{"id":306,"date":"2025-06-12T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/?p=306"},"modified":"2026-06-01T16:23:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T14:23:17","slug":"eliminating-firework-and-thunder-phobia-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/eliminating-firework-and-thunder-phobia-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Fireworks, Thunder, and Fear: The Complete Graded Guide to Canine Noise Phobia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>&#8230; Is your dog afraid of fireworks? How about thunder?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading, this blog post contains <strong>everything<\/strong> you need to know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8230; Is your dog *not* fearful of fireworks, thunder or other loud noise?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading anyway. That may change, and you should be prepared. What&#8217;s more, you can <strong>prevent <\/strong>it from ever becoming an issue. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This post is updated about twice a year, last on May 31st, 2026 &#8211; look for the &#8220;revised&#8221; signs in the post to find the latest changes.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dogs-fearful-helped.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dogs-fearful-helped-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dogs-fearful-helped-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dogs-fearful-helped-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dogs-fearful-helped-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dogs-fearful-helped-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dogs-fearful-helped-1200x675.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dogs-fearful-helped.png 1643w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>It&#8217;s the combination of different techniques that produce the best effect (Crowell-Davis et al., 2003: 93%). Nobody&#8217;s tried using all the techniques suggested in this blog post, as far as I know.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>Is the noise starting already? Jump straight to what to do <a href=\"#now\">now<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>Look out for these indicators that your dog is having a fearful reaction to fireworks and thunder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>cowering,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shaking,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tucked tail,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dilated pupils,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ears back,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>salivating,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>panting,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whining,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>attention seeking,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pacing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>hiding,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tearing up the furniture, <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>vomiting, <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>urinating,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>defecating, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>running away<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these signs, and others, are shown in this film from the fabulous Sophia Yin. See if you can identify the signs of fear &#8211; run the&nbsp;clip twice, first silently, and then listen to Sophia herself commenting and pointing out these subtle fear indicators (with permission, <a class=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/drsophiayin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">drsophiayin.com<\/a> \/&nbsp;CattleDog&nbsp;Publishing)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/657438930?dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Noise phobia could potentially have very serious consequences &#8211; in the US, more pets go missing around the fourth of July than any other time of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all find their way home again. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/new-infographic-more-pets-are-lost-on-july-4th-than-any-other-day-of-the-year-300108062.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Only 14%<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog post, you\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1) how to help your anxious dog on the same day of the fireworks or thunderstorm,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2) how to prepare your poor pooch when there\u2019s more time,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3) how to prevent your puppy from developing fear of noise, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4) what are some risk factors predisposing dogs to noise sensitivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/revised-graphics-724x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/revised-graphics-724x1024.png 724w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/revised-graphics-212x300.png 212w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/revised-graphics-768x1087.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/revised-graphics-1086x1536.png 1086w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/revised-graphics-1448x2048.png 1448w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/revised-graphics-1200x1698.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/revised-graphics.png 1630w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is a long blog post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A very long blog post. Over 8030 words, actually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also a blog post that I think many people will return to several times. And so I made it available as an e-book that you could download and save as a reference. You&#8217;ll also get a copy of the infographic poster above!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"AW-Form-861595631\"><\/div>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">(function(d, s, id) {\n    var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];\n    if (d.getElementById(id)) return;\n    js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;\n    js.src = \"\/\/forms.aweber.com\/form\/31\/861595631.js\";\n    fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);\n    }(document, \"script\", \"aweber-wjs-q2te4ud7d\"));\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also get access to this content through a 2-hour long paid webinar that I did together with Grisha Stewart, discussing this information in detail, including lots of visual material and videos of animals being trained. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/school.grishastewart.com\/courses\/noise?ref=51c955\" target=\"_blank\">Find it here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And below you&#8217;ll find the 50-minute free version, where I discuss the major ideas in this blog post with Dr Holly Tett from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pawsupdogs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pawsup Dogs<\/a>, as part of her excellent KIENO conference back in 2024 (the diligent reader will note that I&#8217;ve actually changed my stance on a few of the different recommendations since then, but the main ideas remain..!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Help Dogs with Noise Phobia (Thunder, Fireworks &amp; Sound Sensitivity)\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oN4krnceA1U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, I\u2019ll look at the strategies people use to get their dogs through fireworks and thunderstorms, and break down how well they actually hold up under scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To make this easy to navigate, I\u2019ve graded these methods based on a mix of the findings in the current scientific literature and my own interpretation of how they work in the real world:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>1\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Grade 1:<\/strong> <em>Heavy hitters.<\/em> These are well-documented and lead to major improvements for the vast majority of dogs.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Grade 2:<\/strong> <em>It depends. <\/em>Their efficacy depends on things like the dog&#8217;s unique individual neurochemistry, long-term preparation and handler skill. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3\ufe0f\u20e3 <strong>Grade 3:<\/strong> <em>Long shots.<\/em> There\u2019s weak clinical proof at present, or they probably offer minimal relief when a dog is in a true panic. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4\ufe0f\u20e3<strong> Grade 4:<\/strong> <em>Inadvisable<\/em>. Might make things worse &#8211; especially if the solution is unfamiliar to the animal. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that some strategies might currently get a low grade if there&#8217;s not much data &#8211; which might change as we learn more. In other words, these grades may change over time (and let me know if you disagree with any of&#8217;em!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>* * *<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are the dreaded fireworks expected for tonight, or dark clouds at the horizon foreboding&nbsp;a thunder storm? There may not be time to get a vet appointment, but a visit to the pharmacy or grocery store may be doable if you have some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 1 \u2013 fireworks\/thunder today<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"now\"><em>What to do if there\u2019s no time<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a large number of things you can do on the day of the fireworks \/ thunderstorm to make things easier on your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"697\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/what-to-do-now-fear-fireworks-1024x697.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/what-to-do-now-fear-fireworks-1024x697.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/what-to-do-now-fear-fireworks-300x204.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/what-to-do-now-fear-fireworks-768x523.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/what-to-do-now-fear-fireworks-1536x1046.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/what-to-do-now-fear-fireworks-1200x817.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/what-to-do-now-fear-fireworks.png 1613w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Is it starting now, as you\u2019re reading this? OK, here is what you need to do <strong>now<\/strong>, with absolutely no time to spare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Arrange the environment:<\/h5>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t confine the animal, but provide free access to a favourite hiding place. This is probably the single most important thing you can do at this time. Allowing the animal to hide is allowing them to <em>cope<\/em>. Think of this location as the animal&#8217;s <em>Safe Haven<\/em>. They shouldn&#8217;t be confined, but have freedom of movement (1\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; this is a high-grade solution). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>Note: I&#8217;ve seen some veterinarians recommend not to allow dogs to hide when fearful but rather to get them moving &#8211; I don&#8217;t agree with this recommendation (4\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; inadvisable). In my mind, being in an acute state of panic is <strong>not <\/strong>a learning moment &#8211; it&#8217;s a moment to help protect and calm a hijacked nervous system, and relentless exposure may make things worse through sensitization, rather than better. Let them hide. