How to Help Your Dog Cope With Fireworks, According to Experts

While Fourth of July celebrations are typically filled with cold drinks, good food, and spectacular displays of fireworks, not everyone may be having fun—in particular any canine guests. Fireworks can be troubling for dogs, especially if they’re already anxiety-prone, explains Alexandra Bassett, lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy.

According to Bassett, there's a significant surge in missing pets after the Fourth of July, primarily due to them being spooked by the festivities, so learning how to calm a dog during fireworks is often crucial. “There’s no way to provide a dog with a warning about what’s about to happen, so the loud light show that ‘suddenly appears out of nowhere’ can spook a dog and cause them to try to escape the area,” Bassett explains.

Don’t stress, though—we have you (and your pup) covered. In preparation for the festivities, we consulted with dog trainers and behaviorists to help you set your pet up for success safely.

Why Are Fireworks So Upsetting to Dogs?

Shannon Walker, a renowned dog trainer and founder of Northwest Battle Buddy, says that a dog’s biggest instinct is survival. And when that seems to be threatened—in this case by loud, sudden noises and chemical smells in the air—it can trigger a reaction.

“If their fight or flight response gets activated, they may get an adrenaline surge," Bassett adds, "which is why they often bolt in dramatic ways."

How to Prepare Dogs for Fireworks

Just like you’d prep for a party in advance, setting your dog up for success can start weeks ahead of time. In order for your pup to create positive associations with something anxiety-inducing, such as fireworks, Bassett recommends working on desensitization and counterconditioning training two to six weeks in advance of the event, and to consider supplements and other commercial calming supplies.

Desensitization and Counterconditioning Training

If you, practice the following routine either daily or every other day leading up to the fireworks show:

1. Play fireworks sound recordings at a very low volume, around the time when they’re most likely to happen.
2. Slowly raise the volume over time while giving your pup treats, playing, or cuddling with them. The goal is to pair the scary sounds with positive experiences.
3. If your dog is ready and you can do so safely, try lighting a sparkler from a safe distance outside to get them used to the sight and smells of fireworks.
4. Introduce sudden sounds using "bang snaps" or "party snaps”—those small novelty fireworks that make a popping noise when they’re thrown. These mimic unpredictable sounds they might hear on the Fourth of July.
5. Consider hanging twinkling or flashing lights outside near a window and letting your dog watch from a comfy indoor spot. This introduces them to the visual flashes and flickers of fireworks in a controlled way.
   

Introduce Calming Gear

Bassett recommends giving dog-safe earmuffs or googles a try, which can help dull loud noises or bright light. Dog-sized weighted blankets and snuggly vests are also commercially available. These provide an allover calming, safe pressure that can make dogs feel more secure.

These should be introduced to your pup early, so they can get used to the gear in advance. Pairing them high-value treats and praise will also increase you chance for success.

Talk to Your Vet About Medications or Supplements

If your dog is particularly anxious, consider talking to your vet about trying calming supplements or prescription medication ahead of the Fourth of July. “Make sure you have a strategy on how long the supplement will last and proper dosage timelines,” says Walker.

Bassett says that most over-the-counter supplements aren't enough for super fearful dogs, so a prescription—coupled with desensitization strategies—may be your best bet. 

How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks

When the big day rolls around, the most important things you can offer your pup are a safe space to relax and your calming presence. Both Walker and Bassett emphasize the importance of being there for your dog when they’re in anxiety-inducing situations.

“For puppies, newly adopted rescue dogs, or if you have a very fearful, noise-sensitive dog," Bassett explains, "it's best to stay home with them for their first Fourth of July living in your home to provide reassurance and a sense of security during a potentially frightening event."

To create a calming environment for your dog, Bassett recommends choosing a room or setup in a quiet area of your home, ideally away from windows. This could be a bedroom, bathroom, or basement, and be sure to add lots of cozy, enjoyable elements. These include their dog bed, a soft blanket, enrichment toys, or a lick mat stuffed with tasty treats. A white noise machine or leaving on music or the TV can also help drown out the sound of fireworks.

If your dog begins to show signs of anxiety, Walker says not to panic, as dogs can pick up your own discomfort. "Take a confident posture," she says. "Putting your hand on the dog calmly and matter-of-factly, indicating, 'I got you.'"Don’t go too overboard with the comforting though, adds Walker, as it can have the opposite effect on your pup and make them more anxious.

Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make During the Fourth of July

Even the best intentions can have unintended consequences, and it's easy to overlook doggy details with everything else going on leading up to the celebrations. Avoid Fourth of July flubs be keeping these common mistakes in mind.

• Avoid taking your dog to a fireworks show of any kind. Bassett says that even dogs who don’t seem bothered by fireworks can become stressed in the unfamiliar, busy environment or be harmed by fireworks remnants. It’s best to keep them inside for the Fourth.
• Never leave windows, doors, or gates unsecured. Dogs may panic and run away during high-stress moments. Letting an anxious pup run freely around your house can also endanger them.
• Don't forget to prepare for the worst. Keep your dog’s collar with ID tags on, and be sure to keep your dog’s microchip info updated. (If you recently adopted your dog or have changed your phone number, this is especially important.)
• Avoid giving the dog extreme affection and comfort. Walker says it’s best to be a "strong, unemotional presence with a confident, calm touch."
• Never punish fearful behavior. Your dog won't be able to build confidence this way.