Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks (and How to Help)
by Carol Bryant
Published on May 30, 2025
Sure, they are loud and obnoxious, but did you ever ask yourself, “Why are dogs scared of fireworks?” Fireworks season is fun for many humans, while some dogs don’t mind them, many do. Fortunately, helping your dog manage the fear and anxiety of bombs bursting in the air is possible.
In this article, Vetstreet will discuss the causes of dogs’ fireworks fears, how to help them, and some recommended products to make things easier.
Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?
Dogs are different than humans in more ways than one. A dog’s hearing is much more acute than a human’s. A dog’s hearing can detect frequencies and volumes beyond human capacity. Fireworks are loud to us, so imagine how upsetting it is at 190 decibels soaring through the air.
All your dog knows is there’s an unpredictability and sudden nature to what sounds like the end of their world. Dogs and fireworks don’t mesh well together because fireworks, unlike thunderstorms, are entirely random. With a thunderstorm, the sky darkens, there is a smell of rain in the air, and dogs anticipate incoming bad weather.
Other factors affecting a dog’s reaction to fireworks include their breed, age, and overall temperament. I’ve shared life with three Cocker Spaniels to date. The first two were petrified of fireworks because they had negative experiences around them. My current dog couldn’t care less about them.
If your dog has been traumatized by loud sounds or was not desensitized in the early development stages of puppyhood (3 to 12 weeks old), it may develop noise phobias at some point.
Signs Your Dog Is Afraid of Fireworks
Like people, each dog is unique, so how yours reacts to fireworks may be different for a neighbor’s or friend’s dog. Some common signs your dog is not happy with the loud sounds from fireworks include:
- Trembling
- Pacing
- Whining or howling
- Indoor potty accidents
- Clinging close to their pet parents
- Trying to flee or escape
- Not wanting to eat or drink
- Drooling, yawning, or licking their lips
- Hiding behind furniture or in another room
Not all dogs make a big deal about it, but watch for outward signs and your dog’s reaction when the boom-booms light up the sky.
How to Help a Dog That’s Scared of Fireworks
Put yourself in your dog’s shoes, er paws. If you are living your best life and suddenly there’s chaos in the sky, bothering you to the core, this is your dog’s nightmare in real time.
Consider these pro tips, including ones I use myself and tell other pet parents to try:
Monitor Your Behavior
Dogs respond to what their humans do. Don’t freak out. Be calm, be present, be thoughtful.
Create a Safe Doggy Space
Perhaps that’s your dog’s kennel or crate, a separate room, a noise-reduction room, or anywhere your dog feels safe. Some pet parents leave the area and stay at a hotel or away from the chaos until the fireworks are over.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
Not all dogs can be managed with over-the-counter solutions, although many can. More about that shortly. Speak with your veterinarian weeks ahead of a fireworks-type holiday or event. They can determine if your dog qualifies for prescription medication or therapies.
Try White Noise Machines or Calming Music
Consider calming music, not blasting loud music in the home when fireworks occur. This can be detrimental and make dogs more nervous.
Janet Marlow, a fifth-generation musician in her family of composers, created Pet Acoustics in 1994. Her research discovered that dogs can hear sounds from 80 feet away, whereas humans can only hear them at 20 feet away. She created music for dogs and cats that can be played on the go or at home to soothe your pet’s nervousness.
Keep Doors Closed and Windows Locked
There are documented cases of dogs and cats smashing through windows and bolting out doors to escape the scary sounds. At the Fourth of July, most pets go missing because they are afraid and trying to seek refuge.
Vetstreet’s Favorite Products to Help Dogs During Fireworks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
CBD Products Formulated for Dogs
In conjunction with your veterinarian’s approval, a high-quality, canine-formulated CBD product may benefit your fearful pup.
Vetstreet put together a list of 10 options for calming your pup. (#10 is one of my favorites.) These products don’t work overnight, and the effect is cumulative in most cases.
Anxiety Supplements for Dogs
While CBD is a viable option for pet parents to consider, other anxiety-related calming agents may benefit your dog.
Vetstreet’s article about anxiety supplements for dogs, which a veterinarian reviewed, describes a variety of formulas and methods of administering the products to dogs. Some dogs prefer a chew, while others do well with liquid or powder.
Non-Medical Products for Firework-Fearful Dogs
In addition to the slew of products found in the above articles, there are a few items many pet parents have success with. These include:
Anti-Anxiety Wraps
Consider the Thundershirt, which features a patent-pending technology that applies gentle pressure to your pooch, which can help to soothe and calm them like a gentle hug. Again, the product should be used when fireworks aren’t high in the sky so your dog understands it’s a good thing and not to be feared.
White Noise Machine
I like to use a white noise machine when I sleep, and I discovered my dogs do, too. I’ve used a white noise machine for babies and adults at a nice price point. Simply turn it on and lull your dog with classic lullabies, different white noises, or nature sounds. It travels well, too.
Pheromones
Pheromone-based products mimic the pheromones puppies receive from their mom when nursing. It sends calming signals to their brain that don’t cause sedation.
A few examples of pheromone products are the Adaptil Calm Home Diffusers, ThunderEase Pheromone Spray, and the ThunderEase Calming Collar.
Final Thoughts on Dogs Scared of Fireworks
As a lifelong dog mom and pet industry expert, I’ve also experienced dogs afraid of fireworks in my own life. What works for one, may not work for another. Some people coddle their dogs, and they say it works. My dogs never wanted to be held.
You are not alone if your dog is fearful of loud sounds. As you can see, help is available. Always talk to your veterinarian before starting any new supplements.
Prepare early, and for further information on keeping your dog calm, check out Vetstreet’s other related articles:
