Aaah Diwali. It is a special time and my favourite festival as a kid. From seeing the family together, to all new stuff, to a sugar rush that lasts for a week after and yes the fireworks. The crux of any kids’ Diwali used to be firecrackers. Unfortunately, also the reason for our furbuddies’ anxiety and trauma as well.
Why is it so? Is it only Diwali, or is there more to this explosive tale? What causes dog noise phobia/anxiety/fear/trauma? What can we do about it? Just a few of the questions we will be addressing in this blog. Let’s dig in, paws first, and wade into it.
From starting young with pups so they don’t ever imprint with anxiety behaviours to dealing with older, already reactive doggos with anxiety and fear issues, this write-up will address issues from all stages and even attempt to offer solutions to problems that stem from mistakes already made and needing to be ”un-made”.
We will also outline tools, techniques and even professional help required to deal with ‘when your dog is scared of fireworks or loud noises’.
Why the Fur-ocious Fear?
The crux of it is that Dogs have VERY keen senses that make them often susceptible to anxiety and fear when confronted with loud and sudden noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or even construction sounds. Left unaddressed, these can lead to a few behavioural problems. Fortunately, there are effective techniques and methods to help dogs overcome their fear of noises and fireworks.
Our pups hear frequencies up to 60,000 Hertz compared to humans who can’t hear over 20,000 Hertz. The human high sensitivity range is between 128 and 4000 Hertz while for dogs it is 200 to 15,000 Hertz. What this means is that sudden and loud noises combined with high sensitivity can be overwhelming for them, leading to fear and anxiety. This fear can manifest in various ways, including trembling, hiding, barking excessively, or even destructive behaviour.
Of course the easiest time (relatively) to deal with and pre-empt such situations and behaviour is when they are puppies. Starting early always has benefits.
Method 1 – The Chill Pill Approach
You will recall from the BaSIX that attention is reward. It follows that attention of any kind immediately following a fear reaction to a sudden loud noise will simply reinforce the fear and cause it to imprint as a valid reaction. It is counterintuitive to do, but quite necessary to inculcate calmness in them.
Primarily do nothing and ignore the initial fear reactions. Your pup will go by your reaction. Behave like there is nothing that deserves attention let alone fear. Observe your buddy and when he/she calms down, a quick pet or even a little treat will reinforce the good behaviour.
Of course this method works best for early habituation
Method 2 – The Active or pre-emptive method
The generally accepted methods to train/condition doggos to handle the overstimulation or sudden and persistent noises are called Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning which are almost always applied in tandem.
Desensitization is the term used when we train to reduce sensitivity to a specific and recognized fear stimulus and in this specific case, Diwali Fireworks
Counter-Conditioning is the technique used to change a dog’s emotional response to sudden stimuli like loud noises. The goal is to pre-empt and or replace fear with a positive emotion like calmness or excitement.
Implementation
a. Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, secure space where your dog can retreat when noises start, a dog firework safety zone. Stock it with familiar toys and bedding. This can be a crate, bed or just the spot the puppy normally gets comfortable in. This is of course in case the dog still needs the ”escape”.
b. Gradual Exposure: Gradually expose your dog to the feared noise at a low volume. For instance, play a recording of fireworks or thunder at a barely audible level while engaging in normal behaviour/activity or in case you observe the initial signs of fear behaviour, positive activities like play or treats.
c. Reinforce with Rewards: Whenever your dog remains calm during these low-level exposures, reward them with treats, praise, or playtime. This positive association will help them view the noise as a signal for good things.
d. Increase Intensity Gradually: Over time, gradually increase the volume of the noise while continuing to reward calm behaviour. The goal is to desensitise your dog to the sound gradually. Observe the body language and behaviour carefully and step back to a reduced volume should you see the fear reaction start along with withdrawing attention. Also, as the dog gets accustomed or comfortable as you increase the volume, start playing the noise at more random moments. The sounds always start unexpectedly and startle them.
Gradually and correctly applied, the processes of Desensitization and Counterconditioning can be very effective in addressing most doggos fear reactions. Helping your dog overcome its fear of noises and fireworks requires patience, consistency, and a well-thought-out training plan. The key is to create positive associations with the feared sounds.
While it may be needless to mention we would remind you to NEVER scold or punish your dog in ANY way for a fear/anxiety reaction no matter how frustrated you might get. You will only exacerbate the issue.
Remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If your dog is a bit older and has a history of severe anxiety reactions to loud noises or fireworks, we would recommend consulting a certified trainer or behaviourist.
Some tools / Techniques to help handle the issue
Thunder Shirts: A thunder shirt is a specialised anxiety-reducing garment that applies gentle pressure to your dog’s body, which can have a calming effect. Various versions exist online and so do instructions to make one should you not find one easily to buy.
Music Magic: Soft calming music that drown out the external noises.
Calming Environment: Aromas of some herbs such as Chamomile or Lavender used in diffusers create a calming atmosphere.
Distract & Delight: Keep your furball entertained with toys or puzzle feeders loaded with goodies
Medications! The Last Resort
Consider this dog noise anxiety medication only if all else fails and only on the explicit prescription of a Veterinarian. Fluoxetine is a common anxiety medication for dogs and melatonin is a supplement that has a calming effect and helps them sleep better.
During Diwali Week
So whether you have done the Counterconditioning properly or not, when the week of fireworks comes along, here is a summary of what you can do.
- Keep Your Dog Indoors: When the fireworks extravaganza is on, keep your dog indoors. Keep a watch on the door because escape and running away is an extreme but not uncommon anxiety reaction.
- Leash Love: Use a leash when walking even if you have trained to walk off leash before. Get a collar with your number on it and avoid late night walks during this period.
- Close Windows and Curtains: Close all windows and curtains to minimize the visual and auditory stimuli from fireworks.
- Play Soothing Music: Soft, soothing music can help drown out the noise from fireworks. Classical or calming music can be particularly effective in relaxing your dog.
- Provide Distractions: Keep your dog engaged with toys or activities that they enjoy. Puzzle toys filled with treats can be a great way to keep their minds occupied.
- Stay Calm: Dogs can pick up on their owner’s emotions. If you remain calm and composed during the fireworks, your dog is more likely to feel safe and secure.
In a nutshell, with the right prep, safety, and tips outlined in this mini guide, you can help your dog navigate Diwali with minimal stress and anxiety. Remember that every dog is unique, so be patient and adapt your approach as needed. Remember; as long as we make a disciplined effort to make our doggos life better, It is, and will remain, All Good!
About the author: The author of this article is ‘The Good Paws’. We’re here to make the bad good, and the good, even better! from dirty toe beans to yummy treats, whatever the problem, or whatever the need, it’s all good! Every member is valued in our community.
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Good article. Dog anxiety during Deewali fireworks is really worrisome. Counter conditioning is a good idea. Will try.