Many pets are terrified of fireworks—and it’s easy to understand why. Our furry friends aren’t told that these sudden, deafening booms are meant to celebrate, not threaten. For dogs and cats, reacting to loud, unexpected noises is an instinctive safety mechanism. After all, who knows what danger might be causing that commotion? Adding to the problem, their hearing is much more sensitive than ours. To them, fireworks aren’t just loud—they’re overwhelming and frightening. The pops, bangs, and booms that excite us can feel like an all-out assault to our pets. While dogs often display their distress more visibly, such as trembling, hiding, or refusing to go outside, cats are equally affected. Many retreat under the bed and may even avoid their litter boxes during the chaos. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help ease their fear and create a safer, more comforting environment when fireworks are in full swing. This can make all the difference during holidays like Independence Day, which can already be overwhelming for your four-legged family members. With fireworks sales on the rise, this year’s celebrations could be more intense than ever, so taking precautions is more important than ever to keep your pets calm and safe.
Behavior Modification
Start now, and you can use a training method known as desensitization and counterconditioning to help ease your pet’s anxiety. Even if you don’t begin in time for the upcoming celebrations, this approach can still be beneficial for New Year’s Eve or next year’s Fourth of July. To begin, use sounds of fireworks, like this YouTube video, or any other audio of fireworks. Play the sounds at a very low volume while keeping your pet distracted with playtime or by offering high-value treats or food in a toy. Start with your pet far from the speakers, and gradually bring them closer while slowly increasing the volume. If your pet starts showing signs of discomfort, it means you’ve moved too quickly. In that case, move your pet farther away or lower the volume. The goal is twofold: to help your pet become more comfortable with the sound of fireworks and to associate that once-frightening noise with something positive, like a favorite treat or toy. While this method can be highly effective for many pets, it doesn’t work for all and may require some time and patience. Stick with it, and you may see progress!
Pheromones, Nutraceuticals, Probiotics, CBD
If your dog tends to experience anxiety, consult your veterinarian about using one or more of the following products to help them stay calm. For dogs, consider plugging in an Adaptil diffuser, and for cats, a Feliway Classic diffuser. These diffusers release synthetic versions of natural pheromones to create a calming environment for each species. To get the best results, start using these products well in advance of stressful events instead of waiting until the last minute. They can also complement desensitization and counterconditioning training, as well as other products or medications recommended by your veterinarian. Here are a few additional nutraceuticals that are non-sedating and can help pets relax: Zylkene: This supplement contains bovine-sourced hydrolyzed milk protein, a natural ingredient known for its calming properties. As the saying goes, “A glass of warm milk can do wonders,” and Zylkene brings that same calming effect to your pet. It’s designed to help pets find their “zen.” Solliquin: Made with L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, Solliquin promotes relaxation and mental alertness by stimulating alpha brain wave activity. It’s a great way to help your pet feel calm yet focused. Zentrol: Zentrol is formulated for natural stress management and has been shown to reduce stress-related behaviors quickly, often within 60 minutes. Its active ingredients include novel plant-based compounds such as Souroubea spp (rich in betulinic acid) and Platanus spp. Calming Care: This probiotic from Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets can be sprinkled directly on your dog’s food. It contains a specific strain of beneficial bacteria (BL999) that has been shown to help dogs stay calm during stressful situations like separation. While it’s available online at retailers like Chewy.com, consult your veterinarian before purchasing to ensure it’s suitable for your pet. CBD: While anecdotal reports suggest CBD may help alleviate anxiety in pets, there is currently limited scientific evidence to support this claim. Additionally, not all CBD products are created equal in terms of quality and efficacy. Always consult your veterinarian before trying CBD for your pet to ensure safety and proper dosing.
Calmer Canine
One innovative product designed to influence brain chemistry is the Calmer Canine. Specially designed to help dogs experiencing separation anxiety, it’s also effective for anxiety triggered by thunderstorms, car rides, and other stressors. The device is shaped like a halo that gently fits above your dog’s head. It targets the amygdala—the brain's "fight or flight" center responsible for fear and emotional responses. In anxious dogs, the brain’s balance can be disrupted, leading to hormonal imbalances and overstimulated brain cells that release harmful substances, causing inflammation. The Calmer Canine addresses this by delivering targeted pulsed electromagnetic field signals. These signals are invisible, completely sensation-free, and have no known side effects, offering a safe and effective solution for calming anxious pets.
Psychopharmaceutical Aids
If your pet is showing extreme fear or anxiety—signs like shaking, excessive drooling, loss of bladder control, reduced appetite, or appearing “inconsolable”—reach out to your veterinarian to discuss SILEO® (dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel). This easy-to-apply gel, which is gently administered to your dog’s gums, is specifically designed to help during noisy events like fireworks or thunderstorms. SILEO typically begins working within 30 minutes to an hour, with calming effects lasting around two to three hours. While SILEO is generally safe and effective for most dogs, it is a prescription medication (and not approved for use in cats). Always consult your veterinarian before use. They may also recommend other pharmaceutical options that could better suit your pet’s needs.
Easy to Implement and Worth a Try
For some dogs, managing stress during situations like fireworks may require a combination of strategies. You can pair calming pheromones with nutritional supplements and some good old-fashioned “jollying.” Start by taking your pet to a quiet, secluded area in your home, such as the basement, an office, or a room farthest from the noise. The concept of “jollying” revolves around keeping your dog focused on positive distractions, like play and treats. If your kids typically enjoy interacting with your dog, this can be a perfect time for some fun games together. Offering high-value treats in Kong toys or food puzzles can also work wonders as a distraction. To further minimize stress, make sure to close the windows to muffle the noise and pull down the shades. Adding a calming audio backdrop can help too—consider playing soothing music or a talk radio station. Specialized music designed to relax pets is another great option. Check out resources like A Sound Beginning, iCalmPet, or other websites that offer calming music for dogs and cats, including many free options online.
Wear It
Consider these options for their calming effects—each designed to provide comfort and reassurance for your dog:
- Thundershirt: A snug-fitting vest that delivers gentle, constant pressure, much like swaddling a baby. It was initially created to help dogs cope with storm-related anxiety.
- Storm Defender: A uniquely designed cape featuring a special inner lining to help shield your dog and promote a sense of calm.
- Anxiety Wrap: This wrap combines gentle pressure and acupressure techniques to ease stress and reduce fear in dogs.
A Final Word
The notion that comforting a frightened pet will reinforce their fear is a widespread myth. Fear is a deep emotional response that cannot be strengthened simply by our actions. In truth, many pets feel safer and more at ease when we provide attention and calm, reassuring words during stressful moments. While soothing your pet can bring immediate comfort and help them feel more secure, it’s essential to understand that reassurance alone is not a long-term solution. To address the root causes of fear and anxiety, consider enlisting the help of a Fear Free certified professional pet sitter, such as PAWsome Companions, or working with a qualified behavior specialist trained in Fear Free methods.
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