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/hiding-dog-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8546 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/hiding-dog-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/hiding-dog-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/hiding-dog-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/hiding-dog-768x769.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/hiding-dog.png 1109w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Reduce the amount of incoming stimuli (aversive noise \/ light \/ smell). Observe the animal carefully to gauge how they respond to different stimuli. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This should be a calm, cozy, inviting place. If light flashes are coming through the door frame, the hideout room shouldn\u2019t be dark but brightly lit instead (1\ufe0f\u20e3) to drown out the visual strobe light of explosions. If there&#8217;s no hideout place available, at least pull the curtains and turn the lights on (1\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High-pitched sounds are often directional and absorbed by large objects, so it&#8217;s easy to pinpoint where they&#8217;re coming from, and they can relatively easily be avoided by simply hiding in the right spot. Low frequency sounds, on the other hand, are non-directional and tend to pass through solid objects. This makes it hard to determine where the sound is coming from, and since the animal can\u2019t cope with the noise by moving away (because it passes through solid objects), these low-frequency sounds are typically more stressful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/pillows-and-sound-1-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8522 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/pillows-and-sound-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/pillows-and-sound-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/pillows-and-sound-1.png 533w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>So, if you&#8217;re trying to reduce the incoming noise of a thunder storm, padding with pillows probably <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.soundsensitivedogs.com\/two-inches-sound-proofing-wont-protect-dog-thunder\/\" target=\"_blank\">won&#8217;t absorb the low frequency sounds<\/a> (3\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; this is a low-grade solution). Going into a basement might be a better choice to filter out those low-pitched sounds (2\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; a solution with variable outcomes).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Stick your head inside the shelter and knock on the wall. If the sound is muffled, it should be OK, but if there&#8217;s any resonance it may actually make things worse &#8211; again, make sure you don&#8217;t confine the animal but they can choose to use the shelter &#8211; or not.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Mask incoming sound by running electrical appliances such as a washing machine, or playing music involving low-frequency sounds, such as Taiko drums or brown noise (1\ufe0f\u20e3). Choose brown noise containing deep, bass-heavy rumbling sound resembling a distant waterfall &#8211; rather than white noise (4\ufe0f\u20e3), which contains high-frequency sounds that a) might not mask the noise of thunder or fireworks as effectively, and b) the higher frequencies may irritate the dog&#8217;s sensitive hearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eileen Andersson discusses other ideas to masking sound in <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.whole-dog-journal.com\/behavior\/noise-canceling-for-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\">this blog post<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1002\" height=\"1003\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Truffle-pawnix-noise-cancelling.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8593 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Truffle-pawnix-noise-cancelling.png 1002w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Truffle-pawnix-noise-cancelling-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Truffle-pawnix-noise-cancelling-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/Truffle-pawnix-noise-cancelling-768x769.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1002px) 100vw, 1002px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/pawnix.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pawnix<\/a> developed noise-cancelling headphones for dogs &#8211; no scientific studies done as of yet; I&#8217;d grade these 4\ufe0f\u20e3 for an untrained emergency, 2\ufe0f\u20e3 if the dog is acclimatized to them.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Rather than simply mask the incoming noise, you can also explore <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petacoustics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">sound therapy<\/a>, music and other sounds designed to fit different species &#8211; and research indicates that using such sounds <strong>before <\/strong>the scary event is the most beneficial, helping the dog relax before the event (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/361172876_Biometric_Study_Proves_Pet_Acoustics_R_Canine_Music_Mitigates_Stress_Levels_in_Dogs\" target=\"_blank\">Marlow &amp; Dagan, 2022<\/a>, 1\ufe0f\u20e3). Once the fireworks or thunder starts they&#8217;re likely to be less effective (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8772971\/\" target=\"_blank\">King et al., 2022<\/a>, 2\ufe0f\u20e3). Here&#8217;s one such <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=h8TRME9C-As\" target=\"_blank\">youtube playlist from the Dogtor<\/a> featuring brown noise, soft piano, and human voices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thundershirt.com\/thundercap.html\" target=\"_blank\">Calming Caps<\/a> reduce the amount of visual information, which may also be calming (although they are most commonly used to reduce arousal during car rides)(2\ufe0f\u20e3 if the animal is used to it, otherwise 4\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/leo-calming-cap-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8544 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/leo-calming-cap-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/leo-calming-cap-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/leo-calming-cap-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/leo-calming-cap-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/leo-calming-cap.png 1147w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"954\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/crazy-dog-lady-1024x954.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8543 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/crazy-dog-lady-1024x954.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/crazy-dog-lady-300x279.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/crazy-dog-lady-768x715.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/crazy-dog-lady-1536x1431.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/crazy-dog-lady-2048x1908.png 2048w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/crazy-dog-lady-1200x1118.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/crazy-dog-lady-1980x1844.png 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Consider adding some clothing that the animal&#8217;s favourite person has worn to provide some added smelly comfort (2\ufe0f\u20e3). Ideally, stay with the animal (1\ufe0f\u20e3)(more on what to do below).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The presence of non-fearful, familiar, friendly dogs may also buffer stress (2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>Note: Your dog shouldn\u2019t be worried by the arrangements per se. For instance, if they&#8217;ve never worn mutt muffs, it&#8217;s probably not a good idea to put them on and hope for the best &#8211; especially if they&#8217;re already worked up. These ideas are all meant to calm the animal, not make things worse.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Of course, one solution might be to simply relocate temporarily (1\ufe0f\u20e3). There will typically be no fireworks close to airports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/image.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/image-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/image-edited.png 1080w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/image-edited-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/image-edited-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/image-edited-768x480.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Free parking for cars containing dogs on New Year&#8217;s Eve &#8211; Arlanda Airport, Sweden. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Distractions and chewing:<\/h5>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Do what you can to keep the dog under threshold, meaning that his alarm systems don&#8217;t go off. Leaving the dog to face their fear doesn&#8217;t make them tougher, it likely does the opposite &#8211; it carves the fear grooves deeper into the brain. Every time they practice panicking, they potentially become more sensitive, responding to smaller noises with bigger panics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Doing some activity together has two potential beneficial outcomes: moving about may in and of itself reduce stress (see below), and it is a way to distract the animal.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/simple-dog.png\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1553\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/simple-dog-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/simple-dog-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/simple-dog-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/simple-dog-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/simple-dog-768x769.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/simple-dog-1534x1536.png 1534w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image: <a href=\"http:\/\/hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.se\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Allie Brosh<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/problem-solving-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8541 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/problem-solving-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/problem-solving-1022x1024.png 1022w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/problem-solving-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/problem-solving-768x769.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/problem-solving-1200x1202.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/problem-solving.png 1343w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>One efficient way of doing this can&nbsp;be to distract with something that usually gets their attention and focus. Doing a training session, playing or giving them a problem solving puzzle, may get them so focused so that they tune out distracting noise &#8211; at least if they&#8217;re not over threshold (2\ufe0f\u20e3). <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not simply about distracting the animal so that they don&#8217;t perceive the stimuli, it&#8217;s about changing their emotional state, so that even though they might perceive the stimulus, they&#8217;re not as bothered by it. By asking for &#8220;happy&#8221; behaviours, we&#8217;re topping up the <em>optimism bank<\/em>, to use a term that Tom Mitchell &amp; Lauren Langman from Absolute Dogs discuss <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.buzzsprout.com\/761645\/9233241-fireworks\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> (2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, problem solving has been shown to reduce fear &#8211; perhaps because the animal learns to control certain aspects of the environment (<a href=\"https:\/\/arpi.unipi.it\/handle\/11568\/226351\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zilocki et al., 2012<\/a> 2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>In a study on German shepherds, it was found that dogs that had a lifestyle involving a lot of play were generally less stressed than dogs who played less &#8211; play is very beneficial also outside the noise-phobia context! <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/srep19631\" target=\"_blank\">(Roth et al., 2016)<\/a>(2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"517\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/playing-dog.