How to Calm a Dog Afraid of Fireworks and Thunderstorms
Fireworks and thunderstorms may be exciting to us, but for many dogs—especially Chihuahuas—they can be absolutely terrifying. Here’s how to help your dog feel safer and less anxious when the skies get loud.
The Dog I Could Never Forget
Several years ago, on the Fourth of July, I was driving home after visiting family when I noticed a little dog darting along the side of the road.
Cars were flying by, fireworks were exploding overhead, and this poor dog looked completely panicked.
I pulled over, called to her softly, and after a few anxious moments, she cautiously came toward me. She was shaking so hard I could feel it when I picked her up.
Like so many dogs on Independence Day, she had become another victim of fireworks.
Fortunately, I was able to reunite her with his family, who were incredibly relieved to see him again. They told me she’d bolted through an open gate after the fireworks started.
That experience has stayed with me ever since.
Every year around the Fourth of July—and during every thunderstorm season—I think about that frightened little dog and wonder how many others are out there feeling the same fear.
If your Chihuahua hides under the bed, shakes uncontrollably, pants, barks, or tries to escape whenever loud noises begin, you’re certainly not alone.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to help.
Why Are Dogs So Afraid of Fireworks and Thunderstorms?
Dogs experience the world very differently from us.
Their hearing is far more sensitive than ours, allowing them to hear sounds at much higher frequencies and from much farther away. Fireworks that seem merely loud to us can sound overwhelming to a dog.
Thunderstorms can be even more frightening because they involve several scary things happening at once:
- Loud crashes of thunder
- Bright flashes of lightning
- Strong winds
- Heavy rain
- Changes in air pressure
- Static electricity that some dogs appear to sense
Many dogs actually become anxious before the first clap of thunder because they detect changes in the atmosphere long before we do.
Fireworks are equally unpredictable. Dogs never know when the next boom is coming, making it difficult for them to relax.
Unlike people, dogs don’t understand that fireworks are part of a celebration. All they know is that the world suddenly seems noisy, unpredictable, and unsafe.
Why Chihuahuas Often Have a Harder Time
While any breed can develop noise anxiety, Chihuahuas often seem especially sensitive.
Many Chihuahuas are naturally alert and aware of everything happening around them. They’re quick to notice unfamiliar sounds and changes in their environment.
Because they’re so devoted to their families, they also tend to look to us for reassurance. If they sense we’re stressed or if they can’t figure out what’s happening, their anxiety can increase.
Of course, every dog is different.
I’ve had some who slept right through fireworks, while others started trembling long before the first boom.
Signs Your Dog Is Feeling Anxious
Some dogs make their fear obvious.
Others suffer quietly.
Watch for signs like:
- Trembling or shaking
- Panting when they aren’t hot
- Pacing
- Hiding under furniture
- Whining
- Barking excessively
- Clinging to you
- Refusing treats
- Drooling
- Trying to escape
- Digging at doors or windows
- Scratching walls
- Having accidents indoors
Severe anxiety can cause dogs to injure themselves while trying to escape, which is why it’s important to take their fears seriously.
Prepare Before the Noise Starts
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until the fireworks have already begun.
Planning ahead gives your dog a much better chance of staying calm.
Earlier in the day:
- Take your dog for a nice walk if the weather allows.
- Play games that burn mental energy.
- Feed dinner before dark.
- Make sure they have had a potty break before the fireworks begin.
A dog who has already exercised and gone outside is much more likely to settle in for the evening.
Double-Check Their ID
Every year, animal shelters see an increase in lost pets after fireworks displays.
Even dogs who have never escaped before may panic enough to jump fences, squeeze through tiny openings, or bolt through an open door.
Before any holiday with fireworks:
- Make sure your dog’s collar fits properly.
- Check that ID tags are readable.
- Verify that your microchip registration has your current phone number and address.
- Keep your dog indoors well before dark.
These simple steps can make all the difference if the unexpected happens.
Create a Safe Place
Many anxious dogs naturally look for a small, enclosed space where they feel protected.
Instead of fighting that instinct, work with it.
Choose a quiet room away from windows if possible.
