Cesar Millan Lists 7 Loving Ways To Pacify Your Dog for Fireworks

Fourth of July fireworks are the ultimate celebratory