How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm During Fireworks
Fireworks are hard on a lot of dogs. Even dogs who ignore thunder and garbage trucks can panic at the bangs, whistles and flashes, and a scared dog’s first instinct is to run.
That’s what makes fireworks dangerous, not just stressful. July 5 is traditionally one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters (AAHA). A little planning keeps your dog safe at home.
When to expect them in Philly
The big nights are the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, when the Delaware River waterfront usually has two shows, at 6 p.m. and midnight (Visit Philly). Neighbors set off their own fireworks for days around both holidays, and sometimes after a big sports win. Plan for the whole stretch, not just the night itself.
Before the holiday
Check their ID. Make sure your dog’s collar fits snugly, the tag has your current phone number, and the microchip registration has your current contact information (AAHA).
Talk to your vet early. If your dog panics at fireworks, ask your vet about medication well before the holiday. If they prescribe something, try it on a quiet day first to see how your dog does (Cornell). Not every sedative helps: acepromazine, an older one, quiets a dog without easing their fear (FECAVA).
Set up a safe spot. Pick a familiar room away from the noise, with few or no windows, and add a cozy bed or blankets (Cornell). Spend some calm time there with your dog before the holiday, so it already feels like theirs.
On fireworks days
Walk early. Get exercise and bathroom breaks done earlier in the day, before the noise starts (Cornell). A tired dog settles more easily.
Keep the leash on. Keep your dog leashed every time they go outside, even in a fenced yard or for a quick trip to the curb (Cornell). Check that their collar or harness is snug enough that they can’t back out of it.
Close everything up. Shut windows, screen doors and gates, and watch the front door when people come and go (AAHA).
Leave them home. If you’re going to a party, keep your dog at home and indoors (AAHA).
Crate only a dog who loves it. A crate can be a safe den for a dog who’s used to it (Cornell). For others it’s a trap: frightened pets have chewed out of crates and hurt themselves (AAHA). If your dog isn’t crate trained, use a closed room instead. Our crate training guide covers how to get there.
Mask the noise. Turn on the TV, music or a fan. Layering two kinds of sound helps cover the booms (Cornell).
Close the blinds. The flashes can upset a dog as much as the noise.
Give medication early. If your vet prescribed something, give it as directed, before the noise starts. It’s much easier to prevent a panic than to stop one (Cornell).
Give them something to do. A stuffed, frozen Kong or a lick mat can keep a dog busy, if they’re relaxed enough to eat.
Helping a scared dog
Stay home with your dog if you can. Your company helps (AAHA). Stay calm yourself, and let your dog choose how close to be. Some want to lean on you, some settle with a slow, firm stroke along their body, and some want to hide. Let them.
Never punish a frightened dog. It only adds to their distress (Cornell).
Signs your dog is stressed include trembling, panting, pacing, drooling, whining, hiding, digging at doors and trying to escape (Cornell). Yawning and lip licking can be early signs of stress too (ASPCA), so they don’t mean your dog has relaxed.
If your dog panics every year, ask your vet about a longer-term plan. A veterinary behaviorist can help with medication and behavior training (Cornell).
A note on our visits
If you’ll be out of town over the Fourth or New Year’s, regular walking clients can book our drop-in dog sitting visits. Holidays book up early, so ask well ahead. Our walks and visits are one-on-one, and you get photos and notes after every one.
Every new client starts with a free meet & greet at home. Book a free meet & greet or call (267) 571-9373.
