My dog is scared of the fireworks, what can I do to comfort him?

Question

Everytime a firework goes off, he jumps, and he's getting scared. He barks at them everynow and then but other than that between the fireworks he's really twitchy...

(I don't see why the idiots are letting fireworks off already anyway)

Answer 1

Just desensitize him to the noise. Make no reaction whatsoever to it. Don't fuss or comfort him. Give him the down & stay commands and tell him he's a good boy.

Answer 2

Dog Scared Of Fireworks

Answer 3

Amen to that - some people just don't respect their neighbors (or have the sense to appreciate quiet).

Dealing with fireworks and dogs can be tricky. There are several approaches, but first of all, your dog needs to be somewhere he feels safe (you probably know that, but not everyone thinks of it, believe it or not).

Dogs are so much more sensitive to sound than we are that it's hard to explain how loud those fireworks seem to him - just as we can't really understand the olfactory (smell) world they live in. He can't understand WHY the loud noise happens, or predict WHEN, so he's scared, just as a human would be if unexplained, painful noises surprised him. He's developing a stress response, not just to the sound itself, but to the unpredictability.

In the short term, you might try one of the pet calming products - available from your vet, or online (although I'd ask your vet before use as they're great for most dogs, but some dogs can't use them).

There are herbal supplements that help some dogs, and also scent-based calmers using DAP (dog-appeasing pheremones) that mimic scents emitted by nursing mother dogs - smelling that scent is calming for a lot of dogs. The DAP scents come in diffusers (plud into an outlet) or spray (spray his collar). Either, or a mix of the two, might take the edge off his nerves.

Next, you work on getting him used to the noise. Get a cd of firework sounds, a dog brush, and a bowl of very tiny dog treats (as in "dog treat cut into little pieces." You're going for quantity here, and you don't want to end up with a fat dog).

You sit with your dog, calm, petting him, brushing him, and play the CD very softly. Check his response. Once he's relaxed, keep playing it at the same volume. Every so often, if he's calm, tell him he's a good boy and give him a treat.

The next day, try it a little bit louder. See if he starts panting, pacing, grooming himself, whining. If he does, turn it back down until he'll relax. If he doesn't, keep it at that volume and pet or brush him. Treat him every so often.

Over time, turn up the cd. Always keep it at a volume he can stand without getting stressed out.

In time, if he responds very well (some dogs get used to it - to a point - but continue to find the noise somewhat aggravating), far down the road, you can start popping paper lunch bags, ringing bells, etc. Treat him and praise him every time you make a loud noise and he doesn't freak out. This is for FAR down the road, once he's learned not to freak out at the fireworks.

He needs to know that whatever the noise is, it doesn't mean he's in danger. This takes time, but can help over the long run. Good luck!

Answer 4

I've seen some good replies here generally along the lines of desensitising and not making a fuss. I know that this sounds harsh, but if you show a reaction yourself and pet them for being scared, you are only rewarding the behaviour and training the dog to repeat it, not something that you want.

My own way of dealing with firework night and the time leading up to it, has been to make it a game. Loud bangs, whistles and the like, I say what "what was that!" and make it a search game rewarded with a treat or a toy.

This year I've got a 6 month old puppy,, lets hope this works with her.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
My dog is scared of the fireworks, what can I do to comfort him?
Everytime a firework goes off, he jumps, and he's getting scared. He barks at them everynow and then but other than that between the fireworks he's really twitchy...

(I don't see why the idiots are letting fireworks off already anyway)

Answer 6

Dont cuddle him or comfort him-i know you'll want to but its best not to as your telling him that its ok to be scared. You can get cd's that have noises like fireworks on ect. play these in the background qiuetly while playing with him and praise him for taking no notice, play it louder each time so he realises its nothing to be scared of, just keep him occupied whilst its on, and when there are actual fireworks.
Look on the web for the cd's as im not sure where you get them from. Dogstrust may sell them in their catologe.

Good luck!!!!

Answer 7

Dogs become upset with loud noises be that fireworks or thunder. Close the windows and put some music on to disguise the noise. If you keep the dog close to you he will feel safe and conforted. I agree with you that these people are idiotic with the fireworks but hey some people never grow up. Good luck.

Answer 8

Top Ten Tips
Keep your dog inside when fireworks are being let off.
Stay with your dog – no-one wants to be alone if they’re scared!
Act normal – calm and cheery. If you are, your dog’s more likely to be!
Never take your dog to a firework display.
Never tell your dog off for being scared.
Make your dog a nice cosy ‘den’ that they can hide away in.
Close the curtains to keep out bright flashes.
Turn on the TV or radio to help drown out the noise of bangs.
Keep your dog entertained – play a fun game to distract him.
Find your dog a friend - being with a dog that isn't scared can make a nervous dog braver.

Answer 9

I have the same issue, and I don't know what to do to help him get over it, other than what lots of dog trainers and books have said: DON'T comfort him. Meaning don't pet him or hold him and tell him everything's ok, etc., because this just confirms to him that he's right to be concerned about the fireworks. I just ignore my dog like nothing's wrong. He'll be scared, but as long as he's not being self-destructive, he'll get over it. He usually feels safe inside the house, so if the back door is open, he'll just go inside until it's all over.

Answer 10

Hard as it may seem do not offer comfort as he will learn from this that something is wrong. Try and keep him in a quieter room in the house and speak to your vet about a diffuser spray that you can plug in, this can help keep your dog calm. Make sure he is fed earlier and taken out for a walk before the fun starts then much later after all the noise has stopped.

Answer 11

I have a big black lab that is terrified of fireworks, thunder, and noises from a nearby military base. My vet just gives me a slight sedative for him and as soon as I hear loud booms I bring him in the house and give him his meds and he relaxes and sleeps through the night. The vet says the stress on my dog is worse than medicating him a couple times a year. Of course, my dog is supposed to be a hunting dog and he's gun shy, he's just my big ol' baby.