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8540 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/playing-dog.png 517w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/playing-dog-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/playing-dog-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 517px) 100vw, 517px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"529\" height=\"529\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dog-chew.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8539 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dog-chew.png 529w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dog-chew-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/dog-chew-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 529px) 100vw, 529px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Giving the dog something to chew on might not only distract them from the ongoing noise, but may also be calming in and of itself &#8211; at least when exposed to separations. The effect hasn&#8217;t been studied in relation to noise, as far as I know &#8211; but rhythmic jaw movement suppresses the stress response, so I&#8217;d give it a cautious 1\ufe0f\u20e3(<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/13\/4\/552\" target=\"_blank\">Flint et al., 2023<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>These distractions are more likely to work if the animal isn&#8217;t too fearful. For an extremely fearful animal, medication is likely needed. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Human behaviour:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be difficult to remain calm if you&#8217;re concerned about your animal, but remember that your demeanor will influence your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Stay calm. The human&#8217;s frame of mind is very influential to dogs; anxious dog guardians are more prone to have dogs that develop noise phobia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that there&#8217;s social transmission of fear also among dogs &#8211; think twice before exposing your dog to a fearful dog during noisy events. <\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"416\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/meditation.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8549 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/meditation.png 416w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/meditation-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/meditation-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 416px) 100vw, 416px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Whoever is engaging in the dog should appear content and calm rather than nervous &#8211; using a jolly voice could be risky as the dog may confuse that with fear (4\ufe0f\u20e3). Beware of consoling the animal by using a sad voice as this may make things worse (4\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Punishment: admonitions, painful stimuli such as ear twists, or even a harsh tone of voice may increase fear, especially if the animal is sensitized (4\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throw the dog a favourite treat immediately after each thunder clap or fireworks noise &#8211; or indeed after any noise! &#8211; they then learns to associate the sounds to something they really like. Big noises lead to food. Small noises lead to food. High-pitched noises lead to food. Low-pitched noises lead to food. You get the idea. This means that during a thunderstorm or a week of intense fireworks, you should <em>always<\/em> be carrying food (1\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&nbsp;\u201cDuring and after the treat tossing, visualize your most pleasant memory\/fantasy in great detail. It can be rated G, like thinking about world peace or the taste of chocolate on your tongue, but it doesn\u2019t have to be.\u201d (<a href=\"http:\/\/grishastewart.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Grisha Stewart, author of BAT 2.0.<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The technique is illustrated in the video below. Though the environment is full of distractions and a ton of other noises, each gun shot is followed by \u201cyes!\u201d and a treat. Though the dog is somewhat uncomfortable in this situation, the focus is on the owner and they eagerly take each treat. The alternative could have been much worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Gun Dog Retrieve Field Trial-Counter Conditioning to gun fire sound-\u767a\u7832\u97f3\u306b\u6163\u308c\u3088\u3046\" width=\"580\" height=\"435\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lLX8kvqWiqo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog doesn\u2019t take the food, stop feeding and see if you can block out more of the noise \/ lights \/ static \u2013 perhaps try the bathroom? Running the shower may block out some sounds, too. Metal pipes typically supply the sink so they\u2019re potentially a grounding device \u2013 many dogs press against the pipes, perhaps to reduce static electricity. Eileen Anderson <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/eileenanddogs.com\/2016\/06\/08\/getting-dog-grounded\/\" target=\"_blank\">warns against taking refuge in a bathroom<\/a>&nbsp;with metal pipes during thunderstorms due to the small but significant risk of lightning strikes.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve seen suggested to ask your dog to &#8220;speak&#8221; if they know a bark cue during a noisy event &#8211; I would advice against this since the spike in cortisol or adrenaline associated with barking might backfire (4\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Should you pet a frightened dog? Be cautious of petting a frightened dog during a noisy event (especially fireworks)(2\ufe0f\u20e3). It <strong>may<\/strong> make both of you feel better, but pay attention to the animal. Stop if you see that petting makes things worse (which could occur <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/dog-owners-to-pet-or-not-to-pet-during-thunderstorms-or-fireworks\/\" target=\"_blank\">through three different mechanisms<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pheromones and smells:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/adaptil-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8550 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/adaptil-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/adaptil-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/adaptil-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/adaptil-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/adaptil-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/adaptil-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/adaptil.png 1819w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.adaptil.com\" target=\"_blank\">Adaptil<\/a> (previously called DAP) is a synthetic version of scents emitted by mother dogs to comfort their pups, and may be worn as collars or used as diffusers or sprays. Adaptil-collar-wearing dogs scored only half the anxiety that controls did during thunder claps in one study (1\ufe0f\u20e3) <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4602264\/pdf\/vetrec-2015-103172.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">(Landsberg et al., 2015)<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies indicate that some smells have relaxing and anxiolytic effects, such as the diffusion of diluted essential oils of lavender or chamomile (2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>In a study of travel-induced excitement, dogs vocalized and moved less and rested more when exposed to an ambient odor of lavender than if there were no added smells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a shelter environment, lavender and chamomile resulted in much the same observation; in contrast, rosemary and peppermint produced the opposite effect <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0168159104001972\" target=\"_blank\">(Graham et al., 2005)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"488\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/lavender-oil.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8551 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/lavender-oil.png 488w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/lavender-oil-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/lavender-oil-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 488px) 100vw, 488px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Pet Remedy is a combination of essential oils used for pets, but the evidence is weak <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/335850194_Does_Pet_Remedy_reduce_stress_in_dogs\" target=\"_blank\">(Buckley, 2019)<\/a>(3\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Touch, pressure and acupuncture:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Touch can be calming, but be careful with petting during the actual noise if the dog is very stressed, as <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/dog-owners-to-pet-or-not-to-pet-during-thunderstorms-or-fireworks\/\" target=\"_blank\">this may inadvertently make things worse<\/a>: if you&#8217;re unsure it is recommended that petting is either done before the noise starts to relax the dog, or if the dog isn&#8217;t showing any signs of fear (including freezing, panting or being hyper-vigilant)(2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re familiar with <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ttouch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Tellington TTouch<\/a>, it may be a good idea to practice it. If you&#8217;re not familiar with it, don&#8217;t fret. Body contact releases feel-good-chemicals such as oxytocin and could calm both the dog and the owner (2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Calming a Dog Using TTouch Ear Work - Firework Fright and Sound Sensitivity\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BUSDe-KFTwk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also want to explore going beyond massage into <strong>deep pressure<\/strong>, which has been shown to calm the nervous system <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.grandin.com\/inc\/squeeze.html\" target=\"_blank\">(Grandin, 1992)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve seen recommended applying continuous pressure on the animal with the arm, or even leaning against the dog until you feel him relax and exhale. However, a frightened dog might react violently to this invasion of space, so I wouldn&#8217;t recommend using this approach unless the dog is inviting it (4\ufe0f\u20e3). <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are several close-fitting garments that can be used to provide calming deep pressure. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thundershirt.