If Your Pet Is Terrified Of Fireworks, These Expert-Recommended Products Can Really Help
huffpost.com2024/10/5
More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, so it's crucial to be prepared when fireworks start.
Your pet may need extra support during fireworks-heavy events like the Fourth of July.
More pets go missing during the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, according to Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian at New York City’s Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Yet this sobering fact may not surprise pet owners, as the holiday is often marked by fireworks displays that can terrify animals.
From a pet’s perspective, this fear is valid: Fireworks are completely unexpected explosions that are incredibly loud and often literally make floors and walls shake. Plus, our pets’ unique physiology makes firework shows even more disorienting: “Dogs can hear twice as many frequencies as people,” Fox explained, “so even fireworks from far away can be panic-inducing.”
As a result, it’s natural for pets to experience a “fight or flight” response to fireworks, Fox explained, which can induce your beloved dog or cat to bolt or hide. This reaction can also intensified by prior negative experiences with loud noises, which you may not even be aware of if you’ve adopted or rescued your pet.
We asked Fox to recommend preparation measures and calming pet products for owners to implement in advance of fireworks. She noted that the efficacy of any soothing tactic depends on your specific pet and their level of phobia, and that “there will likely be some trial and error as your figure out what works for your animal.” Read on for Fox’s input below, with an emphasis on keeping your pet comfortable and securing your home.
Note: Don’t hesitate to speak to your veterinarian for further advice and in case a prescription medication may be helpful for your pet.
"CBD has been proven to be effective in alleviating anxiety in some animals," Fox wrote. "I recommend using ElleVet CBD products, which are tested for purity and consistency and used in veterinary studies." ElleVet has a line of EllePet retail CBD products available at Amazon. For dogs, the brand offers general calming CBD chews to help pups with stress, cognitive support and general wellbeing. These peanut-butter-flavored soft chews are best used twice daily spaced eight to 12 hours apart and come in packs of 31, with versions for small dogs (under 50 pounds) and large dogs (over 50 pounds). The brand also offers "emergency use, situational" CBD chews for when your dog needs extra support, like during fireworks, storms or long periods of separation. ElleVet recommends giving the treat to your pet one to two hours before "the trigger event," and not to exceed two doses of the chews within 24 hours. These emergency-use soft chews come in packs of three. Note: These are only for dogs. Promising review (general CBD): "We moved two years ago and it was a difficult transition for my senior dog. I began trying this earlier in the year and it has helped him tremendously! He’s more calm now than other chewables I could only get via prescription. Our dog sitter was even impressed with the results. Minimal odor too." — Andrew D.
CBD products, specifically those from brand ElleVet
Fox explained that some dogs find the ThunderShirt, a hug-like weighted wrap, very helpful. It helps ease anxiety through "applying pressure to the thorax ... similar to a swaddle," she said. If the ThunderShirt reminds you a bit of your weighted blanket, you're not wrong to make the comparison. Similar to how weighted blankets can be so effective for humans' anxiety, ThunderShirts provide consistent, gentle pressure that can help relax its canine wearer and reduce stress. Plus, the data supports its use: "In a study, over 70% of owners thought their pet was improved after using this product," Fox wrote. The ThunderShirt comes in four colors and seven sizes. Note: This is designed only for dogs. An option for cats is below. Promising review: "If you’ve ever wondered if a Thundershirt would help your dog, I encourage you to try it. We have a sweet dog that has always been mortified of fireworks and thunderstorms. If we’re in the den she will hide under my husband’s chair and if she’s in her kennel we have always had to let her out so she can be near to us at night when a storm starts. A few days before Independence Day I thought, Duh! Try a Thundershirt! I found one that came on July 3rd and quickly put it on her because our neighborhood kids had started lighting fire crackers. The change was immediate! You could actually see the change come over her! And what was even better was she knew it! You could tell she suddenly felt comfortable even though there were loud noises all around. Later that same evening we had a violent thunderstorm and she remained calm throughout. This from a dog who the previous week had climbed into the bed with me practically hyperventilating. Just amazing! She doesn’t want to take it off now so I’ll have to buy a second one so she’ll have one to wear while the other is in the wash." — Placeholder
A weighted ThunderShirt for dogs with 31,000 5-star ratings
The ThunderShirt brand also makes a version for cats, which, like the dog version, helps promote calm and reduce anxiety through its gentle, hug-like pressure. The ThunderShirt does touch cats' bellies, which some cats may dislike; however, as one reviewer wrote, "belly-shy" cats may still reap the benefits of the vest by wearing it as an unstrapped cape, as her own pet did (with supervision, of course). It's available in three sizes. Promising review: "My kitty survived the 4th of July fireworks very well with this comforting vest on for the entire night. He was hiding in my walk-in closet, purring and eating his dinner, while I petted him. This was the most relaxing 4th of July he has ever experienced!! Highly recommend this for other nervous and anxious kitties." — Angela G.
