Fireworks, Thunder & Loud Noises: How to Calm Your Dog

Many of us look forward to July 4th festivities punctuated by food, family and fireworks. These time-honored traditions are enjoyed by most, except for some of our furry friends.

It is not unusual to have a dog that is frightened by loud noises. After all, loud noises are one of the biggest causes of anxiety in pups. To your pooch, the booming of thunder and fireworks can seem like a very real threat. Unfortunately, because we cannot prevent these loud noises, we must learn how to detect anxiety within our dogs, and help reduce their overall stress.

Since storms and fireworks are inevitable sources of stress in summer months, we’ve provided this step-by-step guide for addressing noise-induced anxiety.

How to Tell if Your Dog is Stressed
How to Calm Your Dog’s Nervous Behavior
What to do if Your Dog is Afraid of Loud Noises
How to Prevent Anxious Behavior

How to Tell If Your Dog is Stressed

The signs and symptoms of noise induced anxiety can vary significantly from dog to dog. Like humans, pups tend to have their own coping methods when under stress. For example, some like to pace around aimlessly, while others may find a quiet space to hide away.

There are some common signs you can look out for. For example, if you notice some of the following behaviors in your dog during a storm, they’re likely experiencing anxiety.