What are effective firework tranquillisers for dogs?

This year, too, we’ll be seeing out the year with a bang. For most dogs, fireworks are a nightmare. Firework anxiety in dogs is a common problem, causing them to hide or, in the worst-case scenario, even run away. There are various ways to calm dogs with anxiety about fireworks. In this article, we’ll go through the most effective ways to calm dogs during fireworks.

It is important to get your dog used to loud noises at a young age, preferably whilst your dog is still a puppy. This way, dogs get used to loud noises early on and can be desensitised to them. As an owner, you play a major role in this. If you yourself are anxious around your dog, this can intensify your four-legged friend’s anxiety. Dogs are very sensitive to their owner’s emotions and can pick up on your feelings. It is therefore important that you remain calm in such situations.

Why do fireworks affect dogs?

Animals have much better hearing than humans, and for many pets, loud noises and bright lights can be very frightening. Loud bangs, such as those from fireworks, can trigger a flight or fight response in dogs. The unpredictability of these sounds causes dogs to startle and can lead to panic.

For us humans, fireworks displays, especially around festive occasions such as New Year’s Eve or national celebrations, are something we expect. But for dogs, it’s very different; they don’t understand these traditions and can become overwhelmed by the sudden loud noises and bright flashes of light. In a large UK survey, 49% of owners reported their dog showed fearful reactions to noise when asked about specific signs like trembling or hiding, roughly double the share who said "yes" to a plain question about whether their dog was fearful [1].

It is important to be mindful of your dog’s anxiety and take steps to help them during such times. For example, create a quiet environment where your dog feels safe, and stay calm yourself to reassure them.

Effective calming aids for dogs during fireworks

Make sure you create a calm environment for your dog on nights when there are fireworks. In addition, there are various remedies that can help with this. Effective remedies that can alleviate anxiety in dogs during fireworks are listed below.

• Imby Calm & Chill Supplement
  This calming supplement reduces stress and anxiety, improves your dog’s sleep and reduces hyperactivity and aggression. You will see the best results if you give the supplement daily, so that stress levels are permanently reduced. On evenings when fireworks are set off, it is best to give your dog a double dose to help them cope with the noise.

• Anti-stress Thundershirts
  Thundershirts are recommended for anxious dogs that you still take outside during times when they might feel anxious. A Thundershirt applies gentle, constant pressure to your dog’s torso. In a controlled study of 90 dogs with diagnosed anxiety disorders, the dogs wearing a properly fitted pressure wrap showed a significantly smaller rise in heart rate during a stressful separation than dogs wearing it loosely or wearing nothing at all [2].

• Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
  Hearing protection is important for your dog during loud fireworks. These types of headphones are specially designed to protect your dog’s hearing. It is important, however, that you choose the right size, as this can help reduce the noise level and the shock of the explosions.

How do you recognise a frightened dog?

A frightened dog often shows clear signs, such as flattening its ears, tucking its tail between its legs or seeking protection behind its owner. These behaviours indicate that the dog is not at ease. It is essential to recognise anxiety in your dog at an early stage and to address it. If you ignore the anxiety, it can worsen and lead to problematic behaviour, such as soiling, excessive trembling or constant barking and whining.

What to do with fearful dogs?

Alleviating a dog’s anxiety requires patience and a calm approach. When your dog is startled by something, it is your job to calm them down, and you can only do this if you remain calm yourself. As dogs can pick up on their owners’ emotions, it is important that you stay calm too. Therefore, take the following steps to help a fearful dog settle down again.

1. Stay calm and relaxed yourself.
2. Ensure a calm and safe environment.
3. Use soft and reassuring words.
4. Give the dog space to retreat, but don’t force anything.
5. Reward calm behaviour with praise or a treat.

This approach will help your dog gradually overcome its anxiety.

Sedatives for your dog during fireworks

There are various calming aids that are often used to soothe nervous or overstimulated dogs. Dogs that are extremely frightened by loud bangs or fireworks can also benefit from these. The most common remedies are:

• Imby Calm & Chill Supplement, a natural option
• Bach Flower Remedies
• Zylkène
• Sileo
• Pexion
• Tessie
• Diazepam
• Bonqat

It is important to be cautious with sedatives for dogs, especially when it comes to medication prescribed by a veterinarian. It is therefore always advisable to consult your veterinarian first before administering a sedative. This way, you can be sure it is safe for your dog and avoid any problems. It is also recommended that you do not use chemical sedatives during fireworks. These are not good for your dog’s long-term health.

Sedatives during fireworks: Prepare your dog!

These extra measures can help create a relaxed atmosphere and help your dog cope better in stressful situations.

• Anxious dogs pant more frequently and may therefore become thirsty. Ensure there is plenty of fresh water available.
• Once the fireworks start going off, your dog may be too stressed to eat. So feed him his meal beforehand.
• Close the windows and draw the curtains. This not only blocks the bright light from the fireworks but also muffles the sound.
• Make sure your dog always has a safe place to retreat to if he is scared.
• Be proactive by giving your dog a calming treat for fireworks at least an hour in advance. This will help your dog find some peace before the loud bangs start.
• Play soothing music or white noise. This can help to reduce the sound of the fireworks and calm your dog. You can find playlists online that are specially designed for such moments.

Are sedatives for dogs safe during fireworks?

Sedatives for dogs can be safe if used correctly and recommended by a veterinarian. It is important to choose a product that suits your dog’s specific needs, as some products can have side effects, such as drowsiness, reduced alertness or stomach upset. Therefore, always consult a veterinarian first to determine which sedative is most suitable and safe for your dog during fireworks.

How can I calm my dog during fireworks without medication?

There are various ways to calm your dog during fireworks without medication. For example, create a quiet, safe space where they can retreat, such as a room with few windows and a comfortable bed. Play calming music or white noise to mask the sound of the fireworks. Stay calm yourself and distract your dog with a chew toy or a calming snack made from natural ingredients, such as the Imby Calm & Chill Supplement. A calming vest, such as a Thundershirt (see above), can also help your dog feel safer.