How to cure firework fear in dogs

It’s always good to try to address firework fear in dogs when they are youngsters. Unexpected loud bangs can leave dogs in a trembling state.

Of course, some dogs will always be frightened of fireworks. In which case make sure that they have access to their beds or somewhere they feel safe (which might be under a bed) and if they sleep in a crate then cover it with a blanket. Put radios and/or the television on to supply some background ‘white’ noise and draw the curtains. (Take a look at our list of the best products for calming anxious dogs.)

Make sure young puppies are used to sudden, loud noises

Start up the vacuum cleaner

One reader writes that she had a young Labrador gundog who was coming along well in training – and then somebody set off a firework nearby when she was out in the field. As a result she is now terrified of fireworks. So what can you do about it?  It’s always a good idea to try and desensitise a young dog to loud noises during its early training. Start up the vacuum cleaner, the hairdryer, bang the doors, put the TV on an action film…

If a  dog isn’t exposed to loud noises when still a puppy, it could well develop a fear of fireworks and loud bangs as it gets older. This is even more serious with gundogs who should be trained from a young age that the sight of a gun will bring pleasure and not fear of a loud bang.

Curing fear of firework bangs

I have cured firework fear in dogs which were adults through a careful desensitisation process. I cured another dog, a six-year-old Labrador bitch, which was terrified of fireworks, by flooding its senses and using food as a diversion.

I stood about 500 yards from a large public firework display and during an hour of unrelenting noise she consumed her evening meal by being fed a nugget of food every time there was a loud bang. (If you’re going to do this, make sure that the food is particularly delicious – small pieces of chopped up chicken breast … )

The result was remarkable and her fear vanished for good. However, I recommend that before you start this retraining programme you get her ears checked by a vet to make sure there is no underlying infection that could cause pain on hearing loud noises.