Every Fourth of July, many pets struggle dealing with the celebratory sights and sounds from local fireworks displays. Having a heightened sense of hearing, the noises associated with Independence Day fireworks can be really traumatizing to dogs. Unfortunately, the frightening booms and bangs are no longer limited to one day, with numerous cities seeing spikes in the number of people reporting illegal firework activity as July 4^th nears. 

So, how do you alleviate the stress and anxiety facing your dog this fireworks season? Here are some tips to help calm and comfort your furry friend when those dastardly sparks start flying. 

Stay Home 

That’s right – just stay home with your pup. Especially if you have a new dog in the house and you are unsure of how they will react to fireworks. A dog’s fear response to fireworks can be worse if left home alone, so being there for your dog during a stressful event can help minimize their fear response and reassure them that they are safe. Additionally, it’s important to keep them inside during fireworks. More dogs go missing around July 4^th than at any other time of year, so if you do have to venture outside, make sure your pup is wearing their collar with ID tags. 

Walk Early / Tire Them Out 

Typically, fireworks start after sunset, so try to get your dog’s walks in before things start to go boom. Also try to extend the duration of their exercise time to help tucker them out. Just toss that ball around a little longer than usual. Tired dogs tend to be calmer and sleep more deeply and are less likely to be disturbed by outside noises.  

Create Safe Spaces and Hiding Places 

If your pup becomes nervous or scared when the fireworks start booming, crackling, and whistling, it’s likely that they will seek out a sanctuary where they can feel safe and secure until the smoke clears. They may already have their favorite safe space, but if you can, try to provide them with additional options, like a large closet or a comfy spot in the basement.  

Mask Outside Noise / Remove Visual Stimulation 

Drowning out the fear-inducing stimuli of fireworks is relatively easy with the right tools. Soundproof curtains can help dampen exterior sounds and block out flashes of light at the same time. If sound is your only concern, a white noise sound machine like the Dohm Classic can help reduce stress by producing soothing ambient sounds of moving air. Turning on music can also help block out unwanted noise and reduce your dog’s stress – iCalmPet’s Through a Dog’s Ear music compilations can be streamed on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music.  

Use an Anxiety Vest or Calming Supplement 

Anxiety vests apply pressure to your dog’s torso, causing a calming effect like receiving a hug. Gentle pressure releases “feel-good” chemicals in their body that promote a sense of well-being that leads to a calmer dog. Their efficacy is up for debate, but many pet owners attest that their dog’s fear or anxiety appears decreased when they are wearing an anxiety vest. Two popular brands available are The Anxiety Wrap and ThunderShirt.