Home remedies, helping your dog cope with fireworks

Let’s dive into the reasons behind this fear and explore effective strategies for support.

 

Why Dogs Fear Loud Noises

Dogs have a highly developed sense of hearing, far superior to that of humans. They can detect sounds at much higher frequencies and can hear things we often overlook. Here are a few reasons why fireworks can be particularly terrifying:

 

Unpredictability
Fireworks are loud, sudden, and often occur without warning. This unpredictability can heighten a dog’s anxiety, as they don’t know when the next loud bang will happen.

Low Frequency Sounds:
Fireworks produce low-frequency sounds that can be felt as much as heard. This vibration can create a sense of unease in dogs, triggering their fight-or-flight response.

Past Experiences:
If a dog has had a negative experience associated with loud noises (such as thunderstorms or fireworks), they may develop a phobia over time.

Socialization:
Dogs that weren’t adequately socialized as puppies may be more sensitive to loud noises, lacking the coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations.

Survival Instincts:
Dogs are instinctively wired to react to loud sounds as potential threats. This response, rooted in their evolutionary past, makes them more vulnerable to anxiety.

 

Preparation Plan for Fireworks Night

Body Language

An important but subtle way dog’s relate their emotions around fear/anxiety are:
Tension throughout the body & tight facial muscles
Lip licking
Furrowed brow & wrinkle around the ears/forehead
Yawning. Whale eye-the whites of the eys will showwhen looking at something (this can be tricky to differentiate from regular behaviours, so contect is key.

 

Create a Safe Space

Pre-empt part of the house your dog like to be in and then designate this area in your home where your dog can feel secure. This could be a room with no windows or a cozy corner with their favourite blanket and toys. It may even be on the sofa under a pile of blankets. Make this space appealing.  You could put a pile of blankets or your dogs favourite bed here.
Anxious dogs will often be drawn to a safe space. You could also offer them a licki mat in this area.

Pre-Fireworks Routine

As fireworks night approaches, establish a calming routine for your dog, personally I would start this routine 7-10 days prior. I know this can be a grey area due to the random rogue firework being set off, weeks before the official time.

Exercise

Take your dog for a long walk or play session earlier in the day to help burn off excess energy. A tired dog is often more relaxed.
Prioritize focus over adrenaline when playing games  as adrenaline will make your dog more susceptible to anxiety triggers.

Feeding

Consider feeding your dog earlier in the day. A full stomach can help create a sense of comfort and distraction. Feeding a food that is easy to digest can help because stress can upset the gut system, so you want to nurture that area and not put more strain on to it. 

Comforting Rituals

Engage in calming activities together, like gentle brushing, you could even give your dog a mini pamper and rub a tiny amount of coconut oil into their paw pads or snuggling under a shared blanket. This can foster a sense of security. Reassure them their safe, a calm, gentle low tone voice can help to sooth them. Don’t ever get angry. They really don’t want to feel this way.

Prioritise focus over adrenaline when playing games because adrenalin will make your dog more susceptible to anxiety triggers. If you know something will make your dog too excited then best to avoid.

The Calming Trifecta
Sniffing. Activates part of the brain that releases dopamine which helps regulate anxiety
Licking. Repetitive licking releases endorphins and serotonin, helping to balance anxiety.
Chewing. Occupies the dog mind therefore taking their attention away from possible triggers

Comfort Items:
Are soft blankets, pillows, and their favorite toys can provide comfort. You could also try a thunder shirt for your dog to wear.

Soundproofing:
Close windows and curtains to muffle sounds but you need to do this early, so as not to get caught out.  Consider using white noise or soft music to drown out the noise of fireworks. 

Us:
We always forget our behavior can have an effect on our dog too. Ever suddenly realize your tense, and a little uptight, then your dog will, without doubt note this too.  I always get into my P.J’s early and open up a couple of bottles of essential oils and place in the rooms, this helps to relax me. My shoulders drop and my breathing becomes slower. Dogs feel our vibrations. 

Remember to comfort not coddle. Excess attention and coddling can cause more harm than good when your dog is already stressed.

Desensitization Training

This starts in the months/weeks leading up to fireworks night, practice desensitization techniques, If you have a young puppy this needs to start earlier rather than later

Sound Exposure:
Play recordings of fireworks at a low volume while engaging your dog in enjoyable activities, like gentle play or eating a treat from their licki mat or kong. Gradually increase the volume over time, allowing them to acclimate. It’s super easy to make a play list of fireworks.