Include things that smell familiar:
- Their favorite bed
- Soft blankets
- Favorite toys
- Water bowl
- A chew toy or puzzle feeder
If your Chihuahua already loves sleeping in a crate, you can make it even cozier by covering part of it with a blanket to create a den-like feeling.
However, never force a frightened dog into a crate if they don’t normally enjoy being there. That can actually increase their anxiety.
Block Out Some of the Noise
You probably can’t eliminate the sound completely, but you can reduce how much reaches your dog.
Try:
- Closing curtains and blinds.
- Turning on the television.
- Playing calming music.
- Running a fan or white noise machine.
Some dogs seem to relax simply because the constant background noise helps mask the sudden booms.
Keep Their Mind Busy
One of my favorite ways to help anxious dogs is to give them something enjoyable to focus on.
Try offering:
- A stuffed Kong toy
- A frozen lick mat
- A favorite chew
- A food puzzle
Licking and chewing are naturally calming activities for many dogs and can help redirect some of their nervous energy.
Should You Comfort Your Dog?
Years ago, many trainers told owners to ignore frightened dogs because comforting them would “reward the fear.”
Fortunately, we understand canine behavior much better today.
If your Chihuahua wants to sit beside you or curl up in your lap, it’s perfectly okay to comfort them.
Speak softly.
Pet them if they enjoy it.
Stay relaxed yourself.
You’re not rewarding fear—you are helping your dog feel safe.
That doesn’t mean you should panic along with them or repeatedly tell them everything is okay in an anxious voice. Dogs are excellent at picking up on our emotions.
The calmer you remain, the more secure your dog is likely to feel.
Consider an Anxiety Wrap
Some dogs respond well to gentle, constant pressure around their bodies.
Products such as anxiety wraps or compression shirts like Thunder Shirts work much like swaddling a baby, helping some dogs feel more secure.
They don’t work for every dog, but many owners swear by them.
It’s worth trying one before fireworks season begins so your dog has time to get used to wearing it.
Can You Train a Dog to Be Less Afraid of Fireworks?
The answer is yes…but it takes time and patience.
If your Chihuahua has a severe fear of loud noises, don’t expect them to overcome it overnight. The best time to start training is months before fireworks season, not the day before the Fourth of July.
The goal isn’t to teach your dog to love fireworks. It’s simply to help them feel less afraid.
One of the most effective methods is called desensitization and counterconditioning. That sounds complicated, but the idea is actually pretty simple.
Start by playing a recording of fireworks or thunder at a very low volume while doing something your dog enjoys, like eating dinner, playing with a favorite toy, or receiving treats.
If your dog stays relaxed, gradually increase the volume over several weeks. If they become nervous, lower the volume again and move more slowly.
Over time, many dogs begin to associate those sounds with something positive instead of something scary.
If your dog’s fear is severe, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for a referral to a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Some dogs need extra help, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Calming Products That May Help
Walk into any pet store, and you’ll find shelves full of products claiming to calm anxious dogs.
Some work well for certain dogs, while others may not make much difference.
A few options that many pet owners have found helpful include:
- Anxiety wraps or compression shirts
- Dog appeasing pheromone diffusers or sprays
- Calming chews
- Calming collars
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Long-lasting chews or stuffed food toys
Just remember that these products usually work best as part of a larger plan. A calming chew alone isn’t likely to eliminate severe noise anxiety.
When Should You Talk to Your Veterinarian?
If your Chihuahua’s anxiety is mild, the suggestions in this article may be enough.
However, if your dog:
- Tries to break through windows or doors
- Hurts themselves while trying to escape
- Refuses food for long periods
- Hyperventilates or cannot settle
- Has panic attacks during every storm
It’s time to involve your veterinarian.
Today’s prescription medications are much better than the old-style sedatives many people remember. Instead of simply making a dog sleepy, many newer medications help reduce the panic itself.
Your veterinarian may also recommend trying the medication before a holiday or storm season to make sure it works well for your dog and to determine the proper dose.
Never give your dog medication prescribed for people unless your veterinarian specifically tells you it’s safe.
Things You Should Never Do
When we see our dogs frightened, it’s only natural to want to help. But there are a few things that can actually make the situation worse.
Don’t Punish Your Dog
Your Chihuahua isn’t misbehaving.
They’re scared.