And a weighed ThunderShirt designed for cats
In addition, Fox advised that ear plugs can be helpful for some pets. Based on her recommendation, we think this noise-canceling head wrap is a great option for pets. Yes, it looks hilarious. But don't be fooled: It's a non-intrusive, ear muff-esque calming aid that helps dampen noise, reducing the stress of fireworks or other events like grooming. Plus, its soft, snug compression — much like weighted clothing — is designed to feel like being swaddled (or a "hug for your head") to further reduce anxiety. It's designed for use by dogs and cats and comes in up to four sizes and five colors. Promising review: "I will admit I was skeptical when I purchased this item, but also desperate for a way to help my new pup get through the weeks of fireworks my neighborhood buys and explodes every summer. I was tired of seeing her anxious and unsettled, panting, eyes wide, unable to rest for hours every evening because of all the noises. This thing was like an off switch for my dog, I was so shocked, literally within 20 minutes the first night she had just laid down between my husband and I and passed out, she slept all evening. The next night it only took about 10 Minutes, the following evening 5 Minutes, and it really got to the point where it was basically instantaneous after a few days. I had already been using the Thundershirt to help with her anxiety, but this is what she needed! Between both of them she was just a sleepy lil nugget every evening. It's just a stretchy piece of fairly breathable material that goes around her neck and up over her head, I always make sure her ears are down and not wrinkled or in a position that would be painful or awkward for her, and she pretty much instantly just let's out a big sigh, lays down and goes to sleep. She can shake it off if she does the big 'wet dog shake' but it's easy enough to get it back on her. I Highly recommend this item if you have a pup anxious because of loud noises, storms, fireworks, etc., it's way cheaper than a pair of doggy earmuffs and works so well!" — Kristen L.
Ear plugs, like this bestselling noise-quieting cap
Fox also recommended using pheromone diffusers to help calm your pet. This specific version from Adaptil was previously recommended to HuffPost by veterinarians Dr. Ivana Crnec and Dr. Carling Matejka. The diffuser mimics the pheromones released by mother dogs as they nurse, helping your pup feel safe and calmer during stressful events like fireworks or thunder (or even just days spent home alone). It's designed to cover up to 700 square feet and to last for up to 30 days. For best results, the brand recommends you place the diffuser near where your dog frequently spends time. Note: This is meant only for dogs. A separate option for cats is below. Promising review: "If you have a dog who gets firework or storm anxiety you need to get this asap! I have a German shepherd who would pant and shake ..I’ve tried multiple other things and this thing works wonders! I’ve only had it plugged in 3 days …she’s done a 180 …she sleeps through it all now! I’m so very thankful for this product" — Valerie
A drug-free pheromone diffuser to help soothe dogs
Based on Fox's advice to consider pheromone diffusers, we think the Feliway Classic version is a great option for cats. It's somewhat famous among cat owners for helping calm anxious kitties, reduce stress-induced behaviors like spraying and assist in introducing new cats to one another; my vet even recommended it to me for my own cat. The Feliway is designed to emulate the natural pheromones that cats mark their territory with when they feel safe, secure and at home. It thus may be helpful during potentially scary experiences like fireworks. This covers up to 700 square feet and is supposed to last for up to 30 days. Promising reviews: "Feliway helps to keep my cats calm during thunderstorms and when people are doing fireworks." — Deborah Shanabrook "Seems to work great for my cat. Fourth of July fireworks did no bother him that much and putting a new roof on the house he seemed to cope well. Will buy again just in case." — Ken
And a drug-free pheromone diffuser for cats with 14,000 5-star ratings
Preparing a calm environment in advance of fireworks can make a big difference for pets, according to Fox. To start, she advised dimming your lights and closing your shades. Fox's advice rung true for me since the last time my cat encountered fireworks, I had left most of my curtains open, and the shades I did have closed were quite sheer (to let the light in, on any other day!). My cat was as scared by the sight of fireworks through the window as she was by the noise and vibrations. As a result, I've made sure to have blackout curtains on hand to help us withstand future fireworks. I bought two pairs of these insulated blackout curtains, which work beautifully to shut out light, come in tons of colors and sizes and (to my relief) were sufficiently affordable. I'm finding I'm sleeping better with them up, too. If you grab these, don't forget to clip the coupon for an extra 15% off that will reflect at checkout (and not in your cart!).
