It's that time of year again — barbecues, watermelon, and long summer nights ending with a bang.

While we humans may love watching the sky light up, our furry friends often find fireworks absolutely terrifying.

Loud noises and bright lights can cause significant distress and anxiety in pets. In extreme cases, pets may even run away in search of safety.

Research shows that approximately 40-50% of dogs experience noise phobia, which can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, and excessive hiding. And while most research focuses on dogs, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior confirms that cats can become equally anxious from loud noises like fireworks.

So what can you do?

Here are practical, natural strategies to help keep your pets calm.

1. Keep your pets indoors

The first and most important step is keeping pets safely inside. Set them up in a room where they feel comfortable and secure. A few things that help:

• Play calming music or turn on the TV to mask the sounds
• Close windows and doors to reduce noise
• Use curtains and blinds to block flashing lights
• Offer a crate with their favorite blanket or toy if they find it comforting
• Let them retreat to their favorite hiding spot — don't force them out

2. Exercise Them Beforehand

A tired pet is a calmer pet. Before fireworks begin, take your dog for a long walk or engage your cat in an active play session to burn off energy. Try to schedule this earlier in the day before neighborhood fireworks start.

Don't underestimate mental stimulation either — a training session can be just as tiring as physical exercise. This is Gracie and Dancer after a good game of fetch — worn out and ready to rest!

3. Stay Calm Yourself

This one might surprise you, but how YOU behave matters enormously. Dogs and cats are highly attuned to our emotional states. If you're anxious in anticipation — rushing around, tensing up, over-preparing — your pet will feel it.

Try to stay relaxed. During the fireworks, simply enjoy them or ignore them. Have some calming tea, take a breath, and let it be. I work on this myself every single day with my own dogs — it's not always easy, but I genuinely believe it's one of the most important things you can do for your pet's wellbeing.

4. Use Natural Calming Aids

Several natural calming products can make a real difference. What works best depends on your individual pet, but here are options I recommend in my practice:

• July Third Chewable for Dogs — specifically formulated for noise anxiety
• Rx Vitamins NutriCalm Liquid — works for both cats and dogs
• Heal or Calm by CBD Dog Health — a trusted CBD option

Many pet parents also ask about Benadryl. There's nothing wrong with it in a pinch — just confirm the appropriate dosage for your pet's weight with your vet first. The most important thing is that your pet gets relief, so use what works for them.

5. Fireworks Affect More Than Just Our Pets

It's worth mentioning that fireworks have a broader environmental impact as well. Traditional fireworks contain charcoal, sulphur, perchlorate oxidizers, binders, colorants, and propellants. When ignited, they emit smoke, unused perchlorates, and metal by-products that can travel for miles and settle on water, soil, and plants.

Wildlife is also affected — birds can become disoriented, deer and rabbits panic from the noise, and debris can accumulate in ways that local animals inadvertently ingest.

A few ways to minimize the impact:

• Attend public displays rather than setting off your own — they're typically held in open areas away from neighborhoods and wildlife habitats
• Choose eco-friendly fireworks if you do use them — many brands now produce less smoke and fewer harmful chemicals
• Clean up debris thoroughly afterward to prevent toxins from entering waterways

Wishing you and your pets a safe, calm, and joyful celebration. 🐾