Why are Dogs So Scared of Fireworks?

With community celebrations canceled, Cincinnati is expecting a boom in at-home fireworks displays this year. Safety should be the #1 priority for anyone planning to set off fireworks, and that goes for pets, too.

Understanding why your dog is frightened of fireworks is a good first step. Purina offers these four reasons.

1. Fireworks are Loud

Most fireworks make some kind of loud sound. Dogs have a more acute sense of hearing than humans, so those loud booms, crackles and whistles are alarming. 

2. Fireworks are Unpredictable

You expect fireworks on holidays like the Fourth of July, but for your dog, it’s just another day. Those firecrackers come without warning. The loud noises and flashing lights sound and look different each time. Plus, they come at different intervals, so dogs can’t get used to them. 

3. Fireworks Pose a Threat

The noise and unpredictability of fireworks leads many dogs to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response. Your dog may bark at the noises or try to run away and hide. He may show other signs of anxiety, too, like restlessness, panting, pacing and whining. 

4. Fireworks Make Dogs Feel Trapped

Fireworks are inescapable on holidays like Independence Day. So if the noises trigger your dog’s flight response, he will try to run from the threat. Unfortunately, there’s often nowhere to go, as you can still hear those loud booms indoors.

More Dogs Go Missing on July 4th than Any Other Day of the Year

Dogs often try to escape the sound of fireworks in any way they can– jumping fences, running through invisible fences, or clawing through screens.

Follow these tips to keep your pets safe and enjoy a Happy Independence Day!