As a dedicated dog parent, the anxiety that comes with the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve can be overwhelming, especially when your dog experiences fear during fireworks. My own dog, Waffles, a rescue, is particularly sensitive to the sounds and sights of fireworks, which causes him to tremble and panic. For the past 11 years, I have stayed home with my dogs every 4th of July, but since adopting Waffles, the experience has become increasingly challenging. To avoid the fireworks, we once traveled to Cannon Beach, Oregon, where they prohibit fireworks; however, managing six dogs during a trip can be quite a challenge. This year, we decided to stay home, and I am thrilled to share that it turned out to be our most successful 4th of July yet! Living in a rural area means we are surrounded by loud fireworks that go off until 12:30 a.m., but Waffles surprisingly slept through the entire night! I want to share the steps we took to achieve this calm, hoping it will help your pup during future fireworks displays.
What Causes Dogs to Fear Fireworks?
Understanding the mental state of your dog during fireworks can help you empathize with their fear. The loud explosions, bright flashes, and vibrations trigger a primal fear response in dogs, making them perceive fireworks as a serious threat. Their bodies react with a flood of stress hormones, increased heart rates, and confusion. This reaction is not a sign of disobedience; rather, your dog is experiencing genuine panic. It’s essential for dog owners to remain vigilant, as even the most well-behaved dogs can react unpredictably in a state of anxiety, potentially escaping their collars or jumping fences. This is why preparation is crucial.
Statistics show that more pets go missing on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year. Animal shelters report a 30% to 60% surge in lost pets from July 4th through July 6th. Many of these dogs flee from their homes in fear, which is heartbreaking to consider. Alarmingly, only about 14% of lost pets are reunited with their families. This serves as a vital reminder for pet owners to be proactive in protecting their furry companions when they need it most.
Key Holidays to Prepare For
The two major holidays that require special preparation are the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. Both occasions feature hours of loud and unpredictable fireworks that can leave your dog feeling anxious. To manage these events effectively, follow the same preparation steps for each holiday. Many of the items needed for this preparation can be found in our Amazon shop under DOGS.
Step 1: Secure Your Home and Ensure Last Potty Break
Make sure your dog has their final potty break and plenty of exercise while it’s still light outside. A long walk or an energetic play session in the yard can help tire them out, making it easier for them to settle down. It’s crucial to complete this before nightfall. Once darkness descends and the fireworks begin, even a typically calm dog might refuse to go outside or could bolt when you open the door. For our area, fireworks usually start around 6 p.m., so I recommend completing this step by then.
After your dog is back inside for the evening, it’s time to secure your home. The goal is to create multiple layers of protection against outside noise. Close all windows and doors, including interior doors, to contain sound within the walls of your home. Use curtains, blinds, and even blankets to further dampen noise. The more barriers you create, the quieter your dog’s environment will be.
Step 2: Administer Organic CBD and Avoid Sedatives
We utilize Organic CBD for Waffles instead of pharmaceutical sedatives. Many pet owners may consider medications harmless for occasional use, but it’s important to understand the potential impact these drugs can have on an already anxious dog.
Fortunately, many veterinarians are now steering clear of the traditional sedative acepromazine, commonly known as “ace.” This drug sedates the body without addressing the root cause of the fear, essentially placing your dog in a “chemical straitjacket.” While they may appear calmer, they are still deeply terrified inside. This is an inhumane approach that I strongly advise against.
Instead, some vets are now prescribing a new range of medications, each with its own risks that deserve more attention:
Trazodone: This fast-acting anti-anxiety medication can sometimes make dogs more anxious, restless, or vocal instead of calming them down. One owner reported her dog howled for hours after receiving the lowest dose. Side effects can include vomiting and uncoordinated movements, potentially leading to a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome. This is not a safe option.
Sileo: This gel is applied to the gums, but the FDA has issued warnings regarding accidental overdoses related to its dosing mechanism. Adverse effects in several dogs included slow heart rates and loss of consciousness. The need for gloves during application is another red flag. Completely unacceptable.
Gabapentin: While commonly used for seizures, it’s also prescribed off-label for anxiety. A recent survey found that nearly half of the dogs experienced sedation, with some becoming more agitated instead. the human version of this medication often contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Definitely a no-go.
Given that all these medications carry notable risks and can provoke severe reactions, I prefer to steer clear of them. Over the past six years, we’ve explored numerous options and have found that Organic CBD plays a crucial role in our anxiety management strategy. All our dogs receive it daily.
Choosing the right CBD brand is crucial. Look for organic, third-party-tested products that contain no harmful fillers or harsh extraction methods. We trust Lazarus Naturals because they manage their own farms and conduct thorough batch testing. Always start with a low dose, try it on a calm day, and monitor your dog’s response. It appears that the brand we use is currently on sale!
