How to Help Pets Stay Calm During Fireworks

Festivities like July 4th are stressful for pets

While July 4th is a time of celebration for many, it can be extremely stressful for pets. Loud noises, flashing lights and unfamiliar activity can cause fear and anxiety—even leading pets to bolt in panic. Fireworks aren’t limited to Independence Day either—they're often part of New Year’s Eve, local festivals, and sports celebrations that occur year-round.

To help ensure this Independence Day is a safe and positive experience for everyone, Petco is sharing simple, effective ways to reduce stress and help keep pets of all kinds safe. In short, we’ll help you “go 4th" with confidence!

• Fireworks may cause pets stress and, anxiety and they may even attempt to flee
• Preventive care and calming tools are essential
• Petco offers solutions and expert tips to help

Did you know?

Dogs are more likely to go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your pet safe and secure.

Firework safety tips for dogs

Create a safe spot at home

While you can’t control fireworks in your neighborhood, you can take steps to help your dog feel safe and secure at home. This can help reduce fireworks anxiety and prevent panic-driven behaviors such as escape attempts or destructive chewing.

• Set up a quiet, cozy retreat away from windows where your dog can feel secure. Crate your dog during fireworks for extra security.
• Add familiar, comforting items such as favorite toys, a soft blanket, calming wearables or pheromone-based tools.
• Leave a TV, fan or radio on at a normal volume to help mask the sound of fireworks.

Also, never leave dogs outside unattended: They may dig or climb to escape loud noises.

Don’t take your pet to the fireworks show

As much as we love including our dogs in family activities, dogs and fireworks aren’t a good combination. The loud noise and flashes of light can be deeply unsettling, even for typically calm dogs. Here’s why dogs are scared of fireworks and you should always leave them home:

• Dogs have sensitive hearing, and the sudden pops and booms of fireworks can cause intense anxiety or panic.
• Frightened dogs may try to flee, even slipping collars or jumping fences in an attempt to find safety.
• Large gatherings and unfamiliar settings can elevate your dog’s anxiety, making them more likely to act out or shut down.

Use a leash or crate

While the goal is to time outdoor activities and bathroom breaks before or after noisy firework hours, emergencies or tight schedules may make them impossible to avoid. Using proper gear makes a huge difference.

• Even if your dog typically walks off leash and sports just a collar for potty break walks, this is the time for more security. Using both a leash and a well-fitted harness provides better control and reduces the risk of escape.
• Speaking of collars – make sure the info on your dog’s ID is current.
• If you haven’t already, make a vet appointment now to get your dog microchipped and ensure all contact information is current.

Register with Petco Love Lost

Petco Love Lost is a free, searchable database helps match found pets with their families. Sign up before fireworks begin, so you’re ready just in case. Sign up with your local neighborhood social media pages, as well, and always have a current photo of your pet on your phone and other devices.

Tips to manage pet anxiety

With the right techniques and tools, you can help ease anxiety and help calm your dog during fireworks.

• Watch for common signs of anxiety: panting, pacing, shaking, hiding or excessive barking.
• Try physical and mental exercise: play earlier in the day can help your dog stay more relaxed as the evening festivities begin. Give your dog some fun puzzle or treat-dispensing toys to redirect their focus.
• Buy calming products: Products like Thunder Shirts, pheromone collars, calming supplements and diffusers can help ease anxiety. Test them before the holiday to make sure your dog responds well.
• Positive Reinforcement: Get excited with your dog using language like “Good job!” and give your dog a treat every time a firework goes off to build a positive association with the sound.
• You can also practice by listening to an old fireworks show at a very low volume and start positive reinforcement training during the weeks leading up to firework season to help build confidence before that season starts.

Order anxiety medication ahead of time

For dogs with moderate to severe noise anxiety, consult your veterinarian about prescription options. And do this early: Most clinics will be closed on the 4th, and appointment times for that week fill up early. Test the medication in advance to observe how your dog reacts.

Road trip safety tips for July 4th travel

Whether you’re heading out of town for the holiday or just taking a short drive, keep your dog safe on the road. Unrestrained pets can pose a serious risk to everyone in the vehicle—including themselves. Here’s how to ensure your pup stays secure:

• Always use a crash-tested safety harness or a well-ventilated crate secured in place to prevent injury during sudden stops or turns.
• Products like the Petco Booster Seat let smaller pups enjoy the view while staying safely restrained.
• Don’t allow your dog to stick their head out of the car window; that can lead to injuries. Instead, roll the window down just a few inches to allow fresh air to flow into the vehicle.
• Avoid driving during hours when fireworks are going off as it can be stressful for your dog to hear and see everything going on.

Dog-proof any vacation space

Make sure all windows and doors are secure and the yard doesn’t have any gaps where your dog could slip out or a fence that’s short enough for your dog to jump out. And keep your dog’s collar and ID tags on at all times, even if they are used to “being naked” at home.

Firework safety for cats

Keep indoor cats safe and calm

Fireworks can be just as stressful for cats as they are for dogs, sending even the calmest cats into hiding. Set up a quiet, secure room where they can retreat during the festivities. Let them stay put; hiding is a cat’s natural way of coping with stress.

Update ID tags and microchips

July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month—a timely reminder to ensure your cat's microchip and ID tags are up to date, even if they live indoors.

Consider calming products

Calming aids like pheromone diffusers and ThundersShirts aren’t just for dogs. They can dramatically help reduce the fear cats may experience during loud noises.

Safe travel prep

When traveling with birds or small pets, safety and comfort should be top priorities. Always transport small animals in a secure, well-ventilated carrier designed specifically for their species. Options like the Caitec Perch N Go Bird Carrier or the Petco Pet Keeper for Small Animals provide safe, enclosed environments that also double as temporary habitats while you’re on the go.

Make sure the carrier is properly secured—either with a seatbelt or placed on a flat surface where it won’t tip or slide during sudden stops. Avoid placing carriers in direct sunlight or near air vents.

Conclusion

A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your pet calm and safe during the rocket’s red glare and bombs bursting in air. Your calm presence can be extremely soothing and reassuring for your pet when they are feeling uncertain.

Key ways to prepare in advance for a calm and safe Independence Day, no matter what kind of pet you have:

• Create a safe space for your pet with familiar items.
• Check your habitat, home and/or yard for any possible escape routes.
• Keep your dog’s or cat’s collar—with current ID—on at all times and update contact information on their microchip before fireworks season
• Get calming aids, prescriptions or microchips early