My Dog Is Scared of Fireworks – How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks – Part 1.
Fireworks might be beautiful to us, but for our dogs - especially small breeds with sensitive ears – those loud booms and flashing lights can be terrifying. If you’ve been thinking, "my dog is scared of fireworks," you’re not alone. Studies suggest up to half of all dogs show fear during fireworks, reacting by hiding, pacing, shaking, crying or trying to flee. Dogs hear sounds at a much greater intensity than humans, so the unpredictable explosions of fireworks feel threatening and overwhelming. In this post, we’ll discuss how fireworks and loud noises affect dogs and share 10 calming tips to help your dog feel safe during fireworks. These tips blend holistic, behavioral, and environmental strategies - from creating a cozy safe haven to using natural calming aids – so you can help your furry friend through the noise with confidence.
Why Are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?
Dogs can develop a noise phobia for many reasons. Some dogs never got gentle exposure to noises when they were puppies, so fireworks are a brand-new and frightening experience. Others might have had negative experiences - for example, a loud firework may have scared them badly once, and now they associate that sound with danger. A dog’s hearing is far more sensitive than ours, and fireworks explode without warning, so to a dog it feels like sudden “threatening” booms coming from everywhere. Small dogs in particular can feel extra vulnerable to these booming sounds. As dogs get older, their anxiety can even worsen with age due to changing brain chemistry.
It’s important to realize your dog isn’t overreacting or "being naughty" - they are genuinely frightened. Common signs of fireworks anxiety in dogs include trembling, panting, drooling, whining, hiding, trying to climb onto you, or frantic efforts to escape the house or yard. Some dogs will even dig at doors or chew through barriers trying to get away from the noise. You might notice your small dog tucking their tail, flattening their ears, or clinging to you for comfort. All these behaviors are driven by fear, and our goal as pet parents is to help our dogs feel safe during those scary fireworks.
Safety note: When dogs panic, they may try to run off blindly to escape the noise. This is why so many pets get lost around holidays like New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July. Always make sure your dog is secured indoors during fireworks and that their ID tags and microchip info are up to date, just in case.
10 Tips to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks
Fireworks season doesn’t have to be dreadful for you or your pup. With a bit of planning and comforting care, you can greatly reduce your dog’s stress. Here are ten holistic and practical tips for how to calm a dog during fireworks and help them feel more secure:
Exercise and Potty Breaks Before the Fireworks: On the day of a fireworks event, give your dog a long walk or active play session well before dusk. A tired dog is generally calmer - if you tucker them out in the afternoon with fetch or a playdate, they’ll be more likely to snooze through the evening booms. Also, do the last potty break early, before the fireworks start. This prevents the nightmare of a dog who needs to go out during fireworks but is too terrified to step outside. If you absolutely must take your dog out once fireworks have begun, keep them on-leash - even in your yard - to prevent a panicked bolt.
Create a Safe Indoor Haven: Plan to keep your dog indoors once the fireworks are going off. Set up a comfortable safe space in the quietest part of your home. This could be a familiar room or their crate (if they love their crate). Close the windows, draw the curtains or blinds to block out flashing lights, and consider soundproofing the area with blankets or pillows against doors. Many dogs feel most secure in a small, enclosed space. Make sure your pup has their favorite bed or a soft blanket to cuddle in. Stock the area with a couple of safe chew toys and maybe an item of your clothing. By giving your dog a quiet “den” where they feel protected, you help them ride out the noise in a relaxed environment.
Muffle the Boom with Background Noise: Drown out the scary sounds by playing white noise or calming music for your dog. Turn on a fan, a white noise machine, or the TV/radio at a moderate volume to help cover the external bangs. Classical music and soft reggae have actually been shown to relax dogs. There are even pet-calming playlists and YouTube audio tracks designed for dog anxiety. Covering the crate with a thick blanket on three sides and playing the music nearby can create a little sound cocoon. Layering sounds can further mask the abrupt cracks and pops of fireworks.
Try a Canine Anxiety Vest (Pressure Wrap): Many dog parents swear by ThunderShirts or similar anxiety vests that apply gentle, constant pressure around the dog’s torso. Much like swaddling an infant, this light pressure can have a calming effect on the nervous system. Consider getting an anxiety wrap and putting it on them before the fireworks start. Introduce the vest on a calm day so they get used to wearing it. Many dogs visibly relax once their anxiety vest is on - their breathing steadies and they may lie down instead of pacing.
Offer Distractions and High-Value Treats: Give your dog something positive to focus on during the fireworks. Long-lasting chews, food puzzles, or a treat-stuffed Kong can work wonders. Hand your pup an irresistible chew or a frozen Kong filled with their favorite goodies before the noise begins. You can also scatter a handful of high-value treats on the floor as the fireworks begin, turning it into a foraging game. Keeping their mouth busy can dial down anxiety.
Stay Calm Yourself and Comfort Your Dog: Our dogs look to us for cues. If you remain calm and upbeat, it reassures your dog that there’s no real danger. You cannot reinforce an emotion like fear by offering comfort. In fact, gentle petting and speaking softly can help soothe your dog and show them you’re there for support. If your little dog wants to climb into your lap or press against you, that’s okay! Many dogs lean on their owners for security when frightened.
Let Them Hide If They Want: Every dog copes differently. Some want to be in your arms, others feel safer tucked away in a den-like spot. If your dog decides to hunker down under the bed, in a closet, or in their crate, let them be. Provide access to their preferred hiding place and make it comfy. Respecting your dog’s chosen coping strategy gives them a sense of control.
Never Punish Fearful Behavior: Do not scold or punish your dog for any stress-driven behavior during fireworks. Yelling at a trembling or barking dog will only add to their fear. Accidents or destructive behavior are not out of “spite” - they are a result of panic. Stick to gentle reassurance.
Use Calming Scents or Supplements: Consider using natural calming aids to take the edge off your dog’s anxiety. Options include Adaptil pheromone diffusers or collars, L-theanine (found in Composure or Solliquin chews), CBD oil, valerian root, and chamomile. Try any supplement well before the big event to see how your dog reacts. Always check with your vet first.
Plan Ahead and Talk to Your Vet (Severe Cases): If fireworks are a yearly struggle, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about prescription anti-anxiety medications. There are fast-acting options that can help deeply phobic dogs get through the night safely. For long-term improvement, consider working with a behaviorist to create a desensitization plan.
Closing Thoughts: Helping your dog through fireworks fear is one of the kindest things you can do. With patience, preparation, and gentle support, your dog can feel safe again. Even small improvements - like a pup taking treats or resting calmly near you - are victories worth celebrating.
References:
Coulter, K. The Devastating Effects of Fireworks on Pets and Wildlife. MIT Press Reader.
Cornell Univ. College of Vet Medicine – Fear of Fireworks and Thunderstorms.
PetMD (V. Schade, CPDT-KA) – 9 Tips for Dogs Scared of Fireworks.
Blue Cross (UK) – Dogs and Fireworks Advice.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and it is not intended to replace the services of a veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.