How to Comfort and Prepare Your Pet for Fireworks

Fireworks season is upon us once again, and so is “fireworks anxiety” for some pets. While this can be an incredible opportunity to spend time with friends and family, catching up, while having some summer fun, it unfortunately, can present some challenges for your pets. We’ve devoted this article to help you prepare your pet for fireworks night. We’ll give you some tools and steps to keep your fur family less anxious this time of year.

How to Keep Pets Calm Before, During and After Fireworks

1. Don’t Skip the Walks

   You may need to change your schedule a bit but be sure you take your dog on a walk before you expect fireworks to begin. A walk will give your pup much-needed exercise and can help calm anxiety. You can gradually change your walking times a week before the fireworks to get your canine adjusted to a new routine.

2. Try a calming supplement

   Calming supplements for cats or dogs have been shown to ease anxiety and stress in pets. Test out giving them to your pet before the day of a stressful event and be sure to have some on hand before the event if you already have a good supplement. Supplements can help pets feel safe and can stop unwanted behaviors, like being destructive, pacing, and whining.

3. Keep Pets Inside

   Many pets go missing during fireworks. They get scared and try to run from the loud noises. Try to keep your pets inside to prevent them from escaping and getting lost. Outdoor cats especially like to wander, so you may want to put them inside earlier in the day to be cautious. If you don’t want the entire house open to them, a laundry room works well for a short time. If there are pets you cannot bring inside, getting them microchipped is crucial in case they run away. Also, ensure they have a collar with your contact information.

4. Introduce a New Toy

   Chew toys give your pets something to do during the fireworks. Now is a great time to introduce a new toy you can fill with your pup’s favorite treats. For cats, you may consider toys that contain catnip. You’re looking for a pleasant distraction to entertain your pet while the fireworks take place.

5. Create a Safe Space

   Close windows and curtains so that the sound won’t be as loud. Make the room dark so your pet doesn’t see the flashing lights that can cause severe anxiety. Turn the TV on and keep it a bit louder than usual. That will give your pets a noise they may be familiar with that’s not scary to them. You could also play music or use a noise maker to mask the sounds of the fireworks. Be sure you ignore the outside sounds, too. Your fur babies will relax more if you’re interested in what’s happening inside.

How do Fireworks Affect Pets?

Pets are affected by fireworks primarily because of their heightened senses, especially their acute hearing. Dogs and cats hear frequencies and sounds much beyond the range of human hearing—up to four times more sensitive in dogs. Fireworks produce sudden, loud noises at varying frequencies and intensities that can overwhelm their auditory system, triggering a strong fear response. This sensory overload causes a spike in stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, activating their “fight or flight” instinct.

Pets don’t understand what fireworks are or why the noise is happening, which adds to their confusion and anxiety. The unpredictable timing and intensity of fireworks prevent pets from getting used to or anticipating the sounds, making it difficult for them to calm down. Bright flashes and vibrations also stimulate their other senses, compounding the distress. This combination of sensory sensitivity and lack of comprehension explains why fireworks can cause such intense fear and behavioral reactions in pets.

Calming your Pet

Other holidays are coming up that might include more fireworks. In addition to these tips, talk to your veterinarian about medications that may help reduce your pet’s anxiety. The morning after the fireworks, check your yard for any fallen debris. Fireworks can contain toxic materials that are fatal when eaten by animals. The upcoming July 4th holiday is the perfect time to start desensitizing your pet against fireworks. If you start now, your pet will be much calmer when the fireworks begin!