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June 30, 2025

The 4th Without Fear: Keeping Your Puppy Calm During Fireworks

JUN

30

2025

Categories: Blogs, Petcare

The 4th Without Fear: Keeping Your Puppy Calm During Fireworks

Fireworks are a fun pastime for humans, but for dogs, holidays like Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve can be terrifying. Dogs have hearing far more sensitive than that of humans. Moreover, we understand that fireworks are a part of a celebration; for a dog, explosions have suddenly started in the sky for no reason! Here are some tips to help keep your puppy calm and safe this 4th of July.

A Holiday of Lost Pets

Year after year, the story is the same. Shelters across the country report at 30%-60% uptick in lost animals during 4th of July weekend. Loud, frightening noises can cause our pets to bolt. Don’t let your beloved puppy become one of these statistics!

If Found, Please Return to…

Make sure your dog has identification on at all times during 4th of July

Before 4th of July weekend, make sure that your puppy’s microchip information is up to date. Animals with microchips are three times more likely to be reunited with their owners, but microchips only work if the information is correct. Have your dog wear a collar with your information on the tags as well. This more traditional method of identification allows anyone who finds your puppy to return them directly, rather than necessitating a trip to the vet to get the chip scanned.

Register With the County

Did you know that all dogs over 3 months old should be licensed with your local county? In addition to being the law, licensing your dog gives the county a record of the dog’s ownership, rather than them being taken in as a stray. In fact, in Maricopa County, if your dog is picked up by animal control, they will not take them to the shelter. Instead, they will give your pup a free ride home! Your puppy is eligible for registration as soon as they have a rabies vaccination. If your puppy is old enough, don’t wait – register today!

Keeping Your Puppy Calm During Fireworks

Be Prepared

There is no way to know precisely when fireworks will begin, though you can safely assume that they will not commence until after sunset. Try to take care of walks or bathroom breaks before the festivities begin. If your puppy is worn out from a nice, long walk, so much the better!

Stay Home Together

Night, books or father with kids in bed for reading, learning and bonding with dog at home Love, family and dad with children in bedroom for storytelling, fantasy or literature for teaching pet care.
Opt for a cozy night in with your puppy instead of going out to fireworks

First and foremost, do not bring your puppy to a fireworks show. Not only can the noise be frightening to your dog, but the smells of gunpowder, the lights, and the crowds can all contribute to a terrifying experience! Keep your puppy at home in a safe, familiar environment. If at all possible, either stay home with your puppy or arrange for a friend or family member to watch over your puppy while you attend. Missing out on fireworks may be a disappointing prospect, but the most comforting thing for your puppy will be to have someone that they love and trust nearby to soothe them.

Keep Your Puppy Indoors

Even if you have a secure yard, please keep your puppy inside during fireworks. Being outside during fireworks makes your dog feel exposed. There are stories of panicked dogs digging under barriers, scaling fences, or even climbing trees. Additionally, if you have a dog door, close it off for the evening.

Because of their small bladders, young puppies may need to go out once or twice during the evening. Keep your puppy securely on a leash when you go out to use the restroom. Make sure to double-check your puppy’s harness or collar before going outside in case they try to slip out. Bring some treats for your puppy while you are outside, and if possible try to time your expedition between or after firework shows.

Firework Time is Not Crate Time!

The crate can be a place of comfort and security for your puppy, and we do strongly advise leaving the crate open as an option for your dog if they want to spend some time inside of it. However, do not lock your dog inside of the crate, especially if you are planning to leave the house. Being in a small, confined space could cause your puppy to panic, and they may injure themselves trying to get out.

Distract Your Dog

A girl with a dog watching a movie on a laptop with headphones. Pets and pet friends for people.
Put on a movie to distract your dog

White noise, the radio, or television are all good options to drown out the noises of fireworks. A chew toy, bully stick, or frozen Kong can also be a great distraction for your puppy. If you’re staying home with your dog, you can try engaging them in play throughout the evening. Your main objective is to create an evening that is as calm and positive for your puppy as possible.

Calming Supplies

Consider investing in anti-anxiety supplies for your dog! Calming chews, thundershirts, doggy earmuffs, or heartbeat-simulating snuggle puppies may all help your dog stay calm during fireworks. If your dog has a history of especially severe anxiety around loud noises, there are also prescription medications that you can discuss with your veterinarian. These medications would not sedate your dog, but would help to take the edge off of their anxiety. If you choose to use any of these options, be sure to prepare in advance. Get your puppy used to the thundershirt or earmuffs earlier in the day, and administer medication or calming chews before fireworks begin for the evening. If you wait until after fireworks are already underway, a flood of adrenaline may stop the medication taking effect.

Comforting a Distressed Dog

While you can set up your environment to be as soothing for your puppy as possible, at the end of the day, some puppies will simply be more upset by loud noises than others. If your puppy shows signs of distress when the fireworks begin, remember first to remain calm yourself. Dogs can pick up on our energies, and becoming overly agitated will only increase your dog’s anxiety.

Cute white maltese dog hiding under sofa, fearful and frightened
Reassure your puppy if they are frightened

If your puppy is willing to sit with you, pet them gently and speak to them in a soothing voice. On the other hand, if your puppy wants to run away and hide, do not force them to stay at your side. As long as they are safely inside the house, allow them to find a place that makes them feel secure. Do check on your puppy occasionally, offering them a few pats and a treat. An intensely stressed out dog will in all likelihood not eat the food. If they are feeling good enough to eat the treats, try to coax your puppy out from under the bed and encourage them to sit with you. If it works, great! Otherwise, leave your puppy in peace for some time and check on them again. When your puppy is ready to come out again, greet them in a calm but happy voice.

Be Kind to Your Puppy

Above all, remember that this is a very confusing situation for your puppy. This may mean that they have a potty accident in the house or are too afraid to follow commands. Never, ever punish your puppy for being afraid. With patience and empathy, you and your puppy can grow your bond to be stronger than ever!

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