Have a ‘Fear Free’ Fourth of July!
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.