Every year, I brace myself for the same thing; fireworks, chaos, and dogs freaking out across the country. For our pups, the Fourth of July is one of the most stressful days of the year. The loud booms, sudden flashes, and strange smells send a lot of dogs into full panic mode, and while there’s no instant fix for noise related anxiety, there *are* practical things you can do right now to get through this year and things you can start doing to prevent future meltdowns.
Let’s break it down.
Training for the Long Game
If your dog struggles with fireworks anxiety, training and desensitization *before* the holiday is where the real magic happens. I know it’s probably too late for this year, but if you’re reading this now, make a note for next year. Teaching your dog to tolerate fireworks (or at least not bolt in terror) takes time and positive exposure in a controlled setting. That means starting months ahead with gradual noise desensitization, pairing firework sounds with treats, toys, or calming activities.
We can dive deeper into how to do that in a future blog, but for now, let’s focus on getting through the holiday this year with your dog still safe, sane, and hopefully not hiding in your bathtub.
Safety Tips for Dogs
Whether your dog is anxious or seems unfazed, safety should still be your top priority. Even dogs who "seem fine" can get spooked out of nowhere.
§ Keep your dog on leash—yes, even inside. If guests are over, doors are opening and closing, and if your dog bolts during a firework pop, it’s game over. A leash indoors gives you control in case your dog panics. Outside? Keep that pup on a leash even if you have a fenced yard. This is how so many dogs end up lost on the Fourth.
§ Create a cozy retreat. Set up a covered crate or den in a quiet room, away from windows (avoid the flashing and reduce sound). Add blankets, favorite toys, and distraction noise (see below).
§ Music matters. Studies show reggae, classical, and soft country can help soothe dogs. Play it loud enough to muffle outside noise, but not so loud it adds to the chaos.
How Does Stashios Come Into Play?
Let’s talk about what to use during the fireworks because while training is the long game, sometimes you just need something that helps right now.
Our Soothing Saucer paired with Soothing Sauce was literally made for this kind of situation. It combines natural calming herbs with an enrichment experience that gives your dog something to do and something to feel calmer: licking. Licking is a calming behavior for dogs as it releases those feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
Here’s how I recommend using it:
Start before the fireworks. Don’t wait until your dog is already shaking in a corner. First, give your dog Soothing Sauce in a neutral environment a few days before the 4th so you can see how they respond. Not all dogs respond the same to all herbs.
The day of the fireworks:
- Give them a dose the night before.
- Give them a dose the morning of the fireworks.
- Give them one more dose about an hour before the fireworks start.
This gives the calming herbs time to build up in their system. No, it’s not a magic potion, your dog might still be nervous, but it can take the edge off and help them cope without completely shutting down.
And if your dog enjoys using the soothing saucer but you don’t want to give any more soothing sauce, you can fill the soothing saucer with smooth semi liquid snacks like plain yogurt, pumpkin puree, and I have even watered down canned dog food! Any remnants left I just let the dog lick out of the cup before I toss it in the dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
If this holiday is hard for your dog, you’re not alone. Fourth of July fireworks and dogs are just not a great mix. But with a little prep, a calming plan, and the right tools, you can make it more manageable and start laying the groundwork now for an even better experience next year.
Stay safe, be proactive, and please keep your dog leashed!
Stephanie Beetsch CCN, CYNX-L