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Thundershirt<\/a> was found to reduce heart rate in dogs suffering from separation anxiety in one study, and the manufacturers boast that it works in 80% of dogs. Despite the name, there&#8217;s no documented study on its effect during noisy episodes, and the caregiver placebo effect hasn&#8217;t been accounted for, so I&#8217;d give it a weak 2\ufe0f\u20e3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"In the News - Investigative Report on Thundershirt\" width=\"580\" height=\"435\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pmwgw2actJg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to put it on tightly, according to specifications \u2013 if worn loosely, Thundershirt hardly makes a difference. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1558787814000902\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(King et al., 2014)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/Thundershirt-baseline-effect.png\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1569\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"550\" height=\"310\" src=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/Thundershirt-baseline-effect.png\" alt=\"Thundershirt baseline - effect\" class=\"wp-image-1569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/Thundershirt-baseline-effect.png 550w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/Thundershirt-baseline-effect-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Heart rate at baseline and after 15 minutes alone in the kennel. King et al., 2014<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have a handy pressure garment, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.reshareworthy.com\/body-wrap-helps-calm-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\">make one yourself<\/a> (2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Demonstration of TTouch Wrap by Sarah Hauser\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/N83oXBZy0KM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cPlease note-this wrap is only to be left on an animal for up to about 15 minutes at a time for a dog, and only up to a minute or two for a cat, and NEVER should be left on an animal unsupervised. A 2&#8243; ace bandage is good for a small dog, and a 3&#8243; bandage is good for a bigger dog. This is a demo of a TTouch wrap, one of the TTouch tools which is extremely useful especially for frightened or shy animals. It is also good to give general body awareness for animals who may have limited body awareness in some parts of their body.\u201d (<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/sarahsuricat.blogspot.se\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sarah Houser<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.stormdefender.com\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Storm Defender<\/a> is a cape that doesn&#8217;t apply pressure but has metallic lining that allegedly protects the wearer from static electricity during thunderstorms. The data isn&#8217;t robust (see below) and it would not calm the nervous system or protect the dog from noise or visual input, so I&#8217;d give it a 3\ufe0f\u20e3.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1018\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/storm-defender-1-1024x1018.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8553 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/storm-defender-1-1024x1018.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/storm-defender-1-300x298.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/storm-defender-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/storm-defender-1-768x764.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/storm-defender-1-1536x1527.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/storm-defender-1-1200x1193.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/storm-defender-1.png 1579w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a bit unclear at present whether the documented effect of the storm defender&nbsp;cape is due to placebo or not: in the only scientific study carried out to date, the sole method of collecting data was by owner ratings, which vastly increases the risk of placebo confounds. After 4 thunderstorms the dogs wearing the storm defender had reduced their median anxiety score by 63%, and the placebo group by 36%. Though this difference seems large, it was statistically insignificant *. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S016815910900104X\" target=\"_blank\">(Cottam &amp; Dodman, 2009)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>* Nerdy comment: <em>Since the sample sizes were small and there was much variability, I suspect that the statistical power of the study (the likelihood of finding a true difference) was small. Repeating the study with a larger sample and adding objective behavioural observation would perhaps shed more light on the usefulness of this device.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A recent Case Series of 23 dogs explored using <strong>acupuncture <\/strong>combined with conventional effective treatments (SD\/CC and alprazolam, discussed below) and found it helped 77% of the dogs over a 4-month period &#8211; an estimated improvement of about 50% compared to conventional treatment (2\ufe0f\u20e3). As the authors state, future randomized controlled studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings (<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/search.ebscohost.com\/login.aspx?direct=true&amp;profile=ehost&amp;scope=site&amp;authtype=crawler&amp;jrnl=19457677&amp;AN=156944813&amp;h=AeZ4plJZVjRgebSZBazw4jVGnazP9wiWJQApP2hqR9dlczZSGby5kN3ron5A%2FzBD5EEAk%2FhJIL6sqz%2BsujgZZA%3D%3D&amp;crl=c\" target=\"_blank\">McDowell &amp; Shiau, 2022<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exercise:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>If possible, take a long walk with your dog before the event to drain some energy (2\ufe0f\u20e3). Also, exercise leads to higher levels of serotonin in the brain, which decreases anxiety and improves coping with stress <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/2678895\" target=\"_blank\">(Chaouloff, 1989)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure that the dog can relieve himself as late as you dare before the event. If it&#8217;s already started, don&#8217;t inadvertently &#8211; or intentionally! &#8211; bring your dog outside into a thunderstorm or firework event. Keep him on a leash for this final outing, just to be safe. Ideally, he should know how to respond to a <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.preventivevet.com\/dogs\/four-easy-steps-to-teach-your-dog-to-go-potty-on-cue\" target=\"_blank\">toileting cue<\/a> (1\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supplements and medication (available without veterinary consultation):<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/placebo-calmex-300x290.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7676 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/placebo-calmex-300x290.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/placebo-calmex-1024x988.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/placebo-calmex-768x741.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/placebo-calmex-1536x1482.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/11\/placebo-calmex.png 1978w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, the nutraceutical CALMEX\u00ae was shown to reduce stress-related responses to thunderstorms and fireworks with over 60% (after 2 weeks). CALMEX\u00ae contains 2 amino acids, a plant extract and numerous B-vitamins and takes initial effect within 30-60 minutes. (<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0168159121002033?\" target=\"_blank\">Eaton et al., 2021<\/a>)(2\ufe0f\u20e3)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.adaptil.com\/uk\/Adaptil\/Adaptil-Tablets\" target=\"_blank\">Adaptil tablets<\/a> have been shown to reduce fireworks&#8217; fear scores in dogs by 50% over a 7-day period &#8211; they start taking effect in two hours. (Giussani et al., 2014)(2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>The <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bachflower.com\/rescue-remedy-information\/\" target=\"_blank\">Bach Rescue Remedy<\/a> (not to be confused with  the Pet Remedy mentioned above) is a herbal tincture applied to the ears or added to the drinking water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In dogs, it is reported to take effect within an hour of administration &#8211; but no scientific study has been done, apparently (3\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/rescue-remedy-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8554 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/rescue-remedy-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/rescue-remedy-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/rescue-remedy-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/rescue-remedy-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/rescue-remedy-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/rescue-remedy-1200x1201.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/rescue-remedy.png 1570w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Non-psychoactive cannabinoids (CBD) may <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2789283\/\" target=\"_blank\">reduce anxiety in low doses<\/a>,&nbsp;and there are dog bisquits containing these substances, such as <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/treatibles.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Treatibles<\/a>&nbsp;or <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/canna-pet.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Canna-pet<\/a>. The manufacturers of Treatibles claim that they take effect within five minutes to an hour, and <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/hempture.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/AHVMA-2016-V42-Hemp-Article.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">83% of dog owners<\/a> claim Canna-pet helps with anxiety (but keep reading to see the outcome of scientific studies related to noise in particular).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in the veterinary community there is a concern about the disconnect between scientific evidence and public opinion and perception on the topic of cannabinoid pet treats, and the risk of impure products containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, which is toxic to dogs. The essential challenge is that the effects are observational and uncontrolled, and steeped in optimism by enthusiastic pet owners &#8211; and recent evidence suggests that there may be &#8220;disturbing changes in a key liver function enzyme&#8221; among other effects (<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Helen_Prinold2\/publication\/335377881_Using_Cannabis_and_Cannabidiol_CBD_Oil_in_Dog_Training_and_Behavior_Work\/links\/5dbcf523299bf1a47b0a4eb0\/Using-Cannabis-and-Cannabidiol-CBD-Oil-in-Dog-Training-and-Behavior-Work.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Prinold, 2019<\/a>). So, caution and veterinary consultation is warranted while we find out more on this topic. Indeed, a 2020 blinded study found no support for any fear-reducing effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on noise phobia in dogs (4\ufe0f\u20e3). (<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fvets.2020.569565\/full?fbclid=IwAR3v2-wtTKAVOdJvyULaf9NIWchfFNv9ElKqAOu693by-Mje_m8x57LWSmo\" target=\"_blank\">Morris et al., 2020<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Melatonin is another fast-acting choice but that should be used with vet consultations &#8211; for one, it might interfere with female dog&#8217;s reproductive cycles (2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>These steps comprise the acute interventions that may be implemented only hours before a thunderstorm or fireworks.