Why are dogs scared of fireworks? Do you know the answer to this question?
The 4th of July Holiday is exciting for humans, but for dogs it can be synonymous with a lot of stress and anxiety. Fireworks can cause a lot of bad feelings for even the bravest of dogs. This is because dogs are more sensitive to noise than us humans. Although everyone knows that fireworks stress their dogs, many owners don’t know exactly what to do to calm their dogs down in the presence of fireworks.
To bring more awareness to the topic, we share some tips that can help you keep your dog safe during celebrations that involve fireworks.
Read on to discover the answers to the following questions:
- Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
- How to calm your dog during fireworks?
Why are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?
Dogs are afraid of fireworks because they make very loud and unexpected noises. Unlike humans, dogs cannot figure out where the noise from fireworks is coming from. And they also don’t understand the reason why the noise is happening.
Very loud and repetitive noises can signal danger, triggering an automatic fight-or-flight response in dogs. This is exactly why some pups get stressed and anxious during celebrations like the 4th of July Holiday.
Read More: July 4th and Dogs: How to Keep Your Pup Safe?
How to Calm your Dog during Fireworks?
Below we list some tips that can help you calm your dog during fireworks:
- Choose the quietest place in the house to keep your dog. Stay away from windows and outside walls.
- Place sounds capable of drowning out the sounds of fireworks, such as calming music.
- Stay with your dog during times of loud noise, as he may feel dizzy or anxious. You must remain calm, as dogs tend to mirror your energy.
- Keep your pup in a safe and comfortable space at home, such as his crate. Give him access to his favorite chewables or toys.
- Desensitize your dog to loud noises before the 4th of July Holiday. For noise desensitization, you must play firework sounds for weeks leading up to the fireworks. Start slowly, and gradually increase the volume and length of time played with each session. The idea to get your dog used to these types of loud sounds before the 4th of July Holiday.
Read More: Noise Anxiety in Dogs: What Is It?
Final Considerations
Fireworks can be scary for your pup, so you should offer them support, attention, and care. By following the above tips, you will be more likely to keep your dog calm and relaxed during the 4th of July Holiday or any other fireworks celebration.
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