(The Conversation) – The Fourth of July can be a miserable day for dogs. The fireworks make scaredy-cats out of many canines.
The reason dogs, much like humans, have an instinctual fear of loud, unexpected noises is that it helps keep them safe. However, some dogs have an exaggerated fear response, which manifests as panting, howling, pacing, whining, hiding, shivering, or even attempting to escape and causing self-harm. Unlike people, dogs can’t understand that the Independence Day celebrations are not a real danger, so they perceive fireworks as if they’re being attacked.
A dog’s reaction to loud sounds can vary depending on their breed. For instance, German shepherds tend to pace when scared, whereas breeds like border collies and Australian cattle dogs are more prone to hiding.
While veterinarians are not entirely sure why certain dogs fear fireworks and others don’t, it is common for dogs that react to one type of noise to be sensitive to others as well. As a result, taking action early with intervention and treatment is crucial to ensure the wellbeing of these frightened dogs. Here are some tips on keeping your dog safe during fireworks displays.
- Take your pet to the vet. If your dog is afraid of fireworks, the first step is to have your veterinarian evaluate him or her, especially if your dog’s noise sensitivity is relatively new. One 2018 study found a link between pain and noise sensitivities in older dogs, indicating that muscle tension or sudden movements in response to a loud noise may aggravate a tender area on the body and thus create an association between the loud noise and pain, causing fear of that particular noise to develop or escalate.
- Create a “safe haven” in your home with a secure door or gate, preferably away from outside windows or doors. Close the blinds or curtains to reduce outside noises, and play some classical music to help reduce stress by creating a relaxing environment for your dog during the show. A white noise machine or box fan may also help reduce anxiety, along with a pheromone like Adaptil sprayed on bedding, a bandanna, a collar or from a diffuser plugged into the wall.
- Consider noise-canceling headphones such as Mutt Muffs to muffle the sounds and further reduce noise sensitivities.
- Find a food your pet will love. This could be cut pieces of boiled chicken or squeeze cheese. Sit with your pet and feed him with each boom. You can also use a long-lasting food-dispensing or puzzle toy to release food continuously during the show. This is to help your dog make a positive association with the noises for the future.
- Consider anxiety wraps, fabric wraps that exert a gentle pressure on your dog’s body. These may help to lower heart rate and other clinical signs of fear and anxiety, operating on the belief that they swaddle a scared animal and thus calm its fears. These work best, however, in conjunction with a complete behavior treatment plan including medication or behavior modification, or both.
- When it comes to comforting your dog, the jury is still out. It is difficult, however, to reinforce an emotional response with comfort. Therefore, it is OK to pet your dog when frightened by a noise event so long as the dog appears to be comforted and not more distressed by the attention.
