Helping Your Dog Through Thunderstorms and Fireworks

How to Help Your Dog Through Thunderstorms and Fireworks

Thunderstorms and fireworks can be terrifying for many dogs, triggering reactions like shaking, hiding, or barking. These loud noises are sudden and intense, making it hard for dogs to understand what’s happening. Instead of leaving them to cope alone, there are ways we can ease their fears with positive reinforcement techniques and support. Here’s how to help your dog feel safe during these challenging times.

Why Dogs Fear Thunderstorms and Fireworks

Imagine how you’d feel if you were startled awake by an unexpected, booming noise without knowing what caused it. For dogs, thunderstorms and fireworks are not just loud—they’re also unpredictable, which can make them even scarier. Studies, like those by Storengen and Lingaas (2015) in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, show that noise phobias are common in dogs, especially for sounds like fireworks and thunderstorms. They found that a dog’s reaction to loud noises can lead to heightened anxiety and stress.

Our goal as pet parents isn’t just to quiet our dogs but to help them feel secure, knowing that they’re safe even when scary noises happen.

Step 1: Create a Safe Space

One of the best things you can do for your dog is to set up a “safe space”—a quiet, comforting area where they can retreat when they feel scared. This might be a cosy crate with their favourite blanket or a room where you can play calming music to muffle outside noises. Think of it as your dog’s version of a sanctuary, somewhere they can go to feel safe.

If you have ever found comfort under a blanket or in a quiet room during a storm, you can relate to the relief a safe space provides. Dogs benefit from having a place that feels secure and familiar during loud events.

Step 2: Use Counter-Conditioning to Build Positive Associations

Counter-conditioning is a technique that pairs something positive with a previously scary experience to change how a dog feels about it. For example, if your dog reacts to thunder, you can start offering treats or playtime during storms to build a positive association with the noise. Over time, they can start to connect the storm with something good, rather than something to fear. By turning these events into “treat time” or “play time,” we help our dogs build resilience and change their emotional response.

Step 3: Provide Comfort and Avoid Scolding

When your dog is scared, it’s natural to want to comfort them. Offering reassurance by petting them or speaking calmly can help, as long as it doesn’t increase their anxiety. Avoid scolding or forcing them to “face their fears,” as this can make them feel even more vulnerable.

Just like people, dogs benefit from empathy and understanding during moments of distress. By showing that you’re there for them, you reinforce a bond of trust, helping them feel more secure. To do all this, you must or course be home with them. This may mean that sometimes you don't go out when there are thunderstorms forecast or fireworks planned, as you decide to put their feelings of safety and comfort above your social life. 

Wrapping Up: Patience and Understanding Go a Long Way

Helping a dog through their fear of thunderstorms or fireworks takes patience, empathy, and a commitment to positive reinforcement. By creating a safe space, using counter-conditioning, and gradually exposing them to sounds, you’re showing them that they’re safe and supported. With time, you can help your dog feel more resilient and less anxious during noisy events. If you can't manage to get improvement for your dog, or they seem to be really panicked or are injuring themselves or damaging property, then please contact your veterinarian or seek help from a behaviour veterinarian.