Safe and Sound: Helping Your Animals Through Firework Season

For us, fireworks mean summer celebrations, gatherings, and beautiful displays. For our pets, however, the sudden booming noises, flashing lights, and sharp scent of sulfur feel like an unpredictable threat. Because animals have incredibly sensitive hearing and don't understand why the sky is exploding, firework season can trigger severe anxiety and survival instincts.  

In fact, animal shelters nationwide report that the days immediately surrounding summer holidays are their busiest of the year due to pets panicking and slipping out of yards. Fortunately, a little proactive planning can make a world of difference for your furry family members.  

1. Secure the Perimeter (Ahead of Time)

The most crucial step you can take is keeping your animals strictly indoors before the festivities even begin.

• Early Exercise: Take your dogs for long walks or hikes early in the day, well before nightfall, to burn off excess energy and ensure they can use the bathroom in a calm environment.  Be sure to book your extra walks with us well in advance to ensure we can fit you in!

• Double-Check IDs: Make sure your pet’s collar is securely fastened with up-to-date contact tags. If they are microchipped, take five minutes to log into the registry and confirm your phone number is current.  

• Lock Down Openings: Close all windows, doors, and pet doors securely. Even typically calm animals have been known to break through window screens or leap over fences when startled.  

2. Build an Indoor Sanctuary

Create a designated "safe haven" in the quietest, most interior room of your home—like a bedroom, a walk-in closet, or a cozy bathroom.

• Block the Triggers: Draw the blinds, curtains, or blackout shades to minimize the visual impact of the flashing lights.  

• Muffle the Noise: Turn on a loud fan, a white noise machine, or play calming classical music or a television show to help mask the sudden booms outside.  

• Comfort Elements: Fill the space with their favorite blankets, a familiar crate, and high-value distractions. Brain-heavy puzzle toys, treat-stuffed kongs, or lick mats are excellent for keeping their minds occupied and lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels.  PawTree is an all natural pet supplement company we are proud to offer, they have a calming treat and nylabone that is great for these specific times!

3. Watch for Stress and Stay Calm

Animals are highly intuitive and mirror our emotional states. If you act anxious or overly frantic while trying to soothe them, they may think there really is a reason to panic. Speak to them in a calm, reassuring voice and maintain your normal evening routine as much as possible.

Keep an eye out for common signs of distress, which include:

• Pacing, restlessness, or trembling  

• Excessive panting or drooling (when it isn't hot)  

• Hiding under furniture or pinning their ears back  

• Pawing at you or vocalizing more than usual  

Pro Tip from the Experts: If your animal has a history of severe panic, compression wraps (like a Thundershirt) can provide comforting, continuous pressure. For extreme cases, don't hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian a week or two in advance to discuss specialized, short-acting anti-anxiety medications.  

With a cozy room, a bit of background noise, and your calm presence, you can help your pets feel protected and secure until the summer skies go quiet again. Wanting to prepare for next year with some desensitization training? Reach out to our favorite dog trainer, Diverse Dog Training and get started today. Desensitizing your pet to loud noises is a great way to ensure they are happy, relaxed and stress free during every holiday season!

Have a pet that doesn't care about the fireworks or want to head out during the day to get your fill for America's 250th birthday? (this year is expected to be big with the fireworks) Here are a few places you can watch some amazing shows and go to some fun events during the day (I still recommend leaving the furry family at home though - you can never be to safe)

You can watch an amazing show at Ogren Park, tickets are available or just camp out in the fields and restaurants to enjoy an amazing show. Enjoy a game and stick around for the firework show afterwards. They are hosintg fireworks on July 3rd and July 4th this year!

4th at the Fort donation recommended for admission starts at 10am with music, wagon rides, food trucks and more!

Watch the various shows up and down the bitterroot, Florence always puts on an amazing show and I have been told that this year will be on of the biggest they have ever put on. There will be booths and food setup starting at 6pm Check out more info here

Hamilton fairgrounds will be hosting fireworks that start at 10:30pm