Tis the season for fireworks and with firework season comes the reality that dogs and fireworks frequently do not play well together. An anxious dog during firework season is a health and safety concern for pet owners. Puppy parents are very aware how loud noises can affect the puppy and work hard to help the puppy be less anxious during the all important growing years.
Healthy living of course includes our entire household and that includes our furry family members. It is heartbreaking to watch your dog tremble in fear of fireworks or the anxiety produced by dogs afraid of thunder.
This fear can produce destructive or anxiety induced behavior. Of utmost importance is the health of the dog and how to calm a dog with anxiety produced by fireworks.
So full dismissal as I wrote part in jest and part absolutely serious, Join My I Am A Fireworks Scrooge Club! I am not a fan of fireworks season in my area. I love a display of fireworks, but realistically the pets do not enjoy fireworks season; this has been exacerbated by a change in the state fireworks law.
The new law now allows homeowners to set off fireworks from their lawns versus the old law which basically allowed sparklers. All throughout the summer and around New Years Eve there are sieges of neighborhood fireworks. To find out the Fireworks Laws in your state, click here.
Of course our furry family members are family members which need assistance during fireworks season. So what can realistically help to calm dogs during fireworks?
Natural Products For Dogs Scared Of Fireworks
There exists an array of natural products designed to help reduce the anxiety of a dog during fireworks. Many of these products can also serve to reduce the anxiety for dogs afraid of thunder, storms, fireworks and separation anxiety.
It’d be wonderful if one product could appease all, but dog owners know that each dog has a unique personality, set of genes and background so a little trial and error plus patience may be involved to evaluate which product may assist your dog and your family life.
The D.A.P. Collar Dog Appeasing Pheromone
DAP collars contain a synthetic version of the dog appeasing pheromone which mimics the lactating pheromones puppies receive from their mothers for reassurance and comfort.
The collars last one month so do need to be replaced depending upon your situation and to why the collar is being used. Many positive reviews from credible sources have had success with the DAP Collar to reduce or calm a dog during fireworks or thunderstorm season.
Dog ThunderShirts To Calm Dog Anxiety
Thundershirts come highly recommended by many dog trainers and I have seen remarkable progress with dog thundershirts in the training classes I took with my puppy for other members of the puppy class. Thundershirts can be used for cats and dogs.
The theory that soft, gently pressure surrounding the pet will reduce a pets’ anxiety and promote the same type of comfort babies feel when being swaddled. These shirts are recommended for fear and anxiety issues. However, it is advised that if your pet is exhibiting moderate to severe anxiety issues a dog trainer be involved with developing a plan to use the thundershirt.
How To Calm Dog With Natural Remedies
There are a myriad of products on the market which theoretically naturally help calm your dog. If you are a familiar with essential oils than many of the same theories apply with drops and diffusers.
I am a fan of attempting all natural ways to aid a pet prior to seeking pharmaceutical sedative measures; however I would confer with a veterinary professional for assistance and advice.
Pet owners must be very careful when evaluating the risks and benefits of essential oils for pets. The Pet Poision Hotline has a thorough article on essential oils and dogs, click here. Cat owners can find an article specific to cats and essential oils click here.
What products or techniques have helped you calm your dog?
Thundershirts have assisted my furball and can also assist during the puppy training phase.
In my puppy class the instructor advised the parents of a very enthusiastic puppy to wear an old tee shirt during the class to help the puppy feel comforted and focus (just a wee bit more); we affectionately called this puppy the party puppy as he was always ‘up’ for a party with the other pups verses training.
omorris2014 says
Great information here for all dog lovers….I wish I knew what to do with my neighbor’s dogs who bark constantly at every move made outside of their home…..we have known these puppies since they were first brought home and they bark at us like crazy. It is difficult to like these dogs, although I still do……sheesh.
tab says
It is tough w the barkers, I can relate, but we love them anyway ๐
Sandy KS says
This article is a great reminder. I will be away for the 4th of July. My dogs are sacred of thunder, loud noises and fireworks. I will make sure the ones who watch the home and dogs will be made aware and now what to do.
tab says
Vacations can be rough for the pets and fireworks – safe travels on your trip!
Coombe Mill says
We have to be careful of our farm animals too and always hold any firework parties as far away from them as possible. #SharetheJoy
tab says
Excellent point ! We can’t forget our farm furry friends too!
Andria Perry says
I am glad I live away from people and that noise, these dogs would be scared. Great info because I did not know anything like this existed.
tab says
Living away from firework happy neighbors does have its’ advantages!
Brenda Fluharty says
Great article with amazing way to help fur babies. I am glad, I do not live a place that has fireworks.
tab says
I hear you – the fireworks have already started here ๐ –