How to comfort your antsy dog amid booming New Year’s fireworks

Many a pet owner has learned the hard way that dogs and fireworks do not mix.

For those who will be ringing in the New Year alongside their furry friends, the Toronto Humane Society (THS) released a series of tips for calming your dog's anxiety during fireworks displays. 

“Pets, especially dogs, have much more sensitive hearing than humans, making loud noises like fireworks seem even more terrifying to them,” the THS says. 

For many Torontonians, fireworks will come in the form of neighbourhood celebrations or via the big fireworks show set for midnight on the city's waterfront, which will no doubt reverberate through many downtown homes.

Whether you celebrate at a community event or with friends, the loud noises and chaotic atmosphere can be stressful, leading to fear, anxiety and potentially even dangerous situations for pets, the THS said.

So, what's a dog owner to do?

There are some anxiety-reducing tools available to help your pet start the new year off without an episode.

One suggestion is to use a pheromone diffuser. Synthetic pheromones, like Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats, mimic the natural calming chemicals that an animal's mother would release to its young in the wild in order to signal safety. These synthetic pheromones can be dispersed through diffusers or sprays.

“Start using these products a few hours before the festivities begin for the best results,” the humane society advised.

Another popular option is ThunderShirts. 

These snug-fitting doggy garments apply gentle, constant pressure to the animal's body in the hopes of providing a calming effect.

“The pressure helps to reduce anxiety, much like swaddling a baby, and can be especially effective during fireworks displays,” the THS said.

Lastly, calming or classical music may help drown out the explosions and create a soothing atmosphere for you and your favourite canine.

The THS said there are even music playlists specifically designed for pets, or you can play your usual calming tunes of choice to help distract them from the loud noises.

And if you don't think any of the above will work on your pet?

Finding the quietest spot in your home and setting up a space with their favourite toys and a blanket could help.

It's also important to stay calm yourself, as pets pick up on emotional cues.

“While it’s tempting to comfort your pet by petting them or speaking to them in a soothing voice, be careful not to reinforce fearful behaviour,” the THS said. 

If your pet is visibly anxious, let them retreat to their quiet space without making a big fuss.