9 Best Ways to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks
The holiday season can often cause fear and anxiety in dogs due to the loud sounds of fireworks and firecrackers. Based on reviews and dog owners' experiences, we have compiled 9 effective products and methods to help calm your dog during fireworks! Before trying any of these approaches, be sure to consult your veterinarian to determine the best and safest solution for your dog.
In this post:
1. CBD Oil for Dogs
CBD oil has become popular among dog owners as one of the best calming aids for dogs during fireworks. As a natural supplement derived from industrial hemp, it contains no THC, which means it won't cause psychoactive effects. It's commonly used to help calm dogs during stressful situations, such as fireworks anxiety.
By interacting with the dog's endocannabinoid system, CBD can reduce stress, anxiety, and physical tension. Many owners report that just a few drops during events like fireworks can significantly calm their dogs, with effects often noticeable within 30-60 minutes. For best results, it's advisable to start administering the oil a few days before a stressful event.
Always consult with your veterinarian before giving CBD oil to your dog for guidance on appropriate strength and dosage tailored to your pet's size and needs.
One popular option among users is Cibapet CBD Oil.
2. Husse Antistress Tablets for Dogs
These calming tablets for dogs are made from plant-based ingredients, including natural extracts of chamomile, valerian, and lemon balm. They’re an easy way to help dogs cope with fireworks as they help soothe dogs without causing sedation, providing gentle relaxation. The tablets typically begin to take effect after several days of consistent use.
Dog owners have reported significant reductions in stress during noisy events, with their dogs remaining calm and cheerful during fireworks. For optimal results, it is recommended to start giving the tablets at least one week in advance.
As always, consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement to your dog's routine to ensure it is safe and suitable for their needs.
Husse Antistress Tablets are available at various retail locations and on the official Husse website.
3. Bach Rescue Drops for Animals
You may have heard of Bach Therapy, also known as Bach Flower Remedies. These are natural preparations created to address emotional issues such as stress, insecurity, and sadness in humans. These remedies have been proven safe for everyone, including children and pregnant women.
Bach Rescue Drops for Animals are a great option to comfort a dog scared of fireworks, as they are specifically formulated to alleviate anxiety and stress in animals. Made from a blend of flower essences, these drops target the dog's emotional state, helping them remain calm without the sedative effects often associated with other treatments. Many dog owners have reported positive experiences, particularly for dogs that become frightened during fireworks or thunderstorms, highlighting the drops' effectiveness in calming without altering behavior.
As always, it is essential to consult your veterinarian before use to ensure safety and proper application.
Bach Rescue Drops and other Bach Flower Remedies can be purchased from their official website, where you will also find authorized retailers and detailed product information.
4. DiaCalm Paste for Dogs
DiaCalm is a calming paste, a fast-acting solution for dogs experiencing fireworks anxiety. Featuring natural ingredients such as tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin, often known as the "feel-good" hormone. It acts quickly, with effects usually noticeable within 10-20 minutes, making it especially effective during stressful situations like fireworks, firecrackers, or thunderstorms.
Many dog owners praise DiaCalm for its rapid action during fireworks and dogs’ anxiety-related behaviors, such as shaking or restlessness, as it helps to calm dogs without altering their overall behavior.
As always, it's important to consult your veterinarian before using this product to determine the correct dosage and to ensure it is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
DiaCalm dog calming paste can be found at various retail locations, including the official website.
5. RexSpecs Ear Protection for Dogs
RexSpecs ear protection for dogs was originally developed for working dogs in the U.S. military, addressing their exposure to extreme noise. Made from high-quality materials for exceptional durability, these ear protectors are designed to fit securely over a dog's head, ensuring long-term comfort. The protective cups reduce loud sounds, easing noise-related stress and making dogs less sensitive without isolating them.
Dog owners have shared mixed feedback: while some report that it’s an effective way to help dogs cope with fireworks as they seem calmer and even sleep better, others mention that it takes time for their pets to adjust to wearing the ear protectors.
RexSpecs ear protection can be purchased from various retailers, including the official RexSpecs website, where additional information, product details, and results from their testing can be found.
6. Sound Desensitization for Dogs
Many dog owners have found sound desensitization to be a highly effective method for helping their dogs cope with fireworks and loud noises. This technique involves exposing dogs to firework sounds, available on YouTube. Start with a low volume and gradually increase it. This controlled exposure helps dogs get used to the noises.