Counter-Conditioning:
Pair the sound of fireworks with treats and positive experiences, helping your dog associate the noise with something pleasant. You could use such things as a Licki Mat with their favourite yummy paste or a kong that you could fill with live plain yogurt and freeze overnight. Why not buy a second Kong, this way you could have one in the freezer and one being used. 

Natural Calming Aids

There are several natural herbs and essential oils that can help soothe your dog’s anxiety:

Mellow Woof 

I’ve just launched my very own herbal blend called

 under my other business  name Wise Dog Botanicals.
I’m a qualified canine herbal practitioner, working closely with canines and herbs.
This is better known as Zoopharmacognosy, a self-selection practice for canines.

Mellow Woof

Is a bespoke blend, carefully chosen and blended, which hopes to take away the headache of choosing the right herbs for your dog’s fear & stress. 

This blend has been my hearts creation. I wanted a more bespoke, specific blend of herbs that not only support our dogs mental health but to also support their endocrine system and to be readily available. Knowing what life’s like to share your life with a reactive, fearful/worried dog, I felt this was my calling. 
This product is Vet approved

Dried Herbs

Chamomile:
Known for its calming properties, chamomile can help reduce anxiety. It’s can be given in tea form (just ensure it’s cooled before offering) or as a supplement. It can also be added to their food. 

Valerian Root:
This herb has sedative properties and can help calm an anxious dog. It’s often available in capsule form, and consulting your vet for proper dosage is essential.

Lavender:
Often used for its calming effects.

Essential Oils

Bergamot:
Known for its uplifting properties, bergamot can help ease tension. 

Jasmine:
Deeply comforts and is nurturing

Frankencence:
Used for fear of noise and panic. Very grounding

Sandlewood:
Fear, worry, noise sensitivity.

 Always source carefully. These essential oils need to be pure. It can be enough to just leave a bottle with the lid off, placed on the fireplace or on a shelf in the same room as your dog. NEVER place the bottle right under your dogs nose. Your dog has incredible scent capacity and can smell those oils if there 10ft away. 

Note: If your dog is already on any medications, please make sure you consult with them before introducing new herbs or essential oils to your dog’s routine, as may interfere with the medications.

Engage Your Dog’s Mind

Provide distractions during the fireworks but try not to hype your dog’s energy. 
You want your dog to be focused, not hyperactive which will only build on the stress & anxiety they feel.

Interactive Toys:
Puzzle toys filled with treats can keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated. Consider toys that require problem-solving, which can help redirect their focus. 

Training Sessions:
Short, fun training sessions can redirect their focus away from the noise and reinforce positive behavior. Teach them new tricks or practice existing commands with treats as rewards.

Scent Games:
Hide treats around the safe space for your dog to find. This can help engage their nose and divert their attention from outside noises. My dogs love this game. 

My boy Darcey
He’s now 12 years old and has developed a real stress in the fire work season. As a younger dog it didn’t bother him, so it just shows how they can change and feel more vulnerable.  Whilst his hearing is partially debatable, he quite clearly feels the fireworks in their vibration. Thankfully he’s not a quivering wreck, but instead he will bark his head off continuously and flies from room to room on a mission to tell the world what’s going on, bless him. 

But I still have a routine prepped for these times. For me this might involve either watching a film & lighting the fire to make things cosier or working on the computer which shows him I’m not at all bothered by what’s going on and that I’m focused on whats in front of me. I pay little attention to the roaring of his barks but credit him in those split second moments of quietness with a cuddle and treat.

 

If you’d like to purchase my special herbal blend, you can click the link below
Mellow Woof  herbal blend for canines

 

Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s anxiety is severe, consider consulting a professional dog  behaviorist who specializes in noise phobias. They can provide tailored strategies and support, possibly recommending more structured behavior modification techniques.

Conclusion
Start prepping early, this is key!

By understanding why dogs fear loud noises and implementing a thoughtful preparation plan, you can help your nervous dog navigate fireworks night with greater ease. Remember, patience and support are key. With time, your dog can learn to feel more secure in these situations, allowing you both to enjoy the festivities with less stress.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or share your experiences in the comments below! Your insights could help others find peace during this challenging time. Together, we can make fireworks night a little less daunting for our beloved dogs.