Fido and Fireworks
Canada Day brings celebration and joy, but for many dogs, fireworks can feel like a nightmare. If your pup gets anxious during the big booms and bright lights, here are a few gentle ways to make the evening easier for them:
- Stay in together: Keep your dog indoors during fireworks. It’s much safer than outside where they might panic or try to run away.
- Create a safe space: Set up a cozy spot where your dog can relax – somewhere quiet, with their favorite blanket or toy. A familiar space helps them feel secure.
- Use soothing sounds: Soft background noise, like calming music or a fan, can help block out the sound of explosions.
- Relax: Dogs are sensitive to our emotions. Staying calm and relaxed shows them there’s nothing to fear.
- Take a walk before the fireworks start: Taking a quiet walk before all the hoopla starts will help your dog feel more settled when the noise starts.
- If you must go and watch the fireworks, leave your dog at home. For their safety, put them in a quiet room and put on some background sounds to help soothe them.
Canada Day should be a celebration for everyone – including your dog. With just a little planning, you can help your dog feel safe, secure, and at peace.
Have a great weekend and a happy, safe Canada Day celebration – and remember: Stay calm and lead on.
3 Comments on “Fido and Fireworks”
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Happy Dawgs Obedience Training 
That is great advice. We don’t have a lot of Canada Day celebrations in Texas but 4th of July is coming up, and our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is terrified of fireworks. He was traumatized when someone misfired an illegal rocket bomb in our direction when I was out walking him. Even I, who threw handgrenades in the Swedish army, was traumtaized. Some people are so careless. Anyway, he has found a safe spot on our oldest son’s bed and we’ve realized why. Our son’s room is the most sound proof room in the house and it is sort closed in like a cave. I should say that our Leonberger and our Pug was not afraid of fireworks at all, but Rollo is and out German Shepherd was terrified of fireworks too.
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Hi Thomas. I’m so sorry that Rollo had that experience. I’m glad he’s found a safe spot to retreat to when the sounds are big and scary and overwhelming for him. My girl can tolerate fireworks, but she’s become terrified of big thunderstorms since we had a really bad experience several years ago where she and I got caught out in a big one that involved hail. It’s heartbreaking to see our pets in such suffering. We all do the best we can, but there’s only so much we can do.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Thomas. I appreciate it. Have a great day.
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Our Rollo is scared of thunder too. Thank you so much Holly and I wish you a great day as well.
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