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these tips are included in <a href=\"https:\/\/susangarrettdogagility.com\/2018\/07\/dogs-fireworks-fear\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Susan Garrett&#8217;s short film<\/a>, below &#8211; you can see them in action! Note that she says to try a combination of different approaches, but<em> don&#8217;t overwhelm your dog by trying them all out at once<\/em> &#8211; let the dog&#8217;s behaviour guide you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"3 Strategies for Detonating Your Dogs Fireworks Fear\" width=\"580\" height=\"435\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DpMI4KRiJPI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>If your dog panics when exposed to sharp noises, he is suffering badly and being exposed to neurocytotoxic damage, so he would thank you for taking steps to intervene.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 2 \u2013 planning \/ training stages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Animal perception differs from ours, so it could be that our poor pooches have a completely different experience than we do. For instance, they may sense the electrical discharges in the air or changes in barometric pressure during thunderstorms, or the sulfur smells associated with fireworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this reason, it\u2019s difficult to address some of the issues that animals may have with thunder\/fireworks, and treatment success is not guaranteed. It is most difficult to help animals that have had established fears for years and if those fears have generalized to multiple situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, work preemptively and assume that things will get worse, because they likely will &#8211; unless countermeasures are taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Off-season \u2013&nbsp;don\u2019t waste it!<\/h5>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/off-season-training-dog-fireworks.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/off-season-training-dog-fireworks-1024x425.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8579\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/off-season-training-dog-fireworks-1024x425.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/off-season-training-dog-fireworks-300x124.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/off-season-training-dog-fireworks-768x318.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/off-season-training-dog-fireworks-1200x498.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/off-season-training-dog-fireworks.png 1225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Maybe you\u2019re not reading this post in the early morning of&nbsp;New Year\u2019s Eve, Independence Day or Guy Fawke\u2019s Day? Maybe there\u2019s no fireworks or thunderstorm forecasted for the next couple of months?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lucky you! In that case, you actually have time to prepare and train your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And here is where things get difficult. Despite the best intentions, people tend not to follow through when embarking on teaching the animal what she needs to know to stay calm during the next storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First off, check with your vet that the noise-sensitivity problem isn&#8217;t pain-related or caused by other medical issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or cognitive dysfunction &#8211; they&#8217;ve all shown to be associated with noise aversion in dogs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fvets.2018.00017\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fagundes et al., 2018<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then it&#8217;s time for some training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your friends what you\u2019re planning \u2013 that gives accountability!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tell me \u2013 and the other readers of this blog!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The power of placebo<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have wondered why I include a whole list of scholarly references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or maybe not, it\u2019s at the end and we\u2019re only half way there&#8230; Well, most of them are included as links too. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s two reasons, actually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One, I&#8217;m showing you that my recommendations are backed up by solid, placebo-controlled data &#8211; or when such are lacking I try to be transparent. For most people, that increases the credibility of the recommendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two, I&#8217;m trying to induce the confidence involved in the placebo effect. In other words, by making my recommendations more credible, you will have a firmer belief in them. This, in turn, will influence your behaviour. You&#8217;ll strap on an Adaptil collar fully convinced that it will work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might. After all, it does in most dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But importantly: you will think that it will do wonders. And so, you will act differently than if you suspect it&#8217;s going to be yet another failure. You&#8217;ll likely be less nervous yourself &#8211; and guess who will pick up on THAT?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words: the combination of a scientifically proven product and a confident pet parent is what has the highest chance of being successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This detour brings us to the next topic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Human behaviour (revisited)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the easy one, but perhaps also the most difficult. You see, despite the best intentions, people often don\u2019t follow through to the not-so-bitter end. They give up. Efforts trickle down to nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, since this is so important, what can you do to ensure crossing the finish line?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s actually some research on what characterizes people that have the willpower to follow through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Focus on one thing. Rather than redecorating your house, losing weight and writing a novel in your spare time, focus on this one task: helping your dog overcome fear of loud noises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create habits. Instead of thinking \u201cI\u2019m sure going to help my poor pooch\u201d, plan to spend five minutes after every breakfast training.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be specific. Plan what you\u2019ll do. Then stick to the plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go public. Tell others what you\u2019re doing. Tell <em>me<\/em> what you\u2019re doing! \ud83d\ude42 I\u2019ll offer encouragement, and so will others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Accountable-2-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8559 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Accountable-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Accountable-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Accountable-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Accountable-2-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Accountable-2-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Accountable-2-1200x1199.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Accountable-2.png 1825w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>You get the idea. Take a moment to think about this and commit to that you\u2019re going to be one of the people who see it through.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>If your dog is fearful of loud noises, it will very likely get worse if you don\u2019t act, as only <strong>4% <\/strong>recover without intervention.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, be prepared that you might not feel all that successful. Most animals improve with training, so they\u2019ll hide rather than run amok, but many won\u2019t be all that happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might have to still rely on a stock of sedatives to help your dog through the noisy events, and continue using many of the tips on this post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that if you do nothing, things will get worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>With training, expect most improvement to occur within one month.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The training that you\u2019ll be doing involves learning for the dog. Think of it as re-wiring your dog\u2019s brain. You want loud noises to become neutral or even nice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/systematic-desensitization-essential-to-reducing-fear\/\" target=\"_blank\">Systematic Desensitization (SD)<\/a> involves exposing the animal to the fearful stimulus at gradually increasing volume, playing recordings of the sound that is disturbing to your dog (2\ufe0f\u20e3; remember, this grade represents a solution with variable outcomes, in this case handler skill will be a major factor).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Attention to detail here can be the difference between success and failure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The stimulus that you use should be one that the animal fears, not any random loud noise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exposure, however, should be at such a low level that you<em> see no fear reaction<\/em> (we refer to this as below threshold). The animal should initially notice the stimulus but not respond fearfully to it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not only should the animal not respond, she should be relaxed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Play the sounds frequently rather than long durations: it\u2019s more efficient to do 10 minutes 5 times a week than 50 minutes once.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t progress to the next level (increase the volume of the stimulus sound) until the animal ignores it at the present level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vary the origin of the sound, if you have a surround sound system, use it. The scary sounds typically come from the windows, so if possible let the training sounds come from there, too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Combine SD with CC (learn what that is&nbsp;below!) to advance more quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some free <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=H7FANXaanG4\" target=\"_blank\">recordings<\/a> that you could use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Stilwell-noise-phobia-series-2-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8563 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Stilwell-noise-phobia-series-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Stilwell-noise-phobia-series-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Stilwell-noise-phobia-series-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Stilwell-noise-phobia-series-2-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Stilwell-noise-phobia-series-2-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Stilwell-noise-phobia-series-2-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Stilwell-noise-phobia-series-2.png 1819w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>There are also commercially available recordings of thunder and fireworks. In the <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/icalmpet.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Canine Noise Phobia series<\/a> developed in collaboration with Victoria Stilwell, those sounds are masked by psychoacoustic music that has been <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Through-Dogs-Ear-Behavior-Companion\/dp\/1591798116\" target=\"_blank\">especially designed<\/a> to be very relaxing to dogs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Also, you could make your own recordings &#8211; custom made! Be mindful of sensitization, though &#8211; the animal becoming more rather than less scared. Eileen Anderson <a href=\"https:\/\/eileenanddogs.com\/blog\/2025\/06\/08\/make-a-custom-recording-for-your-thunder-phobic-dog\/#respon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">discusses this option here.