Keep pets calm during summer fireworks

When the fireworks are lighting up the sky to celebrate Independence Day, you may find your pets running for cover, or worse, running away. For many dogs, July 4 (and the following week as neighbors continue to light fireworks) can be nerve wracking and exhausting, leading to increased tremors and barking as their anxiety is heightened and their sense of calm is disrupted. 

However, your pet does not have to spend the coming week in fear. With a few simple precautions, Independence Day does not have to mean stress for your furry friends.

Keep Your Pet Inside

Your natural instinct may be to let your dog join you outside as you light the fireworks, but for an anxious dog, going outside during fireworks can trigger their fight or flight response. Your dog may begin to bark at the fireworks and might even panic and get too close to a lit firecracker or run away.

Instead, let your dogs out earlier in the day so that they can get as much exercise as possible, and when the fireworks start make sure they are inside. Keeping their environment as calm and  normal as possible can help. Keeping your curtains or blinds closed can help as well so that your pup isn’t also being frightened by bright lights. When you go inside, treat your dog normally (a few extra good belly rubs won’t hurt) and make sure your dog has something to do — like playing with a special toy. Playing soft music can also help ease your dog’s fears as the fireworks are underway.

Try Holistic CBD Remedies

CBD products for dogs can make a difference in their anxiety levels. For example, a full spectrum hemp extract with lavender will help reduce anxiety, stress, and fear during thunderstorms and fireworks by feeding your pet’s endocannabinoid system. Although many vets recommend giving a dog childrens Benadryl, you may find that CBD products are more effective and safe than treating your pet with people medication.

Create a Wrap

Your pet can benefit from being put in a shirt, vest, or wrap. Putting something with weight or slight pressure on your pet creates a calming effect, according to a recent study examined in the Wall Street Journal. Just like weighted blankets help people with anxiety, creating a comfortable weighted shirt or swaddle can give the dog a sense of feeling grounded and calm, so long as they are still able to move around freely.

You can find vests, like the Thunder Shirt, at your local pet store. You can also save money by wrapping your pets chest in an ace bandage (but not too tight!) to create the same effect.

Try to Reduce Outside Excitement

If you are having a barbecue or party before the fireworks, it can be helpful to separate your pet from your guests in the hour or so leading up to the fireworks. Your dog will already be in a heightened state from all of the extra stimuli — like new people (who might be dropping easy-to-grab food), so keeping them apart and sitting with them to calm them down before heading out to set off fireworks can help. If nothing else, try to limit the amount of new foods (read: table foods) being given to your pet that might excite them more. Your goal should be to keep them in the emotional middle ground.

Remember, your pet does not understand that the fireworks are a good thing. What they do understand is that there are loud noises and bright lights, and often a lot of tension and anxiety from small children and anxious pet parents. Try to keep yourself as calm as possible and remember that getting frustrated with your dog barking or shaking will not help, and both you and your dog can begin enjoying holidays together.

Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.