I hear you about fireworks! Those with dogs that are sensitive to storms have it hard enough without adding fireworks and you just wish people would STOP! They scare your dog, many other animals and even people, particularly those with PTSD.
Sometimes people laugh at your stories about your dog, but you know…
…it’s no laughing matter to have a dog trembling in fear in the corner, chewing things up, peeing in the house or barking non-stop.
Your dog is probably having what is equivalent to a panic attack in a person or they are deeply disturbed by the noise. They can’t think, have no self-control, don’t understand and can often react in destructive ways.
Fireworks in the US start well before July 4th and usually persist afterwards too.
And the storms just keep on coming.
So what can you do? Watch the video above
There are things like anxiety wraps, pheromones, supplements and medications – some for short-term use and some for long-term use but…
…often overlooked is the effect your own reaction has on your dog, especially early on and that’s easy to change.
You mean well and may think you are helping, when in fact you may be making your dog’s experience worse.
Watch this video and no matter what treatment your dog needs, this subtle change in you, can help:
Thanks for watching and reading and now I’d love to hear from you.
Please scroll down and leave a comment.
I have practiced veterinary medicine in the Cleveland area since 1990, with behavior medicine as my primary interest. I help improve the behavior of dogs and cats through a variety of online courses. I also offer one-on-one and group behavior training sessions in the Northeastern Ohio area. 
Thank you once again, Carolyn!
So much of how you approach doggy things are aligned w/ what I’ve told my Zoom Puppy Classes. I usually mention you and Kathy Kawalec, Dancing Hearts as trainers that I promote due to your understanding and building of relationship is needed to build their dogs trust. I will pass this timely info to them. It is an affirmation of what I had shared w/ then in their lessons.
Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸🎇❤️🐾
Sue
Wonderful! Thank you Sue. I’m so glad we are part of the same movement. Happy 4th of July to you also!
Thank you for this video. I grew up in Florida, so I am use to daily thunderstorm storms, and I like to watch them. I love fireworks too, and they don’t seem to bother Bentley at all. I am wondering if this would help Bentley with his fear of these gigantic barred owls. If he hears them he doesn’t want to go outside. He must be sensing my fear. I will work on my own way that I am reacting to them, and try and calm us both.
I’m so glad it helped you, Debbie. Yes, I agree, it could help with the Barred Owl sound. There is one in my woods too – at least one. I love the sound but I can see why it might be spooky! Please let me know how it goes.
Always a pleasure to get advice..Your the best!!
Always nice to hear from you, Gay! Thank you. 🙂
I was surprised by my Andy, not only did he get upset he sometimes looked up to see the fireworks. He was borred and went to sleep through the best parts. He only woke when I came in to go to bed. He moved out of my bed and into his. So proud and happy the neighbor kids prepared him earlier.
That’s wonderful! And Phew! right?
Hi, I have a Beagle/Terrier 8 months old. Her name is Olive. She barks at thunder and fireworks. So far she hasn’t had trembling or sitting on me when she hears it. I will practice your suggestion and hopefully it helps her. Thank you for your emails and videos. Have a safe summer!
Sounds like she might not be scared but possibly annoyed like my dog? If so, I hope making it more of a shared experience will help you. Also remember that dogs can be confused so they look to us for direction. If you can show her you think it’s really cool and don’t get over the top, she may relax. If you do get over the top, that could annoy her like the fireworks annoy her. LOL Please let me know how it goes.
Thank you for this video! Mac had his first episode with fireworks tonight and I was doing exactly what I shouldn’t do. You have helped us so much!
Oh I’m so glad I can be helpful to you, Linda. Thanks for letting me know. Fireworks are SO LOUD, right!? It’s actually very shocking when you think about it and what your dog must be thinking, so it’s easy to fall into the trap of “over-consoling”.
My dog jumps in my lap tries to crawl on head. I wrap him in blanket and hold him, and continue watching fireworks out window ohh and AHH, or if not out window, continue watching TV acting as nothing?
Is that right?
Yes, Gina! Those are good strategies in most cases. Holding him with a blanket is like using an anxiety wrap (or Thundershirt). All good. Hopefully, he will learn to stay calm but if he is also this way with thunderstorms and you live where they come often, you may want to try a supplement or medication to help him. Think about progress – if he is getting better, staying the same or getting worse. You could keep a little journal so you can remember and that can help you decide. If getting worse, then I would take some more action. But thankfully, fireworks won’t last as long and it sounds you are handling this very well. Please let me know how it goes.