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, your animal is likely responding to a range of different stimuli, not just noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Doing this type of exposure training in the wrong way can misfire bigtime and even lead to sensitization (the animal becoming more, not less, fearful of noise). The important thing isn\u2019t the exposure to the noise itself, but <strong>allowing the animal to notice the noise and recover from the reaction<\/strong>. In other words, it\u2019s not just about learning, it\u2019s very much about successful stress regulation, <a href=\"https:\/\/amazinganimalminds.com\/what-sound-socialization-actually-trains-in-puppies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">as discussed in this blog post<\/a> by Associate professor of Animal Welfare Else Verbeek. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, thunder is complex since it involves changes in barometer pressure, the smell of ozone, electrostatic charges, lightning and thunder, which all might be perceived and feared by the dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The only variables that you can reasonably try to desensitize are the last two. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you do that successfully you have eliminated some triggers and reduced the <em>trigger stacking<\/em> that otherwise occurs, so expect improvement!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/one-of-the-5-most-important-words-in-animal-training-counterconditioning\/\" target=\"_blank\">Counterconditioning (CC) is about re-learning associations.<\/a> Rather than being frightening, we want those flashes of light and sharp noises to predict wonderful things (2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find something that is irresistible to your animal, such as some favourite treat, toy or scratching their sweet spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consistently give them access to the favourite thing immediately after each exposure to the aversive stimulus. \u201cBang! \u2013 is that chicken liver?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You get the idea. Beware, though, that it&#8217;s difficult to perform correctly if you haven&#8217;t tried this procedure before, and you risk scaring your dog even further. <a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/cc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Check out this link to avoid those problems<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/the-golden-combination-sdcc\/\" target=\"_blank\">Combine CC with SD (above) for maximum effect &#8211; SD\/CC<\/a>  (1\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; a reminder; this grade indicates an effective solution that works for the majority of dogs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>I\u2019m a huge fan of empowering animals, giving them more <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/does-your-animal-have-control\/\" target=\"_blank\">control and choices<\/a> in their lives. For instance, Grisha Stewart describes how she trains her dogs to <em>ask her<\/em> for the sound, using a <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/grishastewart.com\/sound-desensitization-fireworks-thunder\/\" target=\"_blank\">\u201cMore Please\u201d<\/a> signal (1\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It could also be that some dogs experience high noises as painful &#8211; hyperacusis. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/391303727_Turn_the_Volume_Down_Noise_Hypersensitivity_in_Dogs\" target=\"_blank\">(Chin et al., 2025)<\/a>. For such individuals, SD\/CC  might not work once the noise levels are elevated, since it&#8217;s (presumably) more difficult to countercondition actual pain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S155878782030037X#\" target=\"_blank\">In a recent study,<\/a> it was shown that Conditioned Relaxation (CR) was on par with counter conditioning in reducing noise phobia (69% versus 70% of cases)(1\ufe0f\u20e3). Check out the procedure &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/arl-iowa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Protocol-for-Relaxation.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right here, for instance<\/a>. In short, you teach the dog to associate a word, a smell and a touch with relaxed emotional states, both through a passive and an active procedure, in the absence of fear triggers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One study found that dogs that learned to problem solve grew less frightened in other situations <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/302407938_Problem-solving-games-as-a-tool-to-reduce-fear-in-dogs-preliminary-results_2013_Journal-of-Veterinary-Behavior-Clinical-Applications-and-Research\" target=\"_blank\">(Zilocki et al., 2016)<\/a>.&nbsp;This hasn\u2019t been tested with noise phobias but I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if there is a correlation between lack-of-control and phobias in general\u2026! (1\ufe0f\u20e3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Putting the dog&nbsp;in a playful\/hunting state of mind may be another approach &#8211; for instance by repeatedly playing boisterous games with a a paper bag, as suggested in <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.swairedalerescue.org\/links-and-articles\/the-paper-bag-game\/\" target=\"_blank\">this blog post<\/a>.(2\ufe0f\u20e3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diet and medication (prescriptions \/&nbsp;long-term)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the difficulties in targeting some of the elements that may set off fear, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/10822861_Use_of_clomipramine_alprazolam_and_behavior_modification_for_treatment_of_storm_phobia_in_dogs\" target=\"_blank\">medication is often part of the solution<\/a> (together with behaviour modification, described above) to reduce or eliminate noise phobias. A visit to the vet is therefore part of the long-term solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two types may be considered: <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/vetsci.co.uk\/2011\/09\/27\/dealing-with-canine-anxiety-and-phobias\/\" target=\"_blank\">quick-acting drugs and long-term supplements and medication.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick acting drugs.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>There are sedatives (benzodiazepines) with amnesic properties that you give a few hours before the event (1\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, your dog will<em> get drowsy and not remember anything from the noisy episode.<\/em> The amnesic effects will reduce the risk of regression in your training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Side effects may be vomiting, and drugs should be given before the animal shows any signs of fear else it may have opposite effects (worsening fears). These are prescription drugs, and you should consult your vet to ensure it&#8217;s a good choice for your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Acepromazine has been widely prescribed, but has dissociative effects and also increases sound sensitivity: thus, it does <em>more harm than good<\/em> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puppyleaks.com\/sedative-for-fearful-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">should be avoided<\/a> (4\ufe0f\u20e3 &#8211; this grade represents inadvisable solutions).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zoetisus.com\/products\/petcare\/sileo\" target=\"_blank\">Sileo is a prescription drug<\/a> that works rapidly but wears off within hours &#8211; like by the time a thunderstorm or fireworks display is over (1\ufe0f\u20e3). Also, it doesn&#8217;t give any sedative side effects. It\u2019s a gel that can be applied between the dog&#8217;s cheek and gum by the owner at the first sign of anxiety or at the first loud noise, and then reapplied at two hour intervals if necessary. Note that this product hasn\u2019t yet been tested with young or breeding dogs. Sileo, or Dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel, was found to be <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1136\/vr.104045\" target=\"_blank\">effective or very effective<\/a> in 72% of dogs (compared to 37% of dogs getting placebo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wear gloves at administration, as shown in this film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"SILEO Administration - When Noise Hurts\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lXHTmKYMRdc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Beware of the risk of overdosing Sileo &#8211; <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dvm360.com\/view\/fda-warns-of-possible-accidental-overdose-with-sileo\" target=\"_blank\">check out this warning<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are other alternatives too &#8211; your vet might recommend Tessie (1\ufe0f\u20e3), Clonidine (1\ufe0f\u20e3), Trazodone (2\ufe0f\u20e3) and Gabapentin (2\ufe0f\u20e3). They work through different mechanisms, though some of them are more sensitive to the timing of when they&#8217;re delivered, or you may need to do an off-season trial run to determine the correct dose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long-term mood changers.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain types of diets contain tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin in the brain and may have a calming effect on anxious dogs. The <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.royalcanin.com\/us\/dogs\/products\/vet-products\/calm-small-dog-dry-dog-food\" target=\"_blank\">Calm Canine diet<\/a> has been found to reduce anxiety-related behaviour in dogs and increase their ability to cope with stress &#8211; but it takes weeks to take effect (2\ufe0f\u20e3)<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.journalvetbehavior.com\/article\/S1558-7878(11)00095-5\/abstract\" target=\"_blank\">(Kato et al., 2012)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Quetin supplement containing tryptophan, valerian and passiflora, was shown to reduce behavioural and physiological correlates of fear associated with New Year&#8217;s eve fireworks with up to a 41% improvement in <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/14\/7\/1025\" target=\"_blank\">this randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled study.<\/a>(2\ufe0f\u20e3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another nutritional supplement, <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/us.virbac.com\/anxitane\" target=\"_blank\">Anxitane,<\/a> containing the amino acid L-theanine, has been shown to decrease anxiety scores during thunderstorms with prolonged use. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/275281204_An_open-label_prospective_study_of_the_use_of_L-theanine_Anxitane_in_storm-sensitive_client-owned_dogs\" target=\"_blank\">(Pike et al., 2015)<\/a>(2\ufe0f\u20e3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vet will likely give you an antidepressant, such as an <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Selective_serotonin_reuptake_inhibitor\" target=\"_blank\">SSRI <\/a>or <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tricyclic_antidepressant\" target=\"_blank\">TCA<\/a> (2\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>There are a large number of different approaches to dealing with noise phobia \u2013 find the one that works for you!