How to keep dogs, cats & other pets calm during fireworks
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Fireworks—like the ones on July 4th—can trigger serious stress in pets. Learn why dogs (and other pets) are afraid of fireworks and 11 tips to keep them calm.
Every Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve, the same scenario seems to play out for many pet owners: fireworks light up the sky in a display of celebration — and while you’re trying to enjoy a summer barbecue or toast to the new year, your pet is trembling in a corner, hiding under the bed, or running around in a panic.
That’s because for many animals, fireworks aren’t just noise. They’re a terrifying, unpredictable sensory overload that happens with no warning and no escape. The loud bangs, sharp flashes of light, and strange smells hit them all at once, and while we might ooh and aah at the spectacle, pets can be left wondering if the world is ending.
And while this is undeniably difficult for pets, it can also be painful for the people who love them too. You want to help, but how?
Whether you’re prepping for July 4th, New Year’s Eve, or your team winning the big game, these tips are here to help you understand what your pet is going through, how this impacts their wellbeing, and ways to support them in easy, doable ways.
Why dogs, cats and other pets are often afraid of fireworks
Fireworks are fun and festive for some people, but many animals, including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and reptiles, are scared of them.
Here are some of the reasons why.
1. The sound is painfully loud: Animals, especially dogs and cats, have very sensitive hearing. A firework that’s loud to people can be absolutely deafening to them. Imagine someone setting off a cannon in your living room. That’s the volume your pet may be experiencing.
2. There’s no warning: You know the fireworks are coming, but your pet doesn’t get a heads-up. Fireworks explode without context, turning a normal evening into a sudden, scary ordeal. Making matters worse, your pet has no idea where they’re coming from, either.
3. The unpredictability makes it worse: Fireworks aren’t just loud — they pop at random intervals too. Fireworks come in bursts, often spaced out unpredictably over several hours at time. All that uncertainty makes it impossible for animals to acclimate. They don’t know if the danger is over or just getting started, or where it even is.
4. There’s nowhere to hide (or so it feels): When animals are scared, they instinctively try to run, hide, or burrow. But indoors, their options are limited. This can lead to frantic pacing, shaking, hiding in tight corners, or even destructive behavior. But before you get upset, remember that they’re not “acting out.” They’re just desperate to feel safe.
5. It can trigger trauma or past stress: Pets who have experienced abuse, neglect, or previous traumatic events may associate loud sounds with danger. For them, fireworks can reignite deep-seated panic responses, much like a human might experience with PTSD.
6. They may be predisposed to it: “Behavior is influenced by genetics, past experiences, and the current environment or situation,” explains Dr. Tammie King, an expert in pet behavior and senior research manager at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. This also helps to explain why some animals aren’t impacted by the sound of fireworks, she adds.
When pets react to fireworks, it’s not because they’re misbehaving — they’re just overwhelmed. Understanding the fear is the first step to helping them feel safe.
How to help your pet cope during fireworks: 11 tips to keep your dogs, cats, and other animals calm
Helping your pet through fireworks doesn’t require you to completely rethink your celebration plans. It just takes a few practical tools, a little empathy, and realistic expectations.
After all, your furry (or feathered, or scaled) friend is always there for you — and their support has been shown to provide tremendous benefits. In a global survey of more than 30,000 pet owners by Mars and Calm, conducted by YouGov, 83% of respondents say their pet has had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing. Here are 11 ways to return the favor, and help your pet stay as calm as possible during fireworks.
1. Create a safe, quiet space
Set up a designated “panic room”—a small, enclosed space where your pet can hunker down. You might use a bathroom, walk-in closet, laundry room, or even a covered crate, but Dr. King warns against locking them in, which may make the issue worse.
Add comfort items, such as a favorite blanket, an old t-shirt that smells like you, chews or toys.
Dampen the noise by adding thick bedding or hanging a blanket over a kennel.
Keep the lights low or off to reduce exposure to flashes of light.
