How To Help Dogs Cope With July 4th Fireworks Anxiety

July 4th is a great holiday for humans, but it can be scary for dogs
Preparing ahead of time can help keep your dog calm on Independence Day
What to do - and what not to do - to keep your pet safe.

I love July 4th, especially in my town. Every year, we have an over-the-top celebration of fun, family, and patriotism, and I eagerly look forward to it.

Nilla gets so nervous when the fireworks start. // Photos by Val Davidosn

My entire family loves Independence Day. Everyone that is, except my dog, Nilla. All the noise, fireworks, and loud celebrations send her into a nervous frenzy.

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She barks, shakes, and turns into a frayed mess until the tumult settles down; July 4th is the worst day for her, but the week before and after can also be extremely challenging.

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Nilla (left) my anxious bean, and her best friend and emotional support, Latte. // Photos by Val Davidson/TSM

How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm on July 4th

Fireworks may be a celebration for us, but for dogs, they can be terrifying. Loud booms and flashes can send dogs into panic mode, and the anxiety can lead to dangerous escapes, injuries, and major stress.

A thundershirt or snug child's shirt can help keep your dog calm. // Canva

Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe on Independence Day

Talk to Your Vet: Weeks before the big day, call your vet and discuss options to help calm them down. It may be as simple as a snug-fitting child's t-shirt or a thunder shirt. If you're dog is extremely anxious, prescription medications or over-the-counter solutions might help ease their stress. Always consult your veterinarian before giving over-the-counter medications to ensure you have the correct dosage for your pet's weight, age, and breed.
Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, enclosed area where your dog feels secure and at ease. Try adding soothing sounds, such as white noise, a radio, or television, or play calming music to mask the sound of the fireworks. A weighted blanket or Thundershirt can add extra comfort.
Keep Your Dog's ID Updated: Over the July Fourth holiday, there's always a spike in lost pets. Make sure your dog has a secure collar with up-to-date tags, and consider a microchip if they’re not already registered.
Write Your Name on Their Collar: Arleen Garcia from the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista recommends using a permanent marker to write your pet's name and your telephone number on the inside of their collar. Tags can get lost, but a collar is more likely to stay on.

Talk to your veterinarian about options to keep your dog calm on the fourth of July. // Canva

What Not to Do: Don’t bring your dog to firework displays, and never leave them outdoors alone. Many dogs become extremely anxious during the holiday; don't punish them for their anxiety because it can heighten their fear.

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Plan now so that EVERYONE in your family, including your four-legged family members, can have a nice July 4th holiday!

Sources: ASPCA | Humane World for Animals | American Kennel Club (AKC) | Sierra Vista Animal Care and Control