28/12/2025
I see a lot of advice for dogs and their fear of fireworks or loud bangs like thunders.
1. Medication: Medication can be considered if the dog exhibits extreme anxiety or panic, becomes unreachable/responsive, or injures itself or the environment by creating a dangerous situation. Always consult your veterinarian about this, and DO NOT use medication intended for humans.
2. Ear socks: A sock over a dog's ears is ineffective against the sound of fireworks. A sock is too thin to muffle loud bangs and can also be uncomfortable or even very stressful for the dog. A dog's hearing is much stronger than a human's. Dogs hear higher pitches and can perceive sounds that are three to four times farther away.
What are some options for this "problem"?
1. Training: The RIGHT training helps dogs (and owners) respond appropriately, stay calmer, and react less anxiously.
2. Thundershirt: This doesn't muffle sound, but applies even pressure to the body, which has a calming effect on many dogs. DIY-ing this is not recommended, as incorrect pressure can exacerbate anxiety and be dangerous for the dog.
3. Sounds: A quiet place and background noise such as a radio.
NOTE:
I already hear owners of young dogs who have never experienced fireworks talking about giving them medication or put them away in a room so they dont "hear" the fireworks. Be a responsible owner and start training your dog early, as it doesn't have to end in fear, which is usually caused by the owner.
And for people on the street: be careful of fleeing dogs and where you set off fireworks. Don't do this towards dogs (or other animals).
Have a safe weeks of fireworks :)