🧨BOOM, BANG, BLAST! Summer’s loudest holiday is here. We might love a good fireworks show, but our dogs? Not so much.

We charted a path to help you and your pup navigate the night sky together, even when it’s bursting with booms. And you don’t have to do it alone. Your vet is a willing co-pilot, ready to help you plan a calmer course before the first firework ever flies.

Why Fireworks Freak Dogs Out

Fireworks trigger a dog’s “fight or flight” response thanks to loud booms, high-pitched whistling, and unpredictable flashing lights. Without context for what’s happening, many dogs perceive fireworks as a threat. It’s not just the noise: It's the suddenness, intensity, and lack of control that sends pets into a panic.

An estimated 1 in 2 dogs suffer from noise sensitivity, but some surveys suggest it may be as high as 70%, especially among older or more anxious dogs.

Alright, anxiety decoded. Now let’s unleash our strategy:

Keep Calm and Kaboom On

A FEW DAYS BEFORE Set the Stage for Calm
1	Ease Into Desensitization Start playing quiet firework sounds while your dog is relaxed—maybe during mealtime or playtime. Gradually increase the volume over a few days. Pair it with treats or praise so they begin to associate the sounds with something positive.
2	Talk to Your Vet Don’t reach for over-the-counter meds; reach out to your vet. OTC meds that have a calming effect on adults can have the opposite effect on dogs. Your veterinarian can help you build a plan tailored to your dog’s specific anxiety level, which may include behavior strategies, calming tools, or safe prescriptions.
3	Get the Gear Consider purchasing a snug-fitting anxiety wrap or calming vest, a white noise machine, and puzzle toys or long-lasting chews for distraction.
4	Prep a Playlist Music can work wonders to help soften sudden noises and soothe a nervous pup. A few hours before fireworks start, begin playing calming sounds in the background. Classical, ambient, or dog-specific tunes all work great. Try our favorites or find another that suits your pooch: 🎧Firework Music for Dogs – YouTube Playlist: Gentle, ad-free music designed to ease anxiety during fireworks and storms. 🎧RelaxMyDog on Spotify: A go-to for pet parents. Stream hours of dog-calming tracks straight from Spotify.
A FEW HOURS BEFORE Prep the Environment
5	Exercise Early Give your dog a walk, some fetch time, or mental stimulation earlier in the day. A tired dog is often a calmer dog.
6	Create a Cozy Den Set up a safe, quiet space indoors. Choose a room with minimal windows, close the blinds, and add a comfy bed or crate, their favorite toy, and access to water. White noise or calming music can help soften the sounds outside.
7	Set the Mood Keep the lights low and the energy calm. If you’re hosting guests, be mindful that your pup may need space away from the noise and excitement.
DURING THE FIREWORKS Be Their Safe Place
8	Stay with Them Your calm presence can go a long way. Don’t overdo the soothing (too much attention can sometimes reinforce fear), but do stay nearby and act like everything’s normal. Staying close doesn’t just lower their anxiety: It might lower yours too. After all, lost-pet reports spike significantly the day after July 4. Axios reported an 81% increase in 2023!
9	Offer Distractions Use puzzle feeders, chews, or frozen treats to redirect their focus. Some dogs may engage, others may not and that’s OK.
10	Let Them Hide If they choose to retreat under the bed or into a closet, let them. Forcing interaction can make things worse. Just make sure their chosen spot is safe and quiet.

Beyond the Blasts: Help Them Feel Safe Year After Year

Even after the fireworks fade, some dogs may still feel shaken. But with repetition and reassurance, calm can become second nature. Desensitization training, especially with the help of a professional, is one of the most effective long-term solutions.

More Helpful Resources for Firework-Phobic Pups:

🔗Fear Free Pets – Who They Are: Learn how the Fear Free movement is helping pets feel safer, starting at home and in the clinic.
🔗Find a Veterinary Behaviorist: For severe or persistent noise anxiety, connect with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area.

Every👏Dog👏Is👏Different👏

If your dog has a meltdown every July Fourth, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Take what works for them, skip what doesn’t, and remember that calm is something you can practice together.

Stay safe, stay snuggly, and give your dog an extra treat from us! 🎆🐾🦴

Dr. Nikki Meredith, DVM is an emergency veterinarian and co-founder of Puppylation Health. She’s passionate about giving pet parents the confidence and tools they need to handle everyday “uh-ohs” with calm and care. Her expertise fuels everything from The Uh-Oh Kit to our new wellness series, Vet Tips, No Trips.