How to help your dog during fireworks

Loud noises, flashes, vibrations – for many dogs, storms and fireworks are a real threat.

They tremble, hide, bark, howl, or try to escape.

The good news? You, as a guardian, can actually reduce your dog’s stress – not just emotionally, but physiologically too.

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Your presence as a “stress buffer”

A study by Márta Gácsi and her team (2013) showed that a guardian’s presence works like a protective shield. When a dog encountered a threatening, unfamiliar person, its heart rate rose significantly less if the guardian was nearby. The effect is similar to what’s seen in infants in the presence of a parent.

The takeaway? Simply being there for your dog can help them cope better with stress.

What you do matters, too

It’s not just about being there – it’s about how you are there.

Isabella Merola’s team (2012) ran an experiment with dogs and a strange, slightly scary object – a fan with green ribbons. Dogs were more willing to approach the object if their guardian acted calm and cheerful – using a happy voice, smiling.

If the guardian showed fear, the dog also retreated.

Your emotions have a real impact on your dog’s behavior.

Can comforting a scared dog reinforce its fear?

No. That’s a myth. You can’t reinforce fear by offering support.

Comforting a dog in a difficult situation won’t make things worse – it helps them get through it more easily.

Of course, don’t force contact – if your dog wants to be close, be available. If they choose to isolate, give them space. Comfort should never feel like pressure.

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What else can help?

Pressure garments (like Thundershirts)

These provide gentle, constant pressure, which can have a calming effect – like a swaddle for a baby.

They don’t work for every dog, but they’re worth trying.

Food as a therapeutic tool

Food can help shift a dog’s emotional state.

Dr. Ilana Reisner suggests preparing something special before fireworks: boiled chicken, salmon, plain popcorn, nitrate-free sausages.

You can offer treats during the noise, and if your dog wants to engage, do simple activities like “sit,” “find it,” or “paw.”

You can also prep a Kong with dog food and baby food and freeze it – a great, long-lasting distraction.

Medication – used wisely

In tough cases, medication might be needed – but only after consulting a vet.

For milder cases, calming herbs and melatonin may help.

For severe anxiety or phobias, prescription medications (like benzodiazepines) are often used – but only under veterinary supervision. These drugs can be highly addictive and dangerous if used improperly.

An FDA-approved drug is Sileo – it affects the nervous system by blocking norepinephrine release. It calms without sedating, but doesn’t last long.

Warning: Acepromazine (Ace), once common, is now discouraged.

It doesn’t reduce fear – it just immobilizes the dog. They still feel terrified but can’t show it.

It’s like chemical handcuffs.

Pheromones (Adaptil)

These are synthetic versions of a calming substance produced by mother dogs after birth.

They may reduce anxiety, especially in sound-sensitive dogs.

However, they’re mild and unlikely to help in intense situations.

Your dog doesn’t have to face the New Year’s chaos alone.

Your presence, calmness, preparation, and awareness of the tools available can make a huge difference in their comfort.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution – it’s worth trying different strategies and tailoring them to your individual dog.

Planning to help your dog during a storm or New Year’s Eve? Start now.s burzy lub sylwestra? Zacznij przygotowania już teraz.

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Cottam N, Dodman NH, Ha JC (2012) The effectiveness of the Anxiety Wrap in the treatment of canine thunderstorm phobia: An open-label trial. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 8, 154-161.

Gácsi M, Maros K, Sernkvist S, Faragó T, Miklósi Á (2013) Human Analogue Safe Haven Effect of the Owner: Behavioural and Heart Rate Response to Stressful Social Stimuli in Dogs. PLoS ONE 8(3): e58475

Merola I, Prato-Previde E, Marshall-Pescini S (2012) Social referencing in dog-owner dyads? Animal Cognition 15, 175-185.

Merola I, Prato-Previde E, Marshall-Pescini S (2012) Dogs' Social Referencing towards Owners and Strangers. PLoS ONE 7(10): e47653.