Fireworks and Dog Anxiety: New Year and Easter

For us, fireworks mean celebration. For many dogs, they mean the scariest night of the year. In Cyprus we have two of these nights: New Year's Eve, and Easter Saturday night with its firecrackers and lambratzia bonfires.

Why are dogs so scared?

Dogs hear much better than we do. Loud, sudden bangs, flashes of light and the smell of smoke feel like danger to them. They do not understand that it is a celebration, or when it will end.

How do I know my dog is scared?

• Shaking or panting when it is not hot
• Hiding under beds or tables
• Pacing and not settling
• Barking or whining
• Trying to escape, dig or jump the fence
• Not wanting to eat

What to do on the day and night of the bangs

1. Walk early. Take your dog out while it is still light, before the bangs start.
2. Stay indoors. Keep your dog inside in the evening, not in the yard or on the balcony.
3. Close windows and curtains. This lowers the noise and hides the flashes.
4. Background sound. Put on the TV or music to soften the bangs a little.
5. A safe den. Make a cosy spot with their blanket in a quiet room. If they want to hide, let them.
6. Stay calm. It is fine to stroke your dog and speak softly; this does not "reward" the fear. Never tell them off, because it makes them more frightened.

Plan ahead

If your dog is very scared, do not wait until the last day. Come and see us a few weeks before. We will talk about ways to help them stay calmer, and for very frightened dogs medicine may be needed. Never give human medicines or sedatives without asking a vet.

Set up the den a few days before, with their blanket, a toy and a few treats. If your dog gets to know it while everything is quiet, they will go there more easily when the bangs start. Feed them earlier in the evening, before the noise, because scared dogs often do not eat.

For the future: sound training

In the long run, many dogs improve with sound training. You play recordings of fireworks at a very low volume while your dog eats or plays. Slowly, over weeks and months, you turn the volume up a little. This teaches them that the sound does not mean danger. Start months before the holidays, ideally with a plan from your vet or a behaviour specialist.

What not to do

• Do not leave your dog alone in the yard or tied up outside
• Do not take them with you to watch the fireworks or the lambratzia
• Do not walk them while the bangs are happening, even on a lead
• Do not pull them out of their hiding place
• Do not shout, even if they damage something out of fear

If your dog runs away

If your dog does escape, first search close to home, in hiding spots and under cars. Let local vet clinics and animal welfare groups know, and post a photo on social media. If the microchip details are correct, whoever finds your dog can take them to any vet, who can scan the chip and contact you.

What about cats?

Cats get scared of bangs too. Keep them indoors in the evening, close the windows, and give them places to hide, such as a box or a high shelf. Do not pull them out of their hiding spot.

This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a vet. If you are worried about your pet, please contact us.