Firework Frenzy: How to Calm Your Pet’s Noise Anxiety

As the 4th of July approaches, us humans look forward to a long weekend, barbecues, and brilliant fireworks displays. Sadly, our pets don’t enjoy this boisterous celebration quite as much as we do.

Fireworks can easily induce anxiety and fear in even the most confident and relaxed pets – research suggests between 40-80% of dogs react to these booms. So what can we do to help them?

Read on to explore the reasons behind your pet's fear of fireworks and learn some practical tips to ensure they stay calm and happy during the festivities.

Why Are Pets Afraid of Fireworks?

The fear of fireworks is common in pets and can be linked to several different factors.

The first is their more acute sense of hearing. Dogs and cats can hear frequencies of about 65 Hz to 40,000 Hz, compared to humans who hear only between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. This heightened sense of hearing makes the loud booms of fireworks not only startling but also potentially painful to their sensitive ears.

It’s also important to remember that our pets do not understand the concept of fireworks. To them, the loud noises and bright flashes are unexpected and inexplicable threats. They sense danger, which triggers their fight-or-flight response.

Pets may show their firework anxiety in different ways. Some might hide, tremble, or become clingy. Others may bark excessively, urinate or defecate in the house, or even become destructive or aggressive. Some pets may try to escape the threat and run away, which is particularly heartbreaking for both pets and their owners. The good news is that taking a proactive approach to help keep your pet calm during firework season and avoid these challenges.

5 Tips to Calm Your Pet During Fireworks

1. Create a Safe Space
   Before the fireworks start, create a safe, secure area in your home where your pet can retreat. An interior room with minimal windows can help reduce the noise level. Equip this space with their favorite blanket, toys, and perhaps an article of clothing with your scent. A calming pet bed or a crate they're accustomed to can also provide a sense of security.
   
   
2. Use Background Noise
   You can mask the sound of fireworks by playing calming background noise. Gentle music, television, or white noise machines can help muffle the bangs. Look for specially-designed playlists and apps for pet relaxation that you can play which are specifically tailored to soothe the nervous systems of cats and dogs.
   
   
3. Practice Desensitization and Counterconditioning
   In the weeks leading up to fireworks season, try desensitizing your pet to the sound of fireworks. There are many soundtracks available that simulate fireworks, which, when played at gradually increasing volumes over several days or weeks, can help your pet become accustomed to the noise without the associated fear.
   
   To make this method even more effective, give your pet a treat and lots of praise when you play the firework sound. This is called counterconditioning, and has been shown to be one of the most effective preventative treatments of noise anxiety in pets.
   
   
4. Try Calming Products
   Using natural products to manage anxiety in pets can help prevent firework anxiety. Calming treats, pheromone diffusers, and anxiety wraps are all designed to help soothe and calm an anxious pet.
   
   Herbal supplements can also help. Valerian Liquid Extract and Lemon Balm Liquid Extract are anxiety-easing droplets that help calm the mind and promote relaxation (and are safe for pets in moderation).
   
   
5. Be Calm Company
   Did you know your pet can sense your emotions? If you’re nervous about how they’ll react to fireworks, they may sense your stress and start to feel uneasy, too. By staying calm and positive, you can provide a great source of comfort for your pet.
   
   And don’t underestimate the power of calm company. If possible, stay home with them during the fireworks, or if you must go out, consider a pet sitter who can stay with them and keep them relaxed.

Help Your Furry Friends Become Fearless

Fireworks don’t have to be a source of panic for your pets. With a little preparation, you can turn this potentially stressful trigger into a non-event for your furry family members.

Remember, each pet is unique, so it may take some time to figure out what works best for yours. Start preparing early, and take it as an opportunity to bond with your pet, ensuring they feel safe and loved during the firework festivities.