Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?

It has already begun: the fireworks have started going off.

When you’re not a dog owner, veteran, etc. it’s easy to forget the impacts of fireworks on others around you. They’re loud. They’re bright. Sure, they’re beautiful, but they can set off the wrong stress signals for dogs, cats, and more.

Why are dogs scared of fireworks?

Let’s dig deeper into those reasons we’ve already mentioned.

1. Fireworks are LOUD. You know how you wouldn’t tap on the glass of a fish tank because the fish are sensitive to it? Apply that same logic to dogs except it’s just as simple as dogs have better, sensitive hearing next to humans.
2. Fireworks aren’t on a schedule. They are RANDOM. As soon as fireworks are on sale, you can’t guarantee that they’re all going to be set off on July 4th only. Fireworks are unpredictable, and because of that, it can easily set your dog off because of the following reasons.
3. Fireworks trigger a fight or flight response. Your dog’s anxiety or trauma may be aggravated by the sight and/or sound of fireworks on July 4th.

Make A Plan

What can you do to prepare your fur baby for this audible warfare?

Here are a few recommendations.

1. Weigh your options and consider staying at home on July 4th.

This might not be an option for everyone, but your presence is what comforts your dog the best especially on nights like July 4th. You can make plans to celebrate while your dog takes an afternoon nap and make it home before it gets dark.

2. Work them out to sleep it out.

Go for a long walk before settling down for the evening and add some playtime to try and wear out your pooch. This may help them sleep through the night and through the fireworks.

3. Don’t add more stress to your dog.

Some people have this idea that it’s better to put your dog in a situation they’re not comfortable with in order for them to get used to it. Respect your dog’s needs and allow them to be fearful of what those lights in the sky are and why they’re so loud. Pressuring them is anything but productive.

4. Give CBD a try!

Stores are well-stocked these days with CBD products to offer a more holistic approach to pain management, beauty care, and more. Defined by Project CBD, it's a "cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel “stoned” and can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC. The fact that CBD-rich cannabis is non-psychoactive or less psychoactive than THC-dominant strains makes it an appealing option for patients looking for relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, spasms, and other conditions without disconcerting feelings of lethargy or dysphoria.”

View more about CBD for dogs at this link: What You Should Know About CBD For Dogs With Anxiety

What you’ve just read is a sampling of blog posts we offer at Joyride Harness. We cover current events, informational posts, interviews, and more! You can find more content including tips and tricks and how-tos for caring for your dog on our blog at this section.