2. Use sound as a buffer
Ambient noise can help cover up the unpredictable booms. Play calming music (there are whole playlists for this), use white noise or a loud fan, or turn on an easy-to-watch TV show, like a cooking program or nature documentary.
3. Don’t leave them outside
Pets have been known to jump fences, dig under gates, or break leashes when they’re panicked. Even well-trained pets can bolt.
Bring outdoor pets inside well before sunset, make sure all windows, doors, and doggy doors are securely closed and locked, and double-check that ID tags and microchips are up to date, just in case.
4. Keep yourself calm
Pets are sensitive to your behavior and body language and may mirror your energy. If you’re agitated, snapping, or pacing around while checking on them constantly, they might think something is wrong.
Instead, speak in a low, soothing tone and try to go about your routine as normally as possible. If they come to you for comfort, give it. “It is a common myth that comforting your pet reinforces their fear and makes them more fearful. This is not true! You cannot reinforce an emotion,” Dr. King says. If they retreat, respect that too by giving them space.
5. Use anxiety aids
There’s no shame in a little extra help, especially when it’s preventative. Thundershirts or snug-fitting vests can help many pets feel secure and you may consider using calming sprays or diffusers too. If your pet truly suffers, talk with your vet about medication.
6. Desensitize ahead of time
If you know fireworks are coming, start playing firework sounds at low volume in the days or weeks ahead, paired with treats or playtime. Gradually increase volume over time, and always keep sessions short and positive.
“The goal is to expose the pet to very low levels of the stimuli, so they notice it but don’t react adversely while pairing it with something pleasurable. Then over time, gradually increase the intensity of stimuli so it no longer elicits a fearful response,” Dr. King says. “If done correctly, this can improve the welfare of pets who previously have exhibited fear or anxiety to loud noises.”
7. Give them something to do
Mental stimulation can distract them and channel nervous energy into something manageable. You might consider:
For dogs: Preferred treat in a Kong, a lick mat, long-lasting chew, new toy, or a snuffle mat filled with their favorite kibble
For cats: A cardboard box filled with treats and toys, a puzzle feeder, or a favorite game, such as a fishing rod toy or feather game
For small mammals: Extra bedding to burrow into and some fresh veggies to nibble on
8. Don’t punish them for displaying stress-related behaviors
Vocalizing, panting, pacing, peeing inside are signs of distress, not disobedience. Offer reassurance without reinforcing the panic. Sit near them, speak gently, or just let them be. Just don’t scold them, as this can increase fear and confusion.
9. Tire them out beforehand
A tired pet is more likely to sleep through stress — or at least feel too wiped to panic at full throttle. Before the fireworks start, take your dog for a long walk or play a high-energy game, or engage your cat using toys like feather wands.
10. Stay home if you can — or plan ahead if you can’t
If you’re going out, do a trial run of their safe space setup. Consider setting up a pet camera so you can check in, or ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or pet sitter to stay with them if they need supervision.
11. Talk to your vet for serious anxiety
If your pet is inconsolable, destructive, or unable to function during fireworks, it’s okay to ask for medical help. Your pet may benefit from support plans that include behavior modification and/or prescription anxiety medications in extreme cases.
Your vet can also help rule out underlying issues that might worsen sound sensitivity (like hearing loss or neurological concerns).
How to keep yourself calm when your pets are stressed by fireworks
Seeing your pet panicking may make you feel anxious or overwhelmed too. Still, try your best to stay calm. Your emotional and physical state can influence your pet’s, and grounding yourself helps to create a more reassuring environment.
Here are a few strategies to help you stay centered no matter how stressful the situation is:
1. Breathe deeply and intentionally
Start with your breath. Taking slow, steady breaths helps to regulate your nervous system, which makes it easier for you to stay calm for your pet. Try a simple technique: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six. As your body relaxes, your pet may start to pick up on the shift too.
💙 Explore how to Breathe In and Out… With Your Dog (or Cat).
2. Use grounding techniques
If you feel your anxiety rising, turn to your senses to bring yourself back to the present. Notice the feel of your pet’s fur, the rhythm of your own heartbeat, or the sounds in your environment. Grounding yourself through sensory awareness can break the cycle of anxious thoughts and keep you emotionally available for your pet.
