Fourth of – As the country marks America’s 250th birthday with fireworks, one veterinarian warns that many pets—especially dogs—can be thrown into real distress by the sounds, and that how owners respond can either help or make anxiety worse.
On America’s 250th birthday, fireworks displays are likely to be spectacular. For many pets, though, the booms of pyrotechnics can be miserable.
Dr. Janine Calabro, medical director at VEG ER for Pets, said many animals may find the noises from celebrations stressful. “Dogs are probably the most common pets in which we see some of these problems,” she said.
The stress can show up in ways that are hard to miss: trembling, pacing, panting heavily, and looking for a place to hide. Calabro said pet owners can help by letting a dog retreat to a bathroom or another quiet space—or even to a crate—if that’s a spot the dog is usually comfortable in.
Owners often try to soothe dogs by stroking them and telling them everything will be OK. Calabro cautioned that this approach can backfire when it becomes its own source of stress. “If we’re getting real riled up and upregulated and stressed in the process of trying to calm them down. it may have the opposite effect. ” she said.
Some people may consider turning to over-the-counter gummies. Calabro advised caution. “Some of those over the counter products can also have other things in them like xylitol or other artificial sweeteners that may be toxic to dogs” she said.
Before trying anything new, the first stop should be the pet’s primary veterinarian. Calabro also said strong reactions to noise can be worsened by underlying conditions, including musculoskeletal pain or a similar ailment. “If they hear a noise and they start and move suddenly” and experience pain due to the underlying condition. they may link the pain to noise and ultimately make their anxiety even worse.
Working with a trainer to desensitize a dog could help as well. Calabro said she expects that the best results often come from more than one tactic. “I think it’s likely going to be a multi-pronged approach. particularly for pets who really are very fearful and have a very strong. negative reaction to these things. ” she said. adding that medications may ultimately be one part of the solution.
Another practical step is to keep the routine steady in the days leading up to the Fourth of July and during the holiday itself. “Trying to keep things consistent around the house can be kind of helpful,” she said.
For owners, the goal is simple: reduce the triggers, create a safe retreat, and avoid accidentally adding to the stress—because for many dogs, the fireworks aren’t just loud. They can be terrifying.
Fourth of July pets fireworks dogs anxiety vet advice VEG ER for Pets Dr. Janine Calabro
Can’t believe people still set off fireworks like it’s nothing. My dog would lose it.
So you’re saying pet owners shouldn’t like… pet the dog? That seems backwards. If my dog is scared I’d just cuddle it and tell it it’s fine. Also what are “gummies” even for, humans? lol
My neighbor’s dog shakes so bad during fireworks. I thought the whole point was to calm them down fast, like extra attention helps. But this vet lady says it can backfire? Makes me feel like I’m doing it wrong. Also if dogs feel pain from moving then they associate it with the noise… so basically everything is the problem, not just the boom.
I saw something on TikTok that says you can just turn on a vacuum and the dog won’t care. Not sure if that’s a thing or if it’s the same as “keeping routines steady” or whatever. The xylitol part kinda threw me though—like do they put that in random candy? People are wild. Anyway I guess I’d try the crate but my dog hates his crate unless it’s bedtime so… good luck me.