Punishing them for barking, shaking, or hiding will only increase their fear.
Don’t Force Them Outside
Many dogs refuse to go outdoors during fireworks or thunderstorms.
If they need a potty break, keep them on a secure leash and go out only as long as necessary.
Or put a potty pad down if they will use it.
Don’t Take Your Dog to Watch Fireworks
Even if your dog usually enjoys going places with you, a fireworks display is not a dog-friendly outing.
The loud explosions, bright flashes, crowds, and unfamiliar surroundings can overwhelm even a normally confident dog.
Don’t Leave Your Dog Outside
A fenced yard isn’t enough protection for a panicked dog.
Fear gives many dogs incredible determination and surprising athletic ability. They may climb, dig, squeeze through small openings, or even injure themselves trying to escape.
Always bring your dog indoors well before fireworks begin.
A Fireworks and Thunderstorm Checklist
A little preparation can go a long way.
Before the noise starts:
✔ Exercise your dog earlier in the day.
✔ Bring your dog inside before the fireworks begin.
✔ Feed dinner before dark.
✔ Take one last potty break.
✔ Make sure your dog’s ID tags are secure.
✔ Verify your microchip information is up to date.
✔ Close curtains and blinds.
✔ Turn on calming music, the television, or a white noise machine.
✔ Prepare a stuffed Kong or favorite chew.
✔ Set up your dog’s safe space.
✔ Give any veterinarian-prescribed anxiety medication as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Chihuahua afraid of fireworks but not thunder?
Every dog is different. Some react more strongly to sudden explosions, while others are bothered by the changing air pressure, wind, and static electricity that often come with thunderstorms.
Is it okay to cuddle my dog when they’re scared?
Yes. If your dog seeks comfort from you, offering calm reassurance can help them feel safer. Just try to stay relaxed yourself, since dogs often pick up on our emotions.
Do ThunderShirts really work?
They help some dogs but not all. The gentle pressure can have a calming effect for certain dogs, especially when combined with other anxiety-reducing techniques.
Should I leave the TV or music on?
Many dogs benefit from background noise because it helps mask sudden loud sounds outside.
Can puppies become afraid of fireworks?
Yes. A frightening experience during puppyhood can sometimes lead to a lifelong fear. Helping puppies have positive, calm experiences around mild sounds may reduce the risk.
Will my dog ever outgrow their fear?
Some dogs improve with training and positive experiences, while others continue to need extra support throughout their lives. Even if the fear never completely disappears, most dogs can learn to cope much better with preparation and patience.
Final Thoughts
I still think about that little dog I picked up on the side of the road all those years ago.
She was lucky. She made it home safely.
Unfortunately, not every dog does.
Every Fourth of July, shelters across the country become crowded with lost pets that panicked and ran. Many of them were beloved family members who had never escaped before.
And some never make it to a shelter or make it home.
That’s why taking a few simple precautions can make such a big difference.
Your Chihuahua may never love fireworks or thunderstorms, and that’s okay.
The goal isn’t to make them enjoy loud noises. It’s to help them feel protected, secure, and loved while the scary sounds pass.
With a little planning, patience, and understanding, you can help your best friend get through fireworks season and stormy weather with far less fear.
And who knows? You may even save another frightened dog along the way.
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
We are expecting big thunder storms tonight. I will be barking at it to protect my family. Then I will cuddle them just to reassure them.
Muffin x
I’m sure you will protect your family from them Muffin!
We also use Melatonin. Works very well.
Also I have a ” safe place” in one of my closets in my room…has a foam pad…a blankie wrapped around it and several beds on that.It is also very dark in there…set up all the time…here in San Antonio you never know when they will set off fireworks!!! And my poor senior babies freak out. So have several places they can go to if we are not home.But I am.usually always home ..so.its Mama’s chair and lap.for four of the five.Thank goodness one is deaf and nothing phases him!!
Great ideas Jan!
@Jan Plant, Melatonin, what a great idea. How much would you give a 3 pound chi, a 5 pound chi and a 10 pound deer head chi?
Great post! My dogs hate fireworks!
Mine hate them too Taryn.
Poor dog must have been so scared. Great firework tips.
Thanks!
