Fireworks are a very much loved by so many people, whether it be the exciting bangs or the beautiful colours, but for some dogs, these vibrant explosions can be anything but enjoyable. In fact, many dogs experience significant anxiety and distress when fireworks are set off.
Did you know that 20% of fear-based behaviour problems are noise fears. Understanding why this happens can help pet owners take steps to comfort their best friends during these stressful events.
Dogs have better hearing than us.
One of the biggest reasons fireworks cause anxiety in dogs is their acute sense of hearing. Dogs hear much better than humans, with a range that far exceeds our own. While humans can hear sounds up to about 20,000 Hz, dogs can detect sounds as high as 65,000 Hz. This means that noises we perceive as loud might be overwhelming for dogs.
Fireworks are particularly troublesome because they produce sudden, loud noises at high frequencies. To a dog, the sound of a firework is akin to a deafening explosion, happening repeatedly and unpredictably. Unlike thunderstorms, fireworks come without any warning signs like a drop in pressure or darkening skies, leaving dogs no time to prepare for the onslaught of noise.
It triggers their fight or flight response
Dogs are naturally sensitive to loud noises due to their evolutionary instincts. In the wild, loud noises often signal danger—whether from predators, natural disasters, or other threats. When a dog hears a loud sound, its immediate response is rooted in the fight-or-flight mechanism, a survival instinct designed to protect it from harm.
Fireworks trigger this fight-or-flight response, but because the source of the noise is often out of sight, a dog can't effectively fight or flee from it, leading to feelings of helplessness and anxiety. The unpredictability of fireworks, with their unexpected and sudden explosions, only heightens this stress, making it difficult for dogs to find a sense of safety.
Past Experiences
A dog’s previous experiences with loud noises can also influence its reaction to fireworks. Dogs that have had negative encounters with loud sounds—such as being startled by a sudden bang—are more likely to develop a fear of fireworks. Over time, this fear can become ingrained, leading to severe anxiety whenever fireworks - or even other similar noises - are heard.
Plus, dogs can generalize their fear of fireworks to other loud noises, such as gunshots, car backfires, or even thunder. This can make daily life challenging, as the dog may startle or panic at sounds that wouldn’t typically cause distress.
Very soon, on the 24th October 2024, i have a free webinar coming where you can learn more about preventing and curing firework fears. Click the button below to register.
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