Dogs less scared of fireworks: Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Miniature Poodle, Chinese Crested.
In several studies of fear responses to noises, researchers find that factors such as breed, age, sex, reproductive status, length of time with owner, and early exposure to certain loud noises all impacted how dogs reacted to sounds like fireworks.
Dogs have excellent hearing and have evolved to be sensitive to novel noises. When they hear something scary or strange (like fireworks or booms of thunder), their instincts tell them to get away and find safety. This is why human holidays that involve fireworks displays are no fun to most dogs.
This is called Desensitization. In order to desensitize your dog to the sound of fireworks, you should invest in a sound effects CD of fireworks and some very tasty treats, cut into small pieces, as rewards. You should hold these training sessions multiple times per day, but for very short periods of time.
A big part of training will be gradually desensitizing them to the terrifying sound. If your dog is a young puppy, then overcoming the fear may take just a week or two. If they have had a deep-rooted fear of fireworks for many years, then training may take many weeks to yield results.
Plug in a white noise machine or turn on some calming music loud enough so the fireworks are camouflaged. If your dog's “safe zone” is his crate, you can also cover the top, sides, and back with a thick blanket and play music or sounds for him. Just make sure your dog can leave the crate if he wants to.
More pets run away on 4th of July weekend than any other weekend throughout the year — especially dogs, but even cats or birds. Animal control officials around the country experience a 30-60% increase in lost pets between July 4 and July 6, according to Pet Amber Alert, a missing animal emergency response system.
Whether it's Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving, or just an everyday celebration, every winter, as soon as the clocks go back, the fireworks begin. And while some aren't affected in the slightest, around 45% of dogs have a firework phobia, something that is becoming an increasingly serious welfare concern.
Physical damage to the hearing organs of animals
Noises caused by fireworks and firecrackers can lead to loss of hearing and tinnitus. Dogs are known to suffer irreversible hearing loss caused by proximity to the noise of gunfire.
2. Create a 'safe place' inside your home for your dog to hide from fireworks. A table draped with a blanket is a great retreat, or if your dog is used to being in a crate, cover it and leave it open with blankets inside. Don't lock your dog in the crate, as this can be even more stressful for them.
Not all dogs are afraid of fireworks, but it's important to remember your dog will take cues from you. If you make a big deal out of them when your dog is otherwise calm, they may eventually develop anxiety about fireworks. So, try to keep your dog calm and remember to remain calm yourself.
Trazodone and alprazolam (Xanax) work well for dogs that are sensitive to noise. These medications can take 1 to 2 hours to start working, so make sure you give whichever one you use to your dog well before the fireworks start. Talk to your vet to get a prescription.
Signs that your dog is scared of fireworks can include shaking, pacing up and down or panting heavily. They may also bark more than normal, tremble, hide or drool. Other signs of distress include destructiveness and soiling unexpectedly.
When a dog with a noise aversion to fireworks hears them, it's terrifying and causes great distress. It's similar to a person experiencing a panic attack. This fear and anxiety causes their heart to race, puts them on heightened alert, and may even cause them to engage in destructive behavior.
Consider taking your dog to an amendable friend's home that is free of fireworks. Make sure your pet has proper identification such as tags and/or a working microchip in case they run off. Put cotton in their ears to block the noise or purchase dog ear muffs for them to wear.
Time until recovery
The owners of 11.9% of the fearful dogs reported that their dogs behaved normally immediately after firework exposure, with 21.6% taking up to half an hour to recover and 17.5% taking up to an hour. Recovery took up to three hours in 10.3% and up until the next morning in 12.6%.
Play white noise, like a TV or radio, to help mask the sound of fireworks. Comfort your dog if they're afraid.
Quick Tips to help prepare your dog for fireworks
Get your dog used to loud noises gradually. If you know fireworks are going to be set off near your home, start playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume several weeks in advance. gradually increase the volume over time so that your dog can get used to the sound.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
A fear of fireworks and other banging noises is not inevitable. Puppies that experience these types of noises in a relaxed way during their very early development will generally learn not to be bothered by them. Older dogs that haven't yet become fearful of them can also be taught there is nothing to be worried about.
As with humans, exercise can be a great stress reducer. Physical activities like walking or playing fetch help both you and your dog release tension. It is also good to provide your dog with a safe place in the home where he can escape anxious situations. Everybody enjoys a calm place to retreat.