I have 4 Chi’s,2 pure and 2 mixes,I don’t ever leave them outside unattended at any time,but my pups are totally unafraid of loud noises,thunderstorms and fireworks!
They go with me to car shows and are used to loud cars,open exhausts and superchargers,they happily ride in my muscle cars with me!
We walk all year,including hunting season,the sound of shotguns and rifles doesn’t bother them at all,they are not afraid of anything it seems!
That’s great Dave. I guess just hearing it so much helps desensitize them to the noise.
Dave, that is just like my 3 pure chis and our rescue terrier mix. I never let my chis out in the back yard unless it is a beautiful day and my hub is here with me to look out for hawks and owls. During anything like fireworks or thunder storms, none of them are bothered and continue along as if nothing was happening. I have had chis that would tremble a lot and get so nervous over noise.
Cathy, I wish I had known about the Thunder shirts then!!
Thanks for the tips Cathy. I always stay home on the 4th and new years to comfort my fur baby Trixie.
I usually stay home too Susie and read and watch the Twilight Zone marathon they have on the SyFy channel but this year I was invited to a cook out and watching the fireworks after so I may go to that.
I have a friend who’s dog wears a thunder shirt during storms and the 4th of July. I know Harley prefers to stay indoors on the 4th – he does not care for the noise of the firecrackers. This will be Jax’s first so we’l wait to see what happens.
I have a friend too who swears by the thundershirt. I haven’t tried it on my dogs but it seems to work wonders for many dogs.
Good luck with Jax. Hope he does ok.
Gotta keep ’em safe! Great tips.
Thanks De!
These are great tips and I hope everyone keeps their pets close and safe this weekend. ☺
Thanks M.K.!
I’m lucky, as my dogs don’t give a hoot about the fireworks. But Lucy, my blind cat, can get a little worried. I’ve been known to go on a massive cleaning spree during fireworks and thunderstorms. I turn up the music, run the vacuum, bang around the broom and otherwise make a racket in the house that distracts the pets. They stay calm and I get a clean house. Win-win!
Good idea Jean!
We had celebrations last night. Took Kilo out early and late, then he relaxed inside with toys and a chew. I don’t think he even noticed as the fireworks were far enough away. Great tips X Susie
thanks Susie. Your lucky your Kilo is so laid back during fireworks. My Kilo freaks out!
My 3 outside don’t care about loud noises. But now my 2 get nervous at storms but not fireworks. So they don’t get upset when they’re going off.
You’re lucky Shannon. Mine totally freak out and want me to hold them.
I do put on that calm app that you can get on your phone and it helps all around both with thunderstorms and fireworks.
Which app do you use Shannon?
My chi Boop just sits and shakes. I hold her I. My arms but she can’t stop shaking. Where do you get the shirt jackets. She’s very afraid of firework noises.
Poor Boop! You can find the jackets on Amazon or at PetSmart and Petco.
Both of my ladies are scared of thunderstorms and of course fireworks. Duchess even gets frightened if it rains really hard and will cower under a blanket on the floor. My daughter also has a dog (a Yorkie) that gets scared during both thunderstorms and fireworks, so she bought something called Quiet Moments Calming Aid. It is comprised of melatonin, thiamine, L-tryptophan, and ginger. She gave me a few of the chewables to see if they would help my ladies. I used them Saturday night when one of my neighbors was doing an illegal fireworks display on the road nearby, and I think it helped both Kissy and Duchess. They still barked, but Duchess didn’t cower or hide like she normally would. She snuggled up very close to me. I thought someone might do fireworks again last night, so I gave them each a pill. There were a few pops off in the distance, but nothing nearby and both my babies were fine. I only have a couple more of them until I can get to the store, so I will hold onto them to use them on Tuesday night since the city I live in will be doing a big fireworks display down at the river and we can usually hear a lot of the noise where we live. Hopefully no one around my neighborhood will be doing fireworks tonight. But these chewable pills seemed to help. I got them at Petco, but I’m sure most pet supplies stores carry them or something similar.
Thanks for the info June! I’ll add it to this article.
@June, Quiet Moments Calming Aid, is that especially for small fur babies? Where might you buy it? Sounds like a good thing to calm our fur babies down as long as the dose is safe. Do the packages come with instructions on how much to give based on weight. Thank you so much for the info.
