30 Best Ways to Calm Your Dog During Storms and Fireworks

Loud noises and flashing lights are alarming for dogs, especially during thunderstorms and fireworks displays. As a result, many dogs experience overwhelming anxiety and fear. While some dogs aren’t affected by these events, others react by cowering, pacing, crying, whimpering and howling. It’s heartbreaking to see your dog suffering and feel as if you’re powerless to do anything about it. 

But you can help calm your dog by taking proactive steps. Being prepared and, in some cases, desensitizing your pet can make all of the difference to your dog’s well-being and state of mind. We all want to have happier, healthier and calmer canine companions, so here are some tips to help both you and your dog get through these potentially stressful holidays and weather conditions.

Fireworks are a wonderful experience for humans. They light up the night sky with spectacular colors and intricate designs. Unfortunately for your dog, fireworks can be torture. If your dog never reacted negatively to them before, that doesn’t mean the loud sounds or crowds won’t upset them this time. You may be enjoying the show, and the next thing you know, your dog has made a break for it. By the time you react, they’re already making their way through the crowd away from you. 

Dogs can appear calm on the outside but are anxious on the inside, and sometimes, there isn’t any warning when they panic. It’s better for everyone if you leave your dog at home. It will give you peace of mind, not upset your dog and allow both of you to avoid any negative experiences.

Generally, there’s some advanced warning with fireworks and thunderstorms. We know fireworks are crucial for July 4 and New Year’s celebrations and know to expect them. Also, when there’s to be a fireworks display for a non-holiday reason, people who live in the immediate area will be notified beforehand. When a big storm is coming, complete with thunderclouds, the weather report will let you know. 

If you’re aware of any potential booms, bangs and other loud sounds that may disturb your dog, a great option is to simply get out of town. Go somewhere with milder weather or to someplace out of range of the fireworks.  

If your dog panics and somehow manages to get out of your house and runs away, you want to be sure to have a way to track them down. Microchipping is a mostly pain-free procedure where your vet will place a microchip under the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. The procedure will cost approximately $50 and often includes listing your dog in a pet recovery database. 

The chip will have important information on it, including a unique number that corresponds to your dog and how to contact you if your dog is found. It’s not a tracking device, and a scanner must be used to get the information the microchip contains, but it can save you a great deal of worry and heartache. 

Dogs have a lot of energy — even the older ones, so they must get exercised daily. If you take them on a good walk earlier in the day, it will expel some of their energy and leave them in a more relaxed mood. If you have the time, let the walk turn into an extended playtime. 

Take your dog to the dog park, the beach or play with them in your backyard. You want them to get a good workout so that they’ll feel tired but relaxed. Also, being outside for an extended amount of time may cut down on their need to go to the bathroom and help your dog avoid having an accident inside your house.