Imagine if every sound you heard was 30% more acute—that’s what it’s like to be 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 a puppy.
By the time they start going off on the 4th of July or the 1st of January, they may have never experienced anything like the sudden sound and vibrations of the explosions.
There are ways, however, that one can ensure their dog(s) aren’t left feeling 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.
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 in the daytime hours. Play and exercise can help a dog remain calmer for longer, so there’s no reason why this wouldn’t work in regards fireworks. One study comparing various methods of stress reduction in dogs during fireworks displays found this to be the most effective.
Lastly, consider making a safe house for your dog with drawn curtains, dimmed lights, their favorite toys, and plenty of treats, so if they do decide to run and hide, they’re going somewhere that’s going to be secure and comforting.
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 that has the similar effect of 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 like this one basically works in the same way, and is perhaps preferable if your dog likes to hide under things.
For sound reduction products, one could use a pair of dog earmuffs or a white noise machine.
Several white noise machines are designed for infants, dogs, and adults with difficulties sleeping—making them a decent investment if two or more of these entities are 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. A machine like this is also perfect to add to your dog’s safe house.
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 scarred of loud noises all day every day,” said the reviewer of the Nanaki Dog Hoodie. “Last week he was hiding after a 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.”
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