My hubby hates fireworks, it’s from his Vietnam days. He doesn’t mind them on TV and neither do the dogs (including Fergie our mini Poodle who is terrified of them thanks to the college kids near where we used to live). So we watch them on TV and interestingly enough they block out the sounds of the real ones outside so everyone is chill.. lol
I can only imagine how that must feel for a war veteran. I’m glad the TV drowns out the sounds.
I have many friends in England and fireworks terrify them. Reminds them of the Germans dropping bombs during WWll. Takes them right back to those horrors. They are older people that remember the war very well.
One thing I would like to add about the thunder shirts, is that they will work the best if you take the time before you need it to get your dog used to wearing them. If you wait until the 4th and the dog is already freaked out because of all of the noise, chances are good that it will freak out the dog even more than it already is. Advanced training when your dog is already relaxed and in a good mood, will result in your dog being reminded that this shirt is associated with positive feelings and should help him relax. Another point is to reenforce those pleasant feelings by using it fairly often when the dog is calm and relaxed.
Very good points Bonnie.
Only good thing about my 13 year old Tiki being mostly deaf! She was terrified of fireworks when she could hear!
That is definitely one of the few advantages of being deaf.
I live in an 62+ retirement housing that has a 360 degree view of our area. I stay in my apartment with Buddy and watch the fireworks from there. Buddy is in my lap and barks. It is funny to watch but I stay at home with hm cause I know he does not like them but we watch together in the safety of my arms and behind the glass. Happy New Year and safe from the mean things in the sky.
Buddy and Me
That sounds like my kind of New Years Eve! I bet that view of the fireworks is awesome.
I think pets react to what their owners react to or former owners.
I think pets react to what their owners react to or former owners.
Maybe…but I know loud noises can just be scary to a dog who doesn’t understand what they are or where they are coming from.
Thank you for reminding people of the fear & deadly repercussion of fireworks & our beloved Chis. I almost lost Buffy 2 yrs ago when we were outside at night & they let off big fireworks & Buffy ran & I couldn’t find her for over 4 hrs I’m in the woods & knew Fisher cats & cyotes are very near by. I couldn’t sleep or eat & went back after midnight,nothing. Then a truck came down my dirt road someone knew I walked Buffy on FB when he sent a pic I fell down on my knees & thanked God! A miracle! Now I have her on a tie on my patio which she can roam but now run in fear if it happens again. I’m also following your last week tip on what not to do with Chis no more giving bites of what I’m eating I started it recently & stopped it as soon as I read your post. THANK YOU for improving our lives Cathy!! Happy 4th!
My chi is already scared to death of everything. I can’t afford a vet. This year she would not go out. I would have to literally carry her out and she would immediately turn and pull me back to the door. She held her poo and pee for at least the last couple of weeks. I had nothing here or could only find same ole, same ole home remedies. Can you give them Benedryl? Last night, she didn’t hear any so she went. Her anxiety causes aggression too!!
Yes you can give them Benadryl in a pinch. 1mg of Benadryl for every pound of body weight. It’s easier with small dogs, to use the children’s formula.
Shadow is always on a leash but she is brave enough to walk out on the porch when I have to open the door to someone.
We almost lost our Chi Chloe a few days before Christmas, my husband took her and our other dog out to go potty. He saw a toad by the house and tried to keep the dogs away. Chloe must have gotten close enough to touch it with her nose and the lick her nose. After we put them in their kennels I heard a noise that sounded like crying, when I went to check Chloe was having problems. When I opened the kennel door she came staggering out and could hardly stand up. The closest emergency vet is 30 miles away so I called them to see what we could do. They said to rinse her mouth out with water and then watch her for the next few hours. After about an hour she started to act normal and was wanting up on the recliner with my husband. This whole time my friends on Facebook were praying for her and she turned around and got better. She is doing great now. Just let anyone who lives in Florida know to watch out for Cane or Bufo frogs and toads. They are highly poisonous and even a lick or touch can kill an animal.
Oh wow! That is so scary Lois. I’m glad she is ok now!
