How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

Tips to keep your dog safe and happy this 4th of July:

Walk your dog early

Tire them out before the fireworks start. 

Take your dog for a long walk just before the sunsets. The more tired they are, the calmer they'll be for the rest of the night while the fireworks are going off. 

Keep them inside

Prevent them from escaping. 

The loud noises and flashes from fireworks scare dogs. If you let them out in the backyard, they might get spooked and try to run away from the scary sounds. More pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other night. Keeping them inside will help them stay safe and calm. Earlier in the day make sure their ID tags are up to date and on their collars, in case they do happen to escape. 

Provide a safe spot

Create a comfortable place to hide. 

If you don't already have a crate for your dog, create a comfortable space for them where they can't see or hear the fireworks. They will feel safe if they have a "den" to retreat to when they start getting anxious.

Distract them 

Give them distractions to keep them occupied.

Give your dog fun treats or puzzle toys to keep them occupied throughout the night. You can fill a Kong with peanut butter and treats, and freeze it earlier in the day so they have a long-lasting treat to chew on during fireworks. You can also put the TV or soothing music on to help drown out the sound of the fireworks. 

Act normal

Stay calm so your dog doesn’t get more worried. 

The best thing you can do for your dog is to remain calm. Dogs look to their owners for guidance on how to handle situations when they are anxious. If you spend a lot of time worrying over them, they'll think you are also scared of the fireworks and it will only reinforce their behavior. 

Stay safe and have a happy 4th of July!