For the best results, pair this training with positive reinforcement, such as treats, playtime, or praise. This helps dogs associate the noise of fireworks with positive experiences. Over time, they should become better at tolerating fireworks and feel more comfortable during walks when fireworks occur.
While this method has shown excellent outcomes, it requires consistency, time, and patience. It's important to begin the desensitization process well in advance of the fireworks season.
7. Tellington TTouch Method for Dogs
The Tellington TTouch method is a gentle and unique approach to working with animals. It combines specific touch techniques, movements, and wrapping to enhance behavior, well-being, and overall health.
The method has two core components:
TTouch: This involves gentle, circular movements applied to the dog's skin. These touches help relax the dog, increase body awareness, and reduce stress.
Wrapping: This technique uses special wraps or bandages that are gently placed around the dog’s body to provide light and calming pressure. This can help comfort dogs scared of fireworks and reduce their overall anxiety.
Besides reducing stress and anxiety, the TTouch method enhances trust and deepens the bond between dogs and their owners. Many dog owners report excellent results with this method, expressing satisfaction with its calming effects on their dogs during fireworks.
More information, research, resources, and guides can be found on the official Tellington TTouch website. If you are in France, you can also explore updates and workshop schedules through the official French Tellington TTouch platform.
8. ThunderShirt Calming Vest for Dogs
The ThunderShirt calming vest is highly regarded by dog owners for its effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety in various situations, including fireworks anxiety in dogs. The vest works by applying gentle, constant pressure around the dog's torso and chest, which has a naturally calming effect and creates a sense of safety during stressful events like fireworks and thunderstorms.
Additionally, the ThunderShirt can help alleviate anxiety during separation, travel, veterinary visits, training sessions, and other stressful scenarios.
The ThunderShirt calming vest is suitable for dogs weighing between 4 and 50 kilograms (9 to 110 pounds), making it an excellent option for most breeds.
9. Zylkene Capsules for Stressful Situations
Zylkene capsules are a natural dietary supplement designed for both dogs and cats to help reduce anxiety and stress. The main ingredient, alpha-casozepine, is a bioactive milk protein derived from casein that promotes a calming effect. It helps the nervous system so pets feel more relaxed and secure during stressful situations, such as fireworks, without causing sedation.
The dosage depends on your dog's size, and capsules should be given once daily. You can open the capsules and mix the contents with your dog's food for easier administration. It is recommended to start using Zylkene about 5 to 7 days before fireworks typically begin for optimal results.
Zylkene capsules are safe for long-term use in dogs of all ages, but always consult your veterinarian for the correct dosage, especially if your dog is on other medications.
Zylkene capsules can be purchased at veterinary clinics, pet stores, and online retailers.
BONUS TIPS: Luxury Harness for Stress-Free Walks!
Even during fireworks season, dogs need their regular walks. To ensure these outings are as safe and stress-free as possible for both you and your dog, we recommend using high-quality dog harnesses. Harnesses offer better control and increased safety in stressful and unpredictable situations, for example, if your dog fears fireworks and is prone to pulling.
Harnesses distribute pressure across a dog’s chest, minimizing the risk of neck and spine injuries from pulling. They also enhance control and reduce escape risk if a dog becomes agitated. Choosing high-quality, comfortable harnesses is essential for reliability and safety.
At Le ChouChou Paris, we offer a wide range of luxury dog harnesses. Our collections include:
Classic Y-H harnesses, which provide balanced pressure distribution and comfort.
Step-in harnesses, designed for easy use and a secure fit.
All our harnesses are crafted from premium materials to ensure safety, while their timeless style adds elegance to your dog’s appearance. Most importantly, they provide maximum comfort and reliability, which is especially crucial during stressful times for dogs, like fireworks season.
Finding a harness that fits your dog perfectly is essential. For assistance in selecting the right size, please visit our size guide or check out our detailed blog post on this topic.
Conclusion
We hope some of these tips will help your dog remain calm during fireworks! Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new supplements or techniques. These options are highly recommended by dog owners for helping dogs cope with fireworks. Wishing you and your pet friends a happy and peaceful holiday season!