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Be observant of what works for your dog. Keep a log of what strategies you&#8217;ve tried and the extent to which it worked! That&#8217;s especially helpful if you&#8217;re consulting with a veterinarian or behaviour consultant &#8211; it will help them determine the best plan for action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>You\u2019ll likely need to use a combination of long term-mood changers, quick acting sedatives, SD\/CC and arrangement of the environment to handle the most difficult cases.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 3: Prevention \u2013&nbsp;don\u2019t wait..!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So far, we\u2019ve addressed the fearful dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you just get a new puppy? Is your young dog unafraid of sudden noises, thunder or fireworks? Congratulations!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>But wait, if at least 49% of dogs develop fear of noises, doesn\u2019t that mean that the new adorable puppy actually might develop fear of noises after the first exposure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, that\u2019s it.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/preventing-noise-phobia.png\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-1559\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"550\" height=\"289\" src=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/preventing-noise-phobia.png\" alt=\"preventing noise phobia\" class=\"wp-image-1559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/preventing-noise-phobia.png 550w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/preventing-noise-phobia-300x158.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>So, if your puppy is unafraid right now \u2013 let\u2019s <em>keep it that way!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prevention is the most important thing you can do for your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might think that if your dog was unaffected by noise through the first year, including hunting season, thunderstorms and fireworks, he will now be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m sorry to be the one to break it to you, but\u2026 that\u2019s not true, unfortunately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More than half the fearful dogs develop fear of loud noises after celebrating their first birthday. For about 1\/3 of animals, the onset is gradual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your adult dog suddenly develops noise phobia, have a vet look at him to rule out pain issues &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fvets.2018.00017\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pain could likely exacerbate the fear.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And to make things worse, dogs with storm or noise phobia may be more at risk of developing separation anxiety later.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0168159115002233\" target=\"_blank\">breed differences<\/a> in how susceptible dogs are to developing noise phobia \u2013 and there\u2019s also a bigger risk for neutered dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs are also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0168159123003118?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more fearful of thunder when their owners are fearful of it<\/a>, suggesting that it\u2019s important to work on one\u2019s own phobias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>don\u2019t flood the animal by exposing it to noise and hoping it will habituate,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>use SD\/CC and conditioned relaxation, as suggested above (1\ufe0f\u20e3)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>when you&#8217;re expecting noise, use all the other tricks in the bag to set up for success. Don&#8217;t wait until your dog starts panting in preparing a cozy hiding place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here Debbie Martin illustrates how she creates positive associations with a <em>safe place<\/em> that can help the animal learn to self-soothe in a noisy environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/308935325?h=92980465b9&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Credit to Debbie Martin, Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner with TEAM Education in Animal Behavior.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One way to work preventatively is to use a <strong>noise box<\/strong> (1\ufe0f\u20e3), here demonstrated by Julie Heyes. This process, in my mind, helps the animal build resilience through learning to overcome small challenges. Note how she avoids overwhelm and flooding by carefully observing the dog and adjusting the difficulty level, and being careful not to add more objects when the animal is in the box. We don\u2019t want to induce conflict, we want to present an interesting challenge from which the dog can grow those resilience muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Play The Noise Box | DOG-HAPPY TEAMMATES\" width=\"580\" height=\"326\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Cq8uwYHhZzg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Credit to Julie Heyes from <a href=\"https:\/\/dog-happy.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dog-Happy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Data indicates that training puppies or non-fearful adults to associate the noise with positive stimuli is <strong>highly effective<\/strong> in preventing later development of firework fears <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31490926\/\" target=\"_blank\">(Riemer, 2019)<\/a>(1\ufe0f\u20e3).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Explaining to the animal what\u2019s going on might also be helpful. One of my students reported that she had started saying \u201cnoise\u201d just before using things like the coffee grinder, the vacuum cleaner or the treadmill (1\ufe0f\u20e3). That makes the loud noises not only more predictable, but over time the animal also learns that when the person says \u201cnoise\u201d (or whatever word you\u2019re using), something noisy will happen and <em>everything is going to be alright.<\/em> My student had also incorporated elements of counterconditioning as well as a start button procedure into her training, and she sent me an enthusiastic email (this is indeed a cat, but the same principle would certainly apply for dogs):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSo tonight was the first time she really got tested when just outside my home there were loud fireworks for over two minutes. She was startled at first, walked to another room (a milder reaction than usual I must say), and as soon as I said \u2018noise\u2019 she came walking back to me with a happy tail and looking at me like she does when training saying \u2018where\u2019s my snack?\u2019. I was prepared and had snacks within reach, so I could quickly deliver while the fireworks were still going on. She just kept giving me eye contact and wasn\u2019t paying attention to or fearful of the loud fireworks. Such a joy to see training paying off!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: if you do the right thing now, fireworks or thunder could be a breeze for the puppy later.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>More resources on prevention \/ training dogs to reduce noise phobia: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/eileenanddogs.com\/6-ways-to-prepare-your-dog-for-fireworks\/\" target=\"_blank\">Six ways to prepare your dog for fireworks<\/a>&#8211;&nbsp; Eileen Andersson<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/suzanneclothier.com\/article\/3-ps-dog-need-medication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The 3 P&#8217;s &#8211; does your dog need medication?<\/a> &#8211; Susanne Clothier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=rwQlrqmnNF0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to train your dog not to be scared<\/a> &#8211; Zac George<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patriciamcconnell.com\/theotherendoftheleash\/dogs-thunder-and-fireworks-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thunder and fireworks &#8211; an update<\/a> &#8211; Patricia McConnell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.clickertraining.com\/node\/3563\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Summer sounds \u2013 how to help your dog through scary noises<\/a> &#8211; Karen Pryor Clicker Training.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/positively.com\/victorias-blog\/dealing-with-fireworks-anxiety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dealing with fireworks anxiety<\/a> &#8211; Victoria Stilwell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/raisingyourpetsnaturally.com\/preventing-thunder-phobia-in-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\">Preventing thunder phobia in dogs<\/a> &#8211; Tonya Wilhelm <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/13\/23\/3664\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Therapy and Prevention of Noise Fears in Dogs\u2014A Review of the Current Evidence for Practitioners<\/a> &#8211; Stephanie Riemer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"101\" height=\"50\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/revised-e1529772075526.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4659\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 4: Risk factors and conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the known risk factors or patterns of noise sensitivity: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Herding dogs and herding crossbreeds are more predisposed to developing noise aversion <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-020-59837-z\" target=\"_blank\">(Salonen et al., 2020)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Females are more prone to noise phobias than males <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/257018070_Fear_responses_to_noises_in_domestic_dogs_Prevalence_risk_factors_and_co-occurrence_with_other_fear_related_behaviour\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(Blackwell &amp; Bradshaw, 2013)<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neutered dogs are more at risk of developing noise phobias than intact dogs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/281583602_Noise_sensitivity_in_17_dog_breeds_Prevalence_breed_risk_and_correlation_with_fear_in_other_situations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(Storengen &amp; Lingaas, 2015)<\/a>.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dog who are in pain <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/veterinary-science\/articles\/10.3389\/fvets.2018.00017\/full\" target=\"_blank\">(Fagundes et al., 2018)<\/a>, and senior dogs<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/391303727_Turn_the_Volume_Down_Noise_Hypersensitivity_in_Dogs\" target=\"_blank\">(Chin et al., 2025)<\/a> are more likely to develop noise phobia. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dogs who get less than 1 hour of daily activity are more susceptible to becoming fearful of noises <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4631323\/\" target=\"_blank\">(Tiira &amp; Lohi, 2015)<\/a> . <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dogs from rescues or shelters or those who&#8217;ve experienced poor maternal care are more at risk than dogs who remain in the home where they were born <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6730926\/\" target=\"_blank\">(Riemer, 2019)<\/a>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Intriguingly, there is a study showing that paw preference (an indirect measure of lateralization in the brain) correlates with noise phobia. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/6894338_Relationship_between_paw_preference_strength_and_noise_phobia_in_Canis_familiaris\" target=\"_blank\">(Branson &amp; Rogers, 2006)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try putting a toy stuffed with goodies in front of your dog and watch which paw he uses to interact with it. Spend about half an hour looking at this, and jot down whether he\u2019s using the left or the right paw.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"http:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/paw-preference.jpg.png\" alt=\"paw preference.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-1551 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/paw-preference.jpg.png 300w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2015\/12\/paw-preference.jpg-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If he\u2019s using predominantly the left or the right, noise reactivity scores should be reasonably low. If he\u2019s alternating between paws, however, reactivity scores could be about 3 times as high as if he\u2019s a leftie or a rightie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to that&nbsp;study, dogs without paw preferences showed about half of the symptoms above when exposed to noise: In other words, warning bells should go off <em>if your puppy doesn\u2019t show paw preference.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs with paw preferences, on the other hand, showed on average only two of the symptoms in response to noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, less risky it would seem, but I would encourage working with your animal even if it\u2019s not in any of these risk groups, just to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For most dogs, noise aversion occurs in one-trial learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some, it develops gradually, so that\u2019s why I suggest you don\u2019t ignore if your dog is only showing a few of the behaviours listed at the top of this blog post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if your dog develops noise aversion, there is an increased risk of developing separation anxiety. <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/23142303_Canine_Anxieties_and_Phobias_An_Update_on_Separation_Anxiety_and_Noise_Aversions\" target=\"_blank\">(Sherman &amp; Mills, 2008)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><em>There&#8217;s simply less time, effort and suffering involved in prevention than trying to fix things once your dog has developed noise phobia and it has generalized into separation anxiety&#8230; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Prevention is key. Learn to recognize the early signs of fear in your dog, and you should be able to live through the next thunderstorm or fireworks!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope you find this information useful. Perhaps you know someone else whose dog would be helped by this info?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If so, please share this blog post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Did I forget anything, or should I update the info? Do you disagree with any of these recommendations? Which has worked best for you? Please let us&nbsp;know in the comment&#8217;s section!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>***<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/e-book-keys\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"527\" height=\"716\" src=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/12\/Free-ebook-keys-training.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5021\" srcset=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/12\/Free-ebook-keys-training.png 527w, https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/12\/Free-ebook-keys-training-221x300.png 221w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sidenote: Curious about animal training? Check out the short, juicy and <a href=\"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/e-book-keys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FREE e-book<\/a> containing some of the insights I wish someone had told me early on!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Blackwell &amp; Bradshaw (2013). Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs &#8211; prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear-related behaviour.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Branson &amp; Rogers (2006). Relationship between paw preference strength and noise phobia in Canis familiaris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buckley (2019). Does Pet Remedy reduce stress in dogs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chin et al. (2025). Turn the volume down: Noise hypersensitivity in dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cottam &amp; &nbsp;Dodman (2009). Comparison of the effectiveness of a purported anti-static cape (the Storm Defender\u00ae) vs. a placebo cape in the treatment of canine thunderstorm phobia as assessed by owners\u2019 reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cottam et al. (2013). The effectiveness of the Anxiety Wrap in the treatment of canine thunderstorm phobia: An open-label trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crowell-Davis (2008). Desensitization and Counterconditioning: The Details of Success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crowell-Davis et al. (2003). Use of clomipramine, alprazolam, and behavior modification for treatment of storm phobia in dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtis (2013). On Your Best Behavior: Noise &amp; Storm Phobias in Dogs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DePorter et al. (2012). Harmonease Chewable Tablets reduces noise-induced fear and anxiety in a laboratory canine thunderstorm simulation: A blinded and placebo-controlled study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eaton et al. (2021). A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, assessing the effect of a nutraceutical tablet in the management of stress in pet dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fagundes et al. (2018). Noise Sensitivities in Dogs: An Exploration of Signs in Dogs with and without Musculoskeletal Pain Using Qualitative Content Analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flint et al. (2023). Long-lasting chews elicit positive emotional states in dogs during short periods of social isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Giussani et al. (2014). Evaluation of the efficacy of Adaptil\u00ae tablets versus placebo in the management of firework fears in dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graham et al. (2005). The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kato et al. (2012). Effects of prescription diet on dealing with stressful situations and performance of anxiety-related behaviors in privately owned anxious dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>King et al. (2014). The effect of a pressure wrap (ThunderShirt\u00ae) on heart rate and behavior in canines diagnosed with anxiety disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>King et al. (2022). Effect of Music on Stress Parameters in Dogs during a Mock Veterinary Visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Korpivaara et al. (2017). Dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel for noise-associated acute anxiety and fear in dogs\u2014a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Landsberg et al. (2015). Dog-appeasing pheromone collars reduce sound-induced fear and anxiety in beagle dogs: a placebo-controlled study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Marlow &amp; Dagan (2022). Biometric Study Proves Pet Acoustics \u00ae Canine Music Mitigates Stress Levels in Dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mayberg et al. (2014). The functional neuroanatomy of the placebo effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McCobb et al. (2001). Thunderstorm phobia in dogs: an internet survey of 69 cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McDowell &amp; Shiau. (2022). Effectiveness of Integrated Medical Treatment for Thunderstorm Aversion: A Case Series of 23 Dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Morris et al. (2020). The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nicolas et al. (2022). Owner-Perception of the Effects of Two Long-Lasting Dog-Appeasing Pheromone Analog Devices on Situational Stress in Dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Okamoto et al. (2024). Factors influencing the development of canine fear of thunder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pike et al. (2015). An open label prospective study of the use of L-theanine (Anxitane\u00ae) in storm sensitive client owned dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ramos et al. (2024). Is It Possible to Mitigate Fear of Fireworks in Dogs? A Study on the Behavioural and Physiological Effects of a Psychoactive Supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riemer (2019). Effectiveness of treatments for firework fears in dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riemer (2019). Not a one-way road-Severity, progression and prevention of firework fears in dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roth et al. (2016). Hair cortisol varies with season and lifestyle and relates to human interactions in German shepherd dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Salonen et al. (2020). Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sherman &amp; Mills (2008). Canine anxieties and phobias: an update on separation anxiety and noise aversions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Storengen &amp; Lingaas (2015). Noise sensitivity in 17 dog breeds: Prevalence, breed risk and correlation with fear in other situations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tiira &amp; Lohi (2015). Early Life Experiences and Exercise Associate with Canine Anxieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>van Herwijnen et al. 2024. Firework aversion in cats and dogs as reported by Dutch animal owners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yang (2012). Effects of Bach Rescue Remedy on Women of Various Personality Traits Evaluated by Heart Rate Variability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zilocch et al. (2012). Problem solving games as a tool to reduce fear in dogs: preliminary results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Disclaimer: While every caution has been taken to provide my readers with the most accurate information and honest analysis, please use your discretion before taking any decisions based on the information in this blog. I will rejoice with you when you&#8217;re successful, and offer my sincerest condolences if you&#8217;re not. I will not, however, compensate you in any way whatsoever if you ever happen to suffer a loss\/inconvenience\/damage because of\/while making use of information in this blog. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Disclosure: I\u2019m not getting affiliate commissions for any products you\u2019d happen to buy after clicking links from this blo<\/em>g.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8230; Is your dog afraid of fireworks? How about thunder? Keep reading, this blog post contains everything you need to know. &#8230; Is your dog *not* fearful of fireworks, thunder or other loud noise? Keep reading anyway. That may change, and you should be prepared. What&#8217;s more, you can prevent it from ever becoming an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,6,20],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/306"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=306"}],"version-history":[{"count":238,"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8606,"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/306\/revisions\/8606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/illis.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}