Drawn curtains — like this pair of blackout curtains with 30,000 5-star ratings
"Using a white noise machine, music or TV to help drown out environmental noise" can also help create a more tolerable environment for your pet during fireworks, according to Fox. Based on Fox's recommendation, we selected this highly-rated portable white noise machine, which has garnered over 42,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. It offers 20 soothing sounds and 32 volume levels, plus lets you customize its duration using its timer. In addition, since it's so compact, you can take it on trips with your pet in case you encounter fireworks or loud events wherever you're headed. When you grab these, be sure to clip the coupon to get an extra 5% off that will reflect at checkout (and not in your cart). Promising review: "Purchased for our dog as he is afraid of loud noises (especially fireworks and thunder). Put it on brown noise and he was unaffected this past July 4th. We also use it when thunderstorms threaten the area. He now sleeps through them. Result was totally unexpected. We thought it might help, but these results are beyond our expectations. It is little and easy to pack. 23 sound choices are a lot so there should be something for everyone." — Golfnotpro
A popular white noise machine to help obscure outside commotion
Since more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, it's crucial to make ensure your pet is wearing proper identification, "including cats," Fox emphasized. For further preparation against your pet bolting at the sound of fireworks, Fox recommended making sure that your door and all your windows are securely closed. We like this engraved aluminum name tag, which you can customize with your contact information and the color and tag shape of your choice. It's available in two sizes, sports 37,000 5-star Amazon ratings and is made to be lightweight yet durable. For more engraved name tag options from this small business, Providence Engraving, check out their Amazon storefront or their Etsy shop. Promising reviews: "It is perfect for their 4th of July collars. Easy to read." — Rosemary "If you care for your animal, or best friend, you need to get a tag with your name and phone number. Just in case they get loose from being scared of thunder or fireworks. This tag could and does help you get reunited with them if they run loose from separation anxiety, or just roaming. Help others find you when your little one gets out." — Typical customer
Name tag identification in case your pet runs away
Fox did not specifically recommend location-tracking devices, but based on her emphasis on pet identification and our own experience as owners of pets afraid of fireworks, we think Apple AirTags are another great tool to have in your arsenal. I found out the hard way that my cat is absolutely terrified of fireworks. The first time we experienced them together, I had never witnessed a pet so heartbreakingly afraid. She bolted from my room, and despite searching for her for hours, I was unable to find her and absolutely overcome with worry. Thankfully, as Fox recommended, all our windows and doors were closed. I still don't know where she had been hiding, but luckily, she did eventually emerge safe and sound once the explosions died down. After that experience, I wasted no time in buying an AirTag, and I feel immeasurably more prepared with it affixed to her collar. Its ability to track her location means that during our next brush with fireworks, I'll be able to check that she is indeed inside the house while she's hiding (plus find her to keep her company) using Apple's FindMy app. And, if the worst occurs and she does escape my home in a panic, I'll be able to find her myself, as quickly as possible. There aren't words for how much more secure her AirTag has made me feel. For me, it has been worth every penny. You can check out pet collars for AirTags on Amazon here (and read more about why I swear by an AirTag for my cat here).