Generally, most pets will struggle with fireworks. Animals have acute senses. For them, every flash and bang can be unexpected and alarming. Common signs of a dog scared of fireworks include panting, shaking, and hiding

Wondering how to prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks or how to calm your dog during fireworks? Preparation and planning can go a long way towards preparing your dog. We recommend starting a few weeks before with these five steps.

1. Talk to an expert: It’s a good idea to discuss with your veterinarian any changes you can make in the short term to help your dog cope with fireworks.

2. Build a den: Give dogs their own safe place where they can go when they are uneasy or worried. A den (or crate) is useful all year round but is especially good for the fireworks season.

Allow pets to access the den freely at all times. Do not use it as somewhere to send them as a punishment. Cover the den with a blanket when appropriate to muffle the sounds further.

3. Give them Zylkene®
A supplement like Zylkene is a trusted dog calming supplement for fireworks, offering a non-drowsy option. Start Zylkene at least one week before the event is expected and continue throughout the fireworks season. Zylkene is:

✓ Backed by real-world evidence to help relieve stress without drowsy side effects2,3
✓ Vet recommended to help dogs cope with challenging situations like fireworks, new people, thunderstorms, and more!
✓ Contains alpha-casozepine, a naturally occurring milk protein found in cow’s milk
✓ Made with a lactose- and preservative-free formula

Plus, Zylkene can be used with other supportive calming aids like ThunderShirts®, noise-cancelling headphones, simply playing calming music in the background – like this calming playlist – or other aids that work for your pet.

4. Update their identification: Dogs might try to run away if fireworks go off near them. Just in case, make sure the data linked to their microchips and the information on their tags is up to date so they will be reunited with you more quickly.

5. Walk your dog in the light: If possible, walk dogs when it is still light outside. This reduces the possibility of them being exposed to early celebrations.

If you're asking how to calm your dog during fireworks, these tips can help reduce stress.

• Walk dogs earlier in the day before the fireworks are likely to start.
• Once all pets are inside, make sure all windows, doors, and doggie doors are securely closed.

• Always keep dogs inside the house when fireworks are being set off. Do not take your dog to a fireworks display!

• Pull the curtains and switch on the TV or play calming music to dull the noise from the fireworks.

• Try not to leave your pets by themselves while fireworks are going off.

• Don’t force your dog to come to you, especially if they are in their hiding place or den.

• Don’t react to the fireworks yourself. Dogs can pick up on their owner’s anxiety.

• Play with a toy and see if your pet wants to join in, but don’t force them.

• Ignore unusual behavior, such as panting, shaking, or whining unless your dog comes to you first for reassurance.

• Remain calm and confident. Pets often pick up on their owner’s concern.

• Provide distractions, for example new toys or treats.

• DO NOT punish or get angry with your dog! This will only make them more uneasy.

If left unmanaged, these behaviors may get worse over time, resulting in increasingly undesirable behavior. It can also have the effect of worsening their response to other unexpected loud noises such as door slamming or thunder.

Consult with your veterinarian, or a veterinary behaviorist, to work on a behavior modification treatment plan. Calming supplements like Zylkene Plus can provide a sustained calming effect that is ideal for longer stressful periods of time or recurring situations.

In some cases, veterinarians may recommend behavioral plans or dog anxiety medication for fireworks, alongside supplements that provide relief to dogs showing anxious behavior during fireworks season.