The Fourth of July is almost here! The United States tradition of lighting fireworks can be fun for people, but not so much for pets. As you get ready to celebrate, do not forget to check in on your furry friends.

Signs that your animal is afraid 

The bright lights and loud noises of fireworks can cause animals unwanted anxiety, fear, and possibly even pain. Their sensitive hearing makes them unable to escape the loud sounds, and they do not understand where they are coming from! Animal Ethics(1) states that dogs, cats, and horses all react similarly to fireworks. Even the smallest changes in your pet’s behavior are signs to indicate that your pet is under great stress and discomfort. If your pet is scared, you may notice more subtle signs such like they are venturing into rooms they usually do not go in, they are sitting in a corner, and repeatedly licking or yawning. Some intense animal reactions are paralysis, uncontrollable attempts to escape or hide, urination, defecation, and more. 

How to help your animal 

There are ways that you can try to help your pets stay safe and calm. For smaller pets have them stay inside and create a safe space for them to be when the fireworks are about to start. Some pet owners have found it helpful to put them in a room away from windows and exterior walls and play music or white noise to distract them from the loud sounds. Others have bought anxiety jackets or vests for their animals as they find it soothing. One of the biggest worries about fireworks is that they can trigger a fight or flight response, and your pet may try to run away to escape the sounds. Make sure they are wearing a collar and are microchipped just in case they were to get out.

Dogs and cats are able to be soothed in similar ways as they are smaller and able to be inside the home. Horses are much larger animals and cannot be moved completely inside. It has been estimated(1) that 79 percent of horses have anxiety toward fireworks and 26 percent of horses sustain injuries from them. They are constantly on high alert for predators, so fireworks can make them feel threatened. Sometimes their fear is so high, that it causes them to jump fences into unsafe areas. Their anxiety is similar to dogs and cats, but since they are larger animals, it makes it harder for their owners to keep them calm. To help horses, consider asking your neighbors to not let off fireworks nearby. Try to keep the horse in a familiar environment and ensure any fencing is safe and secure. If you know fireworks are being set off nearby, have someone experienced stay with your horse. 

If you are worried about your pet’s anxiety, please try to seek other arrangements or contact your veterinarian. Not all animals are afraid of fireworks, but it is important to take the time to understand why your pet may be afraid and learn ways that you can help them. Everyone wants to have fun this holiday, including your furry friends! 

1. Animal Ethics. “How Fireworks Harm Nonhuman Animals.” Animal Ethics, 12 July 2021, https://www.animal-ethics.org/how-fireworks-harm-nonhuman-animals/#sdendnote13sym. 

2. Baranauckas, Carla. “Dogs and Fireworks: The Fear Isn't All in Their Heads.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 3 July 2018, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dogs-fireworks-fear-isnt-all-in-heads_n _5b3a8912e4b07b827cb9ae6f#:~:text=People%20who%20have%20seen%20their,journal%20Applied%20Animal%20Behaviour%20Science. 

3. Gronqvist, Gabriella, et al. “The Management of Horses during Fireworks in New Zealand.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 9 Mar. 2016, https://www.mdpi.com/130784. 

4. Horse & Hound. “13 Top Tips to Help Horses Cope with Fireworks.” Horse & Hound, 5 Nov. 2020, https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/horses-and-fireworks-270821. 

5. Milan, Aidan. “Why Do Fireworks Scare Animals?” Metro, Metro.co.uk, 31 Dec. 2019, https://metro.co.uk/2019/11/07/fireworks-scare-animals-11057340/.