Fireworks & Fear: How to Help Your Dog Have a Safer, Calmer Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is one of the most festive holidays of the year—cookouts, gatherings, fireworks, and celebration all around. But for our dogs, this time of year can bring a lot of unpredictability and stress.
While not every dog panics at the sound of fireworks, any dog—given the right amount of fear—can bolt, shut down, or act completely out of character. Even the calmest pup can hit their breaking point when the sky starts booming and the air smells like smoke. That’s why it’s important to prepare ahead of time, regardless of how your dog has reacted in the past.
During my years in rescue, the Fourth of July (and New Year’s Eve) were the worst nights of the year for missing pets. And too many of those stories didn’t have happy endings.
So here’s what you can do now—to keep your dog safe, grounded, and as stress-free as possible when the fireworks begin.
Build a Calming Routine—Start Early if Needed
If your dog is highly sensitive to fireworks or has a history of severe stress, don’t wait until the booms begin. There’s real value in getting your dog into a calm state before the trigger happens. That means starting your calming protocol 24 to 48 hours in advance—sometimes even earlier if needed.
For many dogs, this can make a noticeable difference. When the nervous system is already dysregulated, it’s much harder to bring things back down. But if your dog enters the situation already calm and supported, they’re less likely to spiral into full-blown panic.
I’ve tried a lot of calming tools over the years, and there are many great options out there. It’s important to find what works for your dog as an individual—and that might even look different if you have more than one dog in your home. I love building protocols that actually work, because then you know exactly what to have on hand for the next go-round. That’s empowering. And that’s what I encourage you to do this year: try something, observe, and build your dog’s personal calming plan.
Like I said, I’ve tried a lot of things—but this past New Year’s Eve, I followed a protocol recommended by canine herbalist Rita Hogan, and I was really impressed with how well it worked for all of my dogs. I’m not saying it’ll work for every dog, but I found it to be very effective in my home—so I like to share it as something worth considering.
Here are the three products I used together:
CBD Dog Health CBD – I used Heal, but any of their full-spectrum formulas all offer calming support. Calm, Heal, and Ease each provide a relaxing effect; the added ingredients just offer additional benefits depending on your dog’s needs.
Farm Dog Naturals “Relax” Serum – A topical herbal blend applied to the ears and chest. It smells beautiful and very subtle—not overpowering—so most dogs accept it wonderfully.
Adored Beast “Your Go 2” – A homeopathic remedy that serves as a great first-response tool for a wide range of issues. It’s especially helpful for acute stress, fear, and trauma. Can be given at the first firework and repeated as needed throughout the night.
This trio created a layered, gentle support system that worked well in my dogs during a very noisy holiday evening. For dogs who are especially sound-sensitive, combining these can be a safe and effective way to help them feel more grounded.
All high-quality full-spectrum CBD should have a calming effect—so if you have a good product in hand, it should work. Another brand that I love is Earth Buddy Pet. Their products are clean, thoughtfully formulated, and another great option to consider. You can order from their website here or come see me at Whole Dog Market in Homewood—we stock most of their products.
Of course, these are not the only calming options available. There are plenty of other tools that may work well depending on your dog. One category I also love is mushrooms. In my experience, mushroom powders and tinctures—like reishi or lion’s mane—tend to perform better when they’ve had time to build up in the system. Even blends that include faster-acting adaptogens, like MycoDog’s Clarity, can sometimes help in the short term—but all mushroom products will work best when given consistently over time. Consistency is key to getting the most benefit from them.
Create a Calm, Safe Environment
The vibe of your home matters. Your dog is going to take emotional cues from their surroundings, so it’s your job to make the space feel grounded and calm.
Before the night sets in, it’s a great idea to give your dog some age-appropriate exercise. Take them for a walk or a run, let them enjoy a long sniffari, or engage their senses with some kind of mentally stimulating activity. Dogs process the world through their noses, so anything that taps into scent work—like hiding treats in the yard or creating a simple nose work challenge at home—can really help them burn off both physical and mental energy. When their mind, body, and senses are engaged earlier in the day, they’re more likely to rest calmly when the fireworks begin.
After that, shift into enrichment mode. Offer something that keeps their mind busy while promoting calm, like a frozen toy such as a West Paw Toppl or Qwizl, filled with yogurt, raw goat milk, or their favorite soft treats. Enrichment helps redirect anxious energy and creates positive associations during stressful times.
If you’re looking for enrichment toys or calming treats, come see me at The Whole Dog Market in Homewood—we’ve got a great selection, and I’d love to help you find the right fit for your pup.
Play calming music or put on a mellow TV show or movie—avoid anything with loud action or violence.
Realistically, music or a movie isn’t going to completely drown out the sound of fireworks—but if we create a calm space before the noise starts, that can go a long way in helping your dog feel more secure.
Use essential oils cautiously—only from trusted brands like AnimalEO, and only if your dog tolerates them well.
One of my favorite calming blends is AnimalEO Calm-a-Mile, which contains German and Roman chamomile, among a few other beautifully supportive oils. If your dog is truly panicked, diffusing a blend like this can sometimes help take the edge off.
I’ll be stocking AnimalEO essential oils in the near future, and I’m excited to finally offer these trusted blends to my community.
Some dogs will also gravitate toward their crate or a dark corner. Let them. Give them a calm, safe place to retreat.
Secure the Space: Don’t Let Fear Lead to a Tragedy
If you’re hosting a party or having guests over, you’ll need to take extra precautions to keep your dog safe. Doors get left open, routines get disrupted, and it’s easy for a scared dog to slip out unnoticed. Even dogs that “never run off” can get spooked and bolt.
Keep your dog indoors before, during, and after fireworks.
Crate them if it helps them feel safe—but don’t force it if it doesn’t.
Double-check gates, doors, and fences well before dusk.
Tell guests that you have pets inside and that doors should be kept shut.
Don’t assume people will remember—especially if drinks are involved.
Consider designating one room as your dog’s quiet space and letting your guests know not to disturb them during the fireworks.
Final Thoughts
You may have a dog that’s never been bothered by fireworks before—but it only takes one bad experience to change that. Stress hormones are powerful. And once a dog goes into survival mode, they can run far, fast, and without any sense of direction.
So don’t wait until the sky lights up—prepare now. Create a calming environment. Have the right tools on hand. Make sure your dog is safe and supported.
Because in the end, it’s not just about reducing your dog’s stress—it’s about reducing yours too. When you know your dog has a safe space, a solid calming plan, and the support they need, you get to enjoy the holiday more. And if you won’t be home, set them up with everything they need so they’re not just riding it out alone.
Wishing you and your pet a fun, safe, and stress-free Fourth of July.