It is always so sad to hear of somebody losing their chibaby. It makes us so sad because most of us have had that feeling outselves and it hurts and hurts and hurts. Kona has left many memories for her family and those who love her to keep her alive in their hearts. You have to ask yourself a couple of questions. Will it be easier if you have her cremated and brought home or would it be easier to bring her body home, in the caskets the vets provide, so you can bury her in a special place and keep silk flowers there colorful year round as Kona was.
I have two cremated and their urns in a special place in my home. I also have two buried in the back which is a beautiful place with the flowers both silk and real. I can sit on my deck and look at the two graves and remember the love they gave me. Then a person needs to decide to get a new furbaby soon or later. I would choose soon. Nothing can make the hurt go away but a new puppy can make you laugh and have happy memories. Take care and be thankful that God made Chihuahuas for us!
@Dixie, Big Chi congrats to Lucky for being Chi of the week!!! A handsome fellow he is, for sure. Give him special kisses for his special award!
Great insight Dixie!
Hi Cathy,
When I know there is a thunderstorm coming, I put on my relaxing cd that also has thunder. I play it prior the storm and my rat terrier, Max, and my Chihuahua, Pixel, get used to the sound and when the storm comes, they aren’t scared. I play the cd other times so they now don’t have a fear of thunder.
Good ideas Sharon!
Your little angels look so beautiful in their festive outfits! I look forward to all the beneficial info you give us you’re our Chi teacher! Thank you so much Cathy! Merry Christmas & here’s to hope for 2021! Bless you all 🎅🐶❤
I love your column.
Thanks Maryanne!
Hi! when we found a lost dog in the middle of the night, we were able to take him to the police dept. They kept him until the shelter opened and his owner found him immediately. I also posted on facebook.
I’m glad you took care of the dog until his owner was found!
My little Biscuit will sit calmly through anything so long as I am there to reassure her…..so I always make sure to wear my Thunder shirt to keep me calm. (She’s almost 3, I’m almost 65)
That’s good Jim. I really wish they would make all fireworks the quiet kind. It would make this holiday so much easier.
I use a thunder shirt, trazadone and adaptil. Then I turn the tv volume up as high as I can stand. Then I get out the vacuum cleaner so they can SEE where “ bad noises “ are coming from
Good ideas Mary.
Thank you Cathy for covering this. My little Lilli is 9 now. She wasn’t bothered by any noises or weather until she was 6 when her older brother died unexpectedly on Xmas eve. In my locality fireworks are lit for any and every celebration so could it be she has associated the two? Although we got her a sister, (who isn’t at all bothered), within days and I combine all your suggestions she remains inconsolable. Has anyone a similar experience?
Yes, it definitely could be related to her brother passing. If nothing is working, I think I would ask the vet for a sedative to give her on firework days.
Happy Traveler
Love the picture of you and Lucy and you both had beautiful smiles!
Thanks Valerie!
Merry Christmas to all my furry babies out there!
Merry Christmas Cathy!
Cujo, Eli and Me!
Merry Christmas Jerri!
I bet it was hard to give that little dog back to its owner. The dog who was out and scared during fireworks.
Yes it was, because the dog never should have been left outside all night.
My three chi babies are not bothered by thunder or fireworks but they are terrified to go to the vet or the groomer. They will also most likely do their poop or pee pee and it has fallen in the groomers pocket!! Do you recommend thunder shirts for them to wear in this case?
Yikes! Poop in a pocket!
No, in this case I wouldn’t recommend a thundershirt because both the groomer and the vat need to get to the dog’s body and the thundershirt would be in the way.
My two pups, Yoda, the chi and his brother from another mother Chewie, a Russian toy terrier, are not afraid of anything, at least sound wise. They have lived through not only countless fireworks and thunderstorms, but through bombs and the accompanying air raid sirens which they heard almost daily when we lived in Ukraine, until just a few months ago. My pups are heroes of war! ))
Yes they are! So this 4th of July should be easy for them.
Most definitely Cathy. Hope your fur babies are ok with the fireworks too. )))
2 of mine are okay but the other 2 are terrified of them.
People go blind from eating too many carbohydrates. The fact that most dog foods have so much carbs in them is why dogs go blind. I never saw a pack of dogs pull down a stalk of corn to get to it. I don’t see wolves digging up potatoes in the wild??? Dogs are prone to blindness. What a weird twist of nature.