dogs on YouTube and Spotify. 

Comfort your dog

Leaving your pet alone during fireworks can sometimes make them even more stressed. If you can, stay home with your dog to help them feel safer and comfort them if they show signs of stress or fear. Stroke your pup with long, slow strokes along the length of their body and avoid any behaviours that seem frantic. Try to keep your voice and your movements calm and reassuring to show your dog that they’re safe with you. 

Talk to your veterinarian

If your pet’s anxiety is especially severe and none of the above solutions seem to help, talk to your vet about other treatment options. Your dog may benefit from anti-anxiety medication, which your vet can prescribe, and you may also want to ask about over-the-counter options, like dog-calming treats and anxiety vests like Thundershirts. Never, ever give your dog over-the-counter medication without consulting a vet.

“Some dogs are so severely impacted by noises that anxiolytic or sedating medication may be needed to help keep them calm and prevent them from harming themselves,” says Dr Fadl. “There are many safe options, as well as FDA-approved medication for dogs with noise aversion. Speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible about which medication may be best for your dog.” 

Clean up all used fireworks and debris

Even after the fireworks show is over, you still need to keep your dog safe from the possibility of poisoning. Make sure to clean up all used fireworks and any debris in your garden, whether you shot the fireworks or not, before you let your dog outside again. 

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Keep your dog safe this November 5th (and every day)

Fireworks may be awe-inspiring and fun for you, but they can be incredibly stressful and even dangerous to your dog. Take precautions to help your pup feel safe this Bonfire Night and have a plan to ensure that your dog avoids the hazards of fireworks and remains happy and healthy.  

References

• Fear of Thunderstorms and Fireworks

• Four Ways Fourth of July Fireworks Can Harm Our Pets

• How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

• 10 Ways to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks

• How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Fireworks