Helping Greyhounds Cope with Fireworks and Storms: Top Tips for Noise-Phobic Dogs

Now we are in Autumn, it is time to remember that firework season (and storm season) are both around the corner. With many greyhounds showing signs of noise phobia, what can we do to keep them safe and happy during this time? Well, quite a lot, actually.

A recent study looked at the success of various approaches to helping dogs with noise phobia. It asked over 1000 owners of dogs of various breeds which approaches they had tried during fireworks with their dogs, and how effective these were. Of course, the remedies mentioned should work just as well with thunderstorms. So, let's take a look at what we can do to help our dogs during firework season. 

Environment

Many behaviour experts advise trying to make the environment as calm as possible for the dog. This includes closing windows and curtains, playing music of various types, and providing a ‘safe space’ for the dog to use (this can be a separate room, or a crate with the door open, or even a cupboard under the stairs). In the study, however, although the owners thought that these helped, they did not seem to reduce the fear of fireworks; instead, they just seemed to help the dog cope with them.

Noise CDs or Online Videos

The aim of using CDs of fireworks/thunder noises is to desensitise the dog towards these sounds. You can also use YouTube Videos of fireworks to help with this. They need to be started early in the year, so that by October/November, the dog can tolerate quite loud noises played at home. Just over half of the owners in the study who used these found that they worked to reduce fear. (I have tried them with my own noise-phobic hounds, but they can always tell the difference between firework noises on the CD and fireworks outside!) Here is an example: https://youtu.be/ryNlmw8745U?si=z5QXDsX6Tpy3MERh

Treats and Playtime 

*Please note that other brands and treats are available. 

This strategy uses a behavioural technique called ‘counterconditioning’, where the dog is rewarded at the same time as the frightening event is happening. This was 70% successful at reducing fear in the study. The authors of the study suggest that if owners start using feed/play with noise CDs, then move on to the real situation, which could increase the success rate further. With dogs as food-oriented as our greyhounds, this one must be worth a try!

Relaxation Training

The old saying that it’s better to ignore your dog when they are upset by fireworks has been disproved. There was no difference between ignoring or petting dogs who were upset. In fact, massage/long strokes seemed to work in about 70% of dogs too, so perhaps you could either use food or petting together with the noise CDs, depending on which your dog values more?

Supplements

*Please note that other brands are available, and always consult your vet before giving supplements to your dog.

Disappointingly, the use of ‘calming’ food additives, essential oils, or homoeopathic remedies had only 30% success (which is the same success rate as placebos in previous studies).

Pheromones 

*Please note that other brands are available.

Dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) products (diffusers, sprays and collars are most common) are often advertised around firework season, so do they work? Less than 30% of owners reported that they did, although the authors of the study suggest that these could also be used with the noise CDs.

Prescription medication

Unsurprisingly, the use of medication (usually sedative or similar drugs) prescribed by a vet was successful in between 50-100% of cases, depending on the drug used. However, that means a visit to the vet, and it doesn’t get rid of the problem, as you will need to ensure that you have the prescription each year for fireworks. This solution is probably best kept for the most severely affected dogs.

Anxiety Wrap

Greyhounds often benefit from wearing Thundershirts, as the gentle, constant pressure helps them feel secure during stressful events like fireworks or storms. Much like a comforting hug, the snug fit can reduce anxiety and help them relax, making loud noises and sudden flashes feel less overwhelming. This had a success rate of 44% in the experiment. 

What Will I Do With My Greyhound?

So, after reading this article, what am I going to do with my dog, Henry, who is very scared of fireworks? I can’t completely ditch the environmental remedies. I will still close the windows and curtains, put on Classic FM, and encourage him to lie on his own sofa in the dining room.

However, I am going to add in giving treats at each loud bang, starting with the noise CD several weeks before the fireworks start, and I will be more comfortable giving him a big cuddle during fireworks. I hope you find something that works for your hound, too.

The research study that I used for this article is here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S155878782030037X  

Thank You, Carol.