Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?
How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this New Year’s.
New Year’s Eve is a joyful time for celebration and reflection — but for our dogs, it’s also the day when the dreaded fireworks displays start up again. Fireworks are a huge source of stress for many dogs, and they can be a legitimate health hazard, too. All dogs deserve to bring in 2026 with cheer, so we talked to Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, veterinarian and director of primary care at Bond Vetopens in new tab, about how to keep your pup safe this holiday.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
The short answer: Loud noises can be scaryopens in new tab to many pets. The booming blasts of fireworks are unexpected and unpredictable, and fireworks are likely much louder than most sounds your pet is used to hearing. If you have a dog who’s scared of thunderstorms, they’ll likely be freaked out by fireworks, too.
Snap a pic of your pup’s teeth, and GREENIES™ will help you spot potential signs of oral health issues.
“Similar to thunderstorms, fireworks causing loud, unpredictable noises can be interpreted as a threat to dogs, causing them to hide, show signs of anxiety (panting, trembling, pacing, whining), or run,” Dr. Fadl says.
Between the loud noises and bright lights, fireworks can also create sensory overload in animals, resulting in a panicked fight-or-flight response. Your dog doesn’t know that there isn’t a real threat, and they may experience an adrenaline rush that results in rising blood pressure and a faster heart rate. This feeling of danger causes some pets to attempt to escape or even react with aggression toward other animals and humans in the home.
How much do you spend on your pet per year?
How are fireworks dangerous to dogs?
Fireworks are risky to dogs for multiple reasons, so it’s best to keep your pets safely indoors during any New Year’s celebrations. In addition to a sense of stress and fear, dogs who are outside unattended during fireworks displays run the risk of becoming burned, injured, or even ingesting lit or used fireworks.
Fear and anxiety
They’re not just bad feelings; fear and anxiety can also lead your dog to make a run for it. “If dogs are not properly restrained, dogs can get loose and run away in an attempt to find safety,” Dr. Fadl says. “As a result, dogs can get lost or injured while attempting to climb or dig to escape these sounds.”
Burns
Even if your dog is relatively chill about fireworks, letting them outside while you’re lighting sparklers can be extremely dangerous. Dogs may not understand the danger of lit fireworks and get too close, which can result in burns to the face or even the inside of the mouth if they attempt to ingest a lit firework.
“The same precautions that you would take when using fireworks around young children should also be taken with your pets,” Dr. Fadl adds. “That means making sure fireworks are not being set off with pets nearby and able to get near hazardous sparks, flames, or strong smoke or odors.”
Health issues related to ingesting fireworks
Fireworks don’t even have to be lit to cause serious injury to your pet. When wandering the yard after a firework display, dogs may consume debris or pieces of used fireworks, which contain dangerous chemicals, such as sulfur, heavy metals, and coloring agents. Eating fireworks can cause serious health issues for dogs, such as gastrointestinal distress or even muscle and nerve dysfunction, which can result in permanent damage.
You probably don’t need to worry about cats ingesting fireworks because they tend to be more discriminating (read: pickier) eaters and likely won’t attempt to eat a used firework. All the same, you should be on the safe side. Always clean up all used fireworks and debris in your yard before allowing your pets outside again.
Tips for keeping your dog calm and safe during fireworks displays
If you know that your dog tends to be freaked out by loud noises, be sure to have a plan for soothing your pet during New Year’s celebrations and know how to calm a dog during fireworks. Start by keeping your dog away from any nearby firework displays and safely cozied up at home. Make sure you have them in a place in the house where they feel safe.
Make sure your pet has proper identification.
Well before January comes around, your pet should be microchipped and have an ID tag on their collar featuring your current contact information. No one expects their dog to run away, but fireworks can make your pet’s behavior unpredictable, so it’s best to take precautions. Ensuring your dog has proper identification can greatly improve the chances that they will be returned to you if they do become lost.
Create a safe and calming space for your dog.
One of the best ways to calm your dog during fireworks is to create a space in your home for them to feel safe and comfy. Choose a space with no windows, like the inside of a large closet or a bathroom, and create a cozy cave where your dog can hide away from noise and lights. You can even use a crate if your dog already feels safe there (don’t try to crate train for the first time on the holiday). Give your pup some of their favorite toys and treats so they feel at home and (hopefully) more relaxed.
“If you can, try to engage your dog in a playful or fun activity, such as a training or play session, before the noises are expected to begin,” Dr. Fadl suggests. “Using positive reinforcement, like rewarding calm behaviors with treats or affection, can be helpful in a sound-phobic dog.”
Try playing white noise.
Soft, soothing noises can be an antidote to the loud bangs of fireworks. Try leaving some kind of white noise — like the TV or radio — on to help cover the sounds of any firework displays and give your dog something else to focus on. You can find soothing white noise playlists on YouTube and Spotify — or check out apps like Calm and Zoundz for soundscapes and meditations specifically designed for pets.
Comfort your dog.
Leaving your pet alone during fireworks can sometimes make them even more stressed. If you can, stay home with your dog to help them feel safer and comfort them if they show signs of stress or fear. Pet your pup with long, slow strokes along the length of their body and avoid any behaviors that seem frantic. Try to keep your voice and your movements relaxed and confident to show your dog that they’re safe with you.
Talk to your veterinarian.
If your pet’s anxiety is especially severe and none of the above solutions seem to help, talk to your veterinarian about other treatment options. Your dog may benefit from anti-anxiety medication, which your vet can prescribe. You may also want to ask about over-the-counter options, like dog-calming treats, CBD products, or anxiety vests like Thundershirts. Never, ever give your dog over-the-counter medication without consulting a vet, and always be sure the CBD products you use are completely free of THC and approved for pets.
“Some dogs are so severely impacted by noises that anxiolytic or sedating medication may be needed to help keep them calm and prevent them from harming themselves,” Dr. Fadl says. “There are many safe options, as well as FDA-approved medication for dogs with noise aversion. Speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible about which medication may be best for your dog.”
Clean up all used fireworks and debris.
Even after the fireworks show is over, you still need to keep your dog safe from the possibility of poisoning. Make sure to clean up all used fireworks and any debris in your yard, whether you shot the fireworks or not, before you let your dog outside again.
Keep your dog safe this New Year’s Eve (and every day).
Fireworks may be breathtaking and fun for you, but they can be incredibly stressful and even dangerous to your dog. Take precautions to help your pup feel safe this holiday and have a plan to ensure that your dog avoids the hazards of fireworks and remains happy and healthy.
