Fireworks, Thunderstorms & Freaked-Out Dogs

Fireworks, Thunderstorms & Freaked-Out Dogs


🎇 What’s the Deal, and How Do You Help?

Summer’s great. Fireworks? Not so much — at least if you’re a dog.

Between long weekends, Canada Day, and that neighbour who thinks every Saturday is a reason to blow something up, the skies are about to get loud. And if it’s not fireworks, it’s a thunderstorm.

👉 The hard truth? There will be fireworks. There will be storms.
You can’t stop them. But you can help your dog feel safe, calm, and maybe even unfazed.

🚨 Why Fireworks Feel Like the Apocalypse

You hear “pop.”
Your dog hears: “THE SKY IS COLLAPSING. RUN.”

Here’s why:

• Dogs hear 4x better than we do — so every firework sounds like a cannon blast in their head.

• The noise is unpredictable and disorienting. They can't tell where it's coming from or when it will stop.

• There's a weird chemical smell in the air — like gunpowder and smoke.

• There are also shifts in air pressure, especially during thunderstorms. Dogs are super sensitive to those changes.

• And unlike us, they don’t know it’s just people celebrating. They think something is very wrong.

Some dogs are totally chill about it. But for others, loud sounds can trigger genuine panic — and it’s not something they can just “get over.”

⚠️ Panic Mode: Signs Your Dog’s Not Coping

Some dogs internalize it. Others go full drama. Either way, here are some signs they’re not okay:

• Shaking like a leaf

• Pacing, panting, or drooling

• Hiding in weird places (bathtub, closet, behind the toilet)

• Whining, barking, or howling

• Refusing food

• Trying to escape — out windows, off-leash, even digging through walls (YEP, it's happened!)

🛠️ Let’s Fix This: How to Help

You can’t stop the fireworks, but you can help your dog feel safer and more in control. Think of yourself as their emotional support human.

✔️ Before the Booms Begin

• Get in a good walk or play session early to burn off nerves.

• Set up a cozy den — dark, quiet, safe. Think: crate, closet, or bathroom with a blanket over it.

• Serve dinner early, especially if they tend to skip meals when anxious.

• Feed calming foods: turkey (tryptophan!), pumpkin, or a frozen raw meaty bone.

• Try natural calming supports:

  • Ashwagandha (in dog-safe form and dose)

  • CBD (if legal and pet-safe)

  • Adaptogenic blends recommended by your holistic vet

  • Chamomile tea (cooled, no sugar or additives)

• Bust out the thunder shirt, anxiety vest, or DIY one with a scarf (more on that below).

• Keep your own energy chill. If you’re hyped up, your dog will be too.
  And hey, don’t be that person rage-posting in the community Facebook group or marching around with a picket sign trying to cancel fireworks. Like it or not, these things will happen. Your best move is to stay calm, stay prepared, and help your dog ride it out safely.

🧥 DIY Thunder Shirt (No Sewing Required)

No vest? No problem. You can make one at home in 2 minutes:

🧵 What You’ll Need:

• A long, soft, stretchy fabric (like a scarf, baby wrap, or Ace bandage)

• Approx. 3–6 inches wide and 3–5 feet long (adjust for dog size)

• Avoid anything stiff, scratchy, or too tight

🌀 Step-by-Step Body Wrap:

1. Find the Middle of the Fabric

• Hold the fabric so the middle rests on your dog’s chest, right at the front (between the front legs).

2. Cross Under the Chest

• Bring both ends under the chest and cross them once between the front legs, then bring the ends up and over the shoulders.

3. Cross Over the Back

• Cross the ends over the dog’s back, making an X right behind the shoulder blades.

4. Wrap Under the Belly

• Bring the ends under the belly and cross them again if there’s enough length.

5. Tie Off on the Side

• Tie the wrap off to one side of the spine (never directly over it), around the ribs or flank. It should be snug but not tight.

✅ Tips for Success

• Keep it snug but gentle—like a comforting hug.

• Don’t restrict movement or cover genitals.

• Use only when needed—for fireworks, storms, travel, or vet visits.

• If your dog seems uncomfortable, remove the wrap and try again later with less pressure or a different material.

• It should feel like a hug — snug but not tight
  ✅ You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the wrap.

• Always supervise while it’s on, and remove if your dog seems uncomfortable

🧠 Science check: Pressure wraps like thunder shirts use deep pressure stimulation (DPS), which has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of the body responsible for rest, digestion, and calm.

A 2011 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that anxiety wraps significantly reduced heart rate and visible signs of stress in dogs exposed to thunderstorm recordings.

(Fish et al., 2011)

✔️ When It All Goes Boom

• Stay calm. Your dog’s watching you for cues.

• Shut windows, close curtains, and dim the lights.

• Add white noise: turn on a fan, ound machine, or calming music (Spotify has dog playlists!).

• Distract with a chew, lick mat, or frozen treat — licking helps calm the nervous system.

• Be close, but let your dog choose whether they want space or cuddles.

✔️ After the Chaos

• Let them decompress. Don’t rush them back to “normal.”

• Stick to routine — it brings a sense of safety.

• If your dog was really rattled, talk to a holistic vet about long-term calming support or anxiety protocols.

🎧 Desensitization Training

Can you train your dog to be less scared? Sometimes!

This is a proactive way to help your dog feel less fearful:

• Start by playing recorded fireworks or thunder sounds at a very low volume.

• While the sound plays, offer high-value treats, gentle play, or calming massage.

• Gradually increase the volume over days or weeks — only as long as your dog stays relaxed.

• The goal is to pair the noise with something positive, so they start to rewire their response.

💡 Pro tip: Start this well in advance of fireworks season, and go at your dog’s pace. This doesn’t work overnight — but it can make a big difference long-term.

🙅‍♀️ What Not to Do

Some good intentions can backfire. Here’s what not to do:

• Don’t punish your dog for being scared — it only makes things worse.

• Don’t force affection — let them decide if they want comfort or space.

• Don’t leave them outside — even if your yard is fenced. Panicked dogs can climb or break out.

• Don’t assume they’ll “get used to it.” Without support, fear often gets worse with time.

• Don’t wait until the day of to make a plan — prep early so everyone’s calmer when the booms begin.

💬 Real Talk: You’re Doing Great

If your dog melts down every time the sky rumbles, you’re not alone — and you’re not a bad dog parent. Fear of fireworks and storms is incredibly common.

The best thing you can do?
Be their calm, steady anchor in the middle of the chaos.

You’ve got this. And they’ve got you. 🐾

🐶 Need more ideas, hacks, or dog wisdom?
Give us a nudge! We’re always game to fetch fresh content—just say the word and we’ll be back at the keyboard faster than your dog spots a squirrel. 🐿️💨