How to Keep Your Dog Calm on the 4th of July

While we don’t generally celebrate the 4th of July here in the UK, for many Americans, this is a time to celebrate with barbecues, family get-togethers, and often, fireworks. 

Sounds fun…right? Well, sadly not if you’re a dog. 

Fireworks can be seriously stressful for dogs and they can be found trembling, hiding under beds, barking non-stop, or even trying to leg it out the door. And if you’ve got an anxious pooch, you’ll unfortunately know exactly what we mean.

So, whether you’re based in the US or just want to help your American mates keep their dogs calm, we’ve put together some easy, tried-and-tested tips to help your furry friend stay chilled when the loud noises begin.

But firstly…

Why Do Dogs Hate Fireworks?

As well as an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, dogs also have really sensitive hearing - far better than ours - so those loud bangs and high-pitched whistles sound even more intense to them. And because fireworks are just so unpredictable, your dog can’t work out where the noise is coming from or whether it’s a threat. It’s a total sensory overload for the poor. 

For most dogs, hearing these loud noises triggers their fight-or-flight response, which is why you might see your dog shaking, panting, hiding, barking, or trying to escape. In fact, it is estimated that around 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.

The good news? There’s plenty you can do to help them feel safe and calm when the loud celebrations and fireworks start.

How to Keep Your Dog Calm on the 4th of July

Here are 5 tried and tested ways to help keep your dog calm on the 4th of July:

1. Use Ear/Head Coverings

There are some absolutely brilliant products out there designed to help anxious dogs around loud noises. Things like calming sprays and anxiety vests are designed to help take the edge off when things get noisy.

Another popular option many people opt for is an ear or head covering.

At Soothe and Settle, we have created The Hush Muff, an anti-anxiety head covering with a unique, registered design, that is tailored to fit snugly around your dog's head. As well as muffling the impact of sudden loud noises, it wraps your pet in a gentle embrace for added comfort.

The Hush Muff is the result of thorough research and rigorous testing, ensuring it delivers optimal effectiveness without compromising your dog's comfort. 

Shop our wide range of hush muff styles here.

2. Try and Drown Out the Noise

Another easy way to help your dog cope with fireworks is to mask the sound as much as possible. Fireworks are loud, sudden, and as mentioned, unpredictable, which is exactly why they’re so frightening for dogs. But by filling your home with more familiar, calming sounds, you can soften the impact of those bangs from outside.

Try popping the telly or playing some music at a loud but comfortable volume. Classical music has been found to work best, but there are even ambient dog-calming playlists on Spotify and YouTube.

3. Give Your Dog a Massage

Did you know that giving your dog a massage can be an effective method to calm your dog down? 

As Rover explains in their guide to giving your dog a massage, two of the simplest techniques are effleurage and petrissage. Effleurage involves gently gliding your hands along the length of the muscle, moving between joints with light pressure. Petrissage, on the other hand, focuses more on the centre of the muscle, using soft, steady kneading motions.

Just be careful not to press too hard or try to reach deep tissue on your own - doing so could accidentally cause discomfort or injury to your dog.

4. Give Your Dog Herbal Supplements

Natural herbs such as chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, and lavender are known for their calming properties and are often used in dog-friendly supplements. If you're thinking of trying herbal remedies to help your dog relax, it’s best to have a quick chat with your vet first - especially if your pup has any existing health issues or is on medication.

Not all supplements are created equal, so it’s important that you go for brands that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and are third-party tested for quality, purity, and safety. 

At Soothe and Settle we choose to sell Dorwest Herbs, which has been a leading provider of natural healthcare solutions for pets since 1948. Their supplements are carefully selected using the highest-quality ingredients, ensuring purity and potency in every product.

Discover how to choose the best supplements for your dog, here. 

5. Ensure Your Dog Has Had Plenty of Exercise That Day

Another great way to help your dog stay calm during fireworks is to wear them out a bit earlier in the day. A long walk, a good run-around in the park, or an extended play session in the garden can work wonders. Just like us, dogs are often more relaxed and settled after they’ve had a chance to burn off some energy.

By the time the fireworks start in the evening, your dog will (hopefully) be feeling a bit more sleepy and content, rather than restless or on edge.

Walking your dog is also a great way to reduce built-up tension or nervous energy, which can make noise anxiety worse. 

As well as supplements, we also stock a collection of other products for anxious and reactive dogs, designed to provide comfort and calm during stressful moments, such as our huff muffs and wheat bags.

To discover more about our mission and get regular doggy updates, subscribe to our mailing list below or check out our anxious dog blog, including more expertly written articles such as ‘How to walk a nervous dog’, ‘Are collars safe for dogs?’ and ‘Travelling with an anxious dog’.