Fireworks & Fido: How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm

The Fourth of July is a fun-filled weekend celebration of parades, barbecues, family gatherings, and, of course, fireworks. Fun-filled for us humans, that is. For many dogs, it's one of the most stressful times of the year. Fireworks can trigger intense fear, anxiety, and panic and unfortunately, this leads to more pets going missing over Fourth of July weekend than any other time of the year, according to Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane.

Whether your dog has a history of noise sensitivity or not, and whether you’ve had your dog for years or this is their first Fourth of July with you, there are several proactive steps you can take to help them feel safe and secure during the holiday festivities.

1. Talk to Your Veterinarian

If your dog struggles with loud noises, check in with your vet well ahead of the holiday. They may recommend anxiety medication or calming supplements to help manage your dog’s stress. Appointments fill up fast during this time of year, so don't wait until the last minute.

2. Double-Check Your Dog’s Tags

Even if your dog stays indoors, unexpected fireworks can startle your dog and cause them to attempt to escape (and some dogs are successful in their attempts). Make sure your dog's collar has a secure ID tag with your current contact information. Also, ensure your microchip details are up to date. This can make all the difference in being reunited if your dog gets lost.

3. Create a Calm, Safe Space For Your Dog

Designate a quiet area of your home where your dog can retreat during the fireworks. Choose a room with no windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Add soft blankets, a favorite bed or crate, some toys, and calming background noise like classical music, fans or white noise. Pre-stuffed Kongs, lickmats and long-lasting chews can help keep them distracted and relaxed as well.

4. Consider OTC Calming Aids

Some pet parents find success with calming wraps like the Thundershirt, dog earmuffs like Rex Specs or pheromone diffusers and sprays like Adaptil products. While they don’t work for every dog, they may be worth trying in combination with other comfort strategies as recommended by your veterinarian. Just be sure to acclimate your dog to any wearable products beforehand and consult with your vet before giving your dog anything ingestible.

5. Don’t Leave Dogs Outside

This might be one of the most important safety measures you can take. Even if your dog typically enjoys spending time in the yard, the Fourth of July is not the time to leave them outdoors unsupervised. A frightened dog may try to escape, dig under a fence, or injure themself. Bring your dog inside well before the fireworks begin and keep them there until things quiet down. If you must bring them out to relieve themselves, be sure their collar or harness and leash are properly fitted and not frayed to prevent them from slipping out of it.

6. Stay Home If You Can

If your dog has shown signs of fear in the past, consider staying home with them. Your presence can be incredibly comforting and help reduce the chance of panic-related behaviors. If you must go out, make sure your dog is secured indoors with windows and doors closed and locked.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Fireworks may be a highlight of the Fourth of July for us, but for our dogs, it’s often a source of confusion and fear. By planning ahead and taking a few extra precautions, you can make the holiday a little less stressful and a whole lot safer for your dog.

And don’t forget that there is behavior modification training available to help make next year easier on both you and your dog. Reach out if you’d like professional help!

With wags and aloha,

Cori Tufano- CPDT-KA, CSAT, FDM, FFCP