Why dogs stress out over fireworks and how you can help keep them calm

Ashley Smith's Goldendoodle named Winnie is normally outgoing, loves events and being around people. But all that changes each year on New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July, when loud fireworks cause Winnie to tuck her tail, run away from the sound and hide in Smith's closet for hours.

"She's usually really bubbly and acts like everybody's best friend," Smith, 27 told USA TODAY. "Then as soon as we hear the first sounds of fireworks, she immediately shuts down and it's almost like a completely different dog."

Fireworks on New Year's Eve bring excitement for many of us, but the annual celebration is also one of the top days for startled dogs running away from home, according to veterinarians. If fireworks make your dog freak out, someone should stay home with the animal to monitor it, vets say, and try to create a calm and comfortable environment. A dog's strong sense of hearing means the loud explosions and crackling sounds feel threatening, but there are things you can do to signal to your dog they aren't in danger.

"There are some dogs where the noise-phobia is extreme," said Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with the Wellness Pet Company.

Why are dogs scared of fireworks?

Like their powerful sense of smell, dogs' ears are also much stronger than ours and they can hear things we can't, Bernal said. Many breeds, like hunting and sporting dogs, were also bred for their hearing capabilities, which make them pick up on sounds emitting from far away, according to Bernal.

The shock of fireworks going off all at once makes matters worse, Bernal said, and dogs with past trauma may associate loud noises with pain.

"They'll combine loud noises with some kind of anxiety," Bernal said. "So it's that compounding factor that upsets them. And then there's those dogs who are just super sensitive."

Some dogs don't react much to the loud noises outside and are able to remain chill, like Smith's other dog, an 8-year-old Maltipoo named Piper.

Visual guide How to keep pets calm during fireworks

Affection calms dogs down

Stay with your pet in a room that has minimal windows and play soft music or a movie to distract from fireworks and other noises.  A little affection goes a long way – one of the best ways to soothe your dog is to give it strong, firm pats to let it know you’re there, says veterinarian Diana Watkins, who owns the 143 Veterinary Services clinic in Massachusetts.

You can also equip your home with calming pheromone diffusers and collars, which have canine-appeasing chemicals that “reminds them of when they were nursing,” Watkins told USA TODAY. It lets your dog know they’re safe and protected, allowing them to relax.

At Smith's home in San Antonio, noise from nearby theme park firework shows sends 4-year-old Winnie dashing under the bed or into the closet, where Smith lays down blankets ahead of time. Tucked beneath the clothing rack, Winnie eats treats and hides among Smith's belongings.

Make sure collar has ID tag

Smith said Winnie runs inside the house when she hears the first pop, as if trying to get as far away from the explosions as possible.

If a fearful dog runs outside like that, they can become lost and data from the ASPCA has found loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms are the cause of nearly 1 in 5 lost pets.

Bernal said make sure their collar has an ID with the correct home address and phone number, and that their microchip information is updated in case of an escape.

Calming supplements, thunder vests

Bernal recommends calming supplements for dogs, which have a therapeutic effect and can help keep your animal calm when there's lots of noise outside.

"Supplement products have a targeted and concentrated dosage that's going to deliver a benefit," Bernal said, comparing canine supplements to calming treats, which can be less effective, she said.

Thunder vests can also help dogs by providing calming pressure to their bodies, Bernal said.

"Pet parents might put that dog's well-being above many other things, so it becomes really relevant to them to make sure that their pet's comfortable," Bernal said.

In San Antonio, calming supplements only gave Winnie a small benefit in years past, Smith said, and the best thing she can do is remain by her dog's side until things quiet down during holiday celebrations.

"I can stay home for a couple hours twice a year to make things as good for her as possible," Smith said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to keep your dog calm during fireworks on New Year's Eve