A common misconception is that CBD should be administered on the night of an event. Instead, it’s most effective when it builds up in the system over time. begin incorporating it into your dog’s daily routine now, rather than waiting until fireworks night.
Step 3: Equip Your Dog with a Thunder Coat
If your dog shakes, paces, or hides when fireworks start, a Thunder Coat is essential. Ensure it is on your dog before the fireworks begin, not during a panic episode. Waffles wears a hot pink Thunder Coat, which not only looks adorable but also effectively calms him. Research supports its efficacy, and I’ve linked the exact one we use here.
Thunder Coats provide a snug fit that applies gentle, consistent pressure on your dog, similar to how a swaddle comforts a baby. This steady pressure activates the calming response in the nervous system, which can reduce heart rates and alleviate anxiety. A 2014 study confirmed that dogs wearing these wraps exhibited lower heart rate spikes and fewer stress behaviors. In another trial, 89% of dog owners noted it helped reduce their pets’ anxiety during storms and loud noises.
I typically dress Waffles in his Thunder Coat as soon as the sun sets, well before any fireworks start. The last time I forgot to put it on, I was amazed at how well our other strategies worked to calm him.
Two crucial factors to remember are: 1. Apply the coat BEFORE the fireworks begin and 2. Ensure it fits snugly rather than loosely. Research shows that a loose wrap is ineffective. While the Thunder Coat is not a magical solution, when combined with other strategies like creating a safe fort and using CBD, it can significantly enhance your dog’s ability to remain calm.
Step 4: Create a Cozy Fort and Manage Noise Levels
This step is central to our approach, and it’s why Waffles was able to sleep through the night. We transformed a small closet in our hallway into a soundproof den. Here’s how to create a similar space for your dog!
Select the right location. Ideally, choose the most interior area of your home with the maximum number of walls and doors between the fort and the outside. Great options include a hallway closet, an under-stairs nook, a laundry room, or an interior bathroom. Smaller, enclosed spaces feel safe and den-like for dogs.
Fill the space with soft, noise-absorbing materials. We placed a dog bed inside the cubby and added large pillows, as soft items absorb sound effectively. Incorporate blankets and a foldable mattress to create a cozy environment for you to sit with your dog throughout the night. Our dog bed fit snugly in the cubby, while the foam mattress was placed outside for us to rest beside him. You can find these items linked in our Amazon shop under DOGS.
Next, construct a sound barrier around the area. We hung a thick comforter across the entrance using zip wall poles to further block out noise. A pink foldable cushioned workout mat served as a “door” that allowed Waffles to come and go while still muffling sound.
Introduce effective noise machines. This component was critical for us. We use two types of air filters that create white noise, effectively masking the sound of fireworks. The added benefit is that air filters improve the air quality in our home by removing bacteria, smoke, and household chemicals. Investing in multiple air filters is worthwhile; they are also invaluable during fire season. We recommend two brands, both of which I have discount codes for.
Air Doctor: This is a budget-friendly option, and my link will apply significant discounts. These filters perform excellently and are a solid choice for your home. Access the discounts here.
Jaspr Air: This option is more expensive but offers commercial-grade performance, moving significantly more air. Use code ORGANICBUNNY to save $400!
We operate the air filters at high settings near the fort to create a consistent backdrop of white noise, and we also play music through a portable speaker that emphasizes bass. Choosing a speaker that amplifies bass is vital, as lower frequencies help mask the booming sounds of fireworks more effectively than softer music. We began with a favorite song, and Spotify generated a playlist of similar tracks. Keep in mind that the volume can be high, so earplugs may be necessary for you!
We placed dryer balls in the running dryer in the adjacent laundry room to generate extra low-frequency noise. It’s an excellent time to do laundry since increased noise can further mask the fireworks. Despite the intense fireworks display outside, we were able to create a peaceful environment in the fort!
As a side note, we live in a rural area, and the fireworks sounded like a war zone. If our method worked for Waffles in such conditions, it can certainly work for you!
Take Action Now!
Begin your preparations today, rather than waiting until the 5th of July when your dog is already distressed or, worse, missing. Ensure your dog’s collar fits properly and that their ID tag includes your CURRENT phone number. Double-check that their microchip is registered with your current contact information, as an outdated chip is ineffective. Capture a recent photo of your dog this week to have ready in case of an emergency. Remember, only about 14% of lost pets find their way home, and having a reliable ID tag along with an up-to-date microchip can significantly improve your chances of a reunion.
What Were the Results?
Fireworks thundered throughout the night until 12:30 a.m., yet Waffles slept soundly through the entire display. He occasionally lifted his head and panted for a brief moment, but then settled back down without any pacing, shaking, or panic. Achieving this calm without medication is a significant victory that I wanted to share. I hope these strategies can bring comfort to your pets and give you peace of mind as the next fireworks holiday approaches. While your setup may differ from ours, you can adapt these tips to create a similar environment for your dog.
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