Read more: How Calm & Mars are partnering to celebrate the wellbeing potential of pets
3. Create a calm space—for both of you
Find or make a quiet, dimly lit space in your home where both you and your pet can retreat during fireworks. Bring in cozy blankets, play soft music or white noise, and sit or lie close to your pet if they find comfort in your presence. Your relaxed posture and the soothing environment can help reduce the overall tension in the room.
💙 Learn how to embrace peace and quiet with Mel Mah and her cat, Stanley, in our Rest Like Your Pet meditation.
4. Practice acceptance
Watching your pet struggle can be upsetting, but resisting or trying to “fix” everything immediately can make matters worse. Remind yourself that it’s okay for both of you to feel uneasy. Accepting the situation as it is—and focusing on providing steady, compassionate support—can be calming for both of you.
💙 A Sleep Story might be just what you need to feel more calm and secure. Pets and Their People is a perfect choice, as it highlights three heartwarming stories of pets and the people who love them.
5. Model calm behavior
Pets often mirror our body language and tone. Speak softly, move slowly, and avoid sudden or loud reactions. Even if you’re feeling unsettled, choosing to act calmly can reassure your pet that they’re not in danger — and help them regulate their own emotions through your example.
💙 Explore the full collection of pet-inspired moments of relaxation to help you and your pet relax.
Dogs and fireworks FAQs
Why are dogs so afraid of fireworks?
Dogs are naturally more sensitive to sound than humans. Their hearing is about four times sharper, meaning what sounds like a loud pop to us can feel like a full-on explosion to them. Combine that with the unpredictability of fireworks—the random timing, the flashes of light, the strange burning smell—and it’s no wonder so many of them get so scared.
Also, dogs thrive on routine and predictability, and fireworks may feel like a sudden and unexplainable threat. They don’t know it’s a celebration. To them, it feels dangerous, and their only instinct is to protect themselves by hiding, fleeing, or freezing.
Are cats and other animals scared of fireworks?
Absolutely. While dogs often get the most attention for fireworks anxiety, cats and many other animals can be just as affected — sometimes even more so. Cats are typically more independent, which means you might not notice how distressed they are until they’ve burrowed into a closet or stopped eating for a day.
In addition, small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are highly sensitive to noise and vibration, and sudden loud sounds can actually trigger shock responses or heart issues. Birds may become frantic and injure themselves trying to escape their enclosures.
How can I leave my dog alone during fireworks and keep them calm?
If you can’t be home, preparation is key. Set up a secure environment in advance — a small room or crate with familiar bedding, a favorite toy, and calming music or white noise. Make sure windows and curtains are closed to block out both sound and light flashes, and give them a toy or frozen treat just before the fireworks begin to keep them distracted.
If your dog’s anxiety is severe, talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medication for short-term use. And whenever possible, arrange for someone your dog trusts to check in on them or stay over. Just having a familiar person nearby can make a big difference.
Do calming treats really work for fireworks anxiety?
Calming treats can help, but they’re not a magic solution. Many of these treats contain natural ingredients like L-theanine, valerian root, or melatonin — all of which can have a mild calming effect on the nervous system.
For some pets, they take the edge off and help reduce pacing, whining, or trembling. For others, they might not be strong enough on their own, especially if the anxiety is more severe. If you’re considering using calming treats, it’s best to test them on a normal day first to see how your pet reacts. And always talk to your vet.
When should I talk to a vet about fireworks fear?
If your pet is trembling uncontrollably, attempting to escape through doors or windows, soiling themselves, refusing to eat, or injuring themselves, it’s time to talk to a vet. These aren’t just quirks — they’re signs of serious distress.
Your vet can help rule out any underlying health issues and recommend a treatment plan that may include behavior modification, environmental adjustments, or medication. There’s no shame in seeking support for your pet’s mental health, especially when the solution might be more accessible than you think.
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