Fourth of July.
You: Fireworks!
Your dog: THE SKY IS EXPLODING AND APPARENTLY NO ONE ELSE IS CONCERNED.
If your dog disappears into the closet the second thunder starts or begins pacing before you've even heard the first firework, you know how hard it is to watch your baby be scared of something you can't explain to them.
And while you can't sit them down and tell them that the boom outside isn't actually the end of the world, there are things you can do to help them feel safer.
First, Know What Fear Can Look Like
Not every scared dog hides under the bed.
Some shake. Some pant. Some pace. Some bark. Some suddenly become your 70-pound lap dog.
Others may try to hide or escape.
Pay attention to what's normal for your dog. Noise fears can range from mild nervousness to full panic, and dogs experiencing extreme fear can sometimes hurt themselves trying to escape.
Give Them Somewhere to Hide
If your dog has already selected the downstairs bathroom as their official Thunderstorm Bunker, don't fight it.
Give them access to a quiet, comfortable area where they feel safe.
Close windows and curtains to help reduce the noise and flashes of light. Turn on the TV, a fan, music, or white noise to help soften what's happening outside.
Add their bed, favorite blanket, or a few familiar toys.
Basically: if your dog wants to build a fort, we're building a fort.
One important note: a crate can be comforting for dogs who already love their crate. But a frightened dog who panics when confined shouldn't suddenly be locked in one during fireworks.
It's Okay to Comfort Your Dog
If your dog comes looking for you, you don't need to pretend they don't exist.
Sit with them. Let them curl up next to you. Speak normally. Give them affection if that's something they find comforting.
You aren't going to ruin your dog by loving them through a scary moment.
Just try to keep the overall environment as calm and normal as possible.
Plan Ahead When You Can
Thunderstorms don't exactly send calendar invites.
Fireworks are a little easier.
If you know it's going to be a loud night, get your dog's walk and potty break in before things get going.
Make sure doors, gates, and windows are secure. Keep your dog inside once fireworks start, and check that their collar, ID tag, and microchip information are current.
Scared dogs can behave very differently than they normally do, including trying to escape.
This is one night we're perfectly happy being the overprotective parent.
Give Them Something Else to Think About
If your dog is still interested in food or play, give them something enjoyable to focus on.
A favorite chew, lick mat, puzzle, toy, or other activity may help.
If they're too scared to care about any of it, don't force it. Your dog isn't being difficult. They're scared.
Sometimes sitting next to Mom on the bathroom floor is the activity.
You Can Work on Noise Fears Before the Next Storm
If your dog regularly struggles with loud noises, you don't necessarily have to wait until the next thunderstorm to work on it.
Gradual desensitization and counterconditioning can help some dogs become more comfortable with sounds over time. The important word there is gradual.
This doesn't mean turning fireworks sounds up to full volume and hoping your dog gets used to them.
Training starts at a level that doesn't cause fear and progresses slowly while pairing the sound with positive experiences.
For dogs with significant noise fears, work with your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional on a plan that's appropriate for your dog.
Where Calming Support Can Fit In
Some pet parents also include calming support as part of their dog's routine around stressful events.
Depending on your dog, that might include environmental changes, behavioral training, calming supplements or other veterinarian-recommended options.
The key word is support.
A chew isn't going to convince your dog that fireworks are suddenly fantastic. Think of calming products as one possible piece of a bigger plan for helping your dog through situations they find stressful.
And if you're considering giving your dog something new — especially if they take medication or have a health condition — talk with your veterinarian first.
When It's More Than Being a Little Scared
If your dog is panicking, trying to escape, hurting themselves, destroying things trying to get out, or taking a very long time to recover after loud noises stop, talk with your veterinarian.
Severe noise fear deserves attention.
Your vet can also help determine whether there are other medical or behavioral factors involved and discuss options that may help.
You're Their Safe Place
We wish we could explain thunderstorms to dogs.
That's rain.
That was thunder.
No, the neighbors setting off fireworks at 11:47 p.m. on a Tuesday are not attacking us.
Unfortunately, they wouldn't understand a word.
What they do understand is that when something scary happens, you're there.
So close the curtains. Turn up the TV. Make room on the couch.
And if tonight requires sharing your pillow with a shaking 65-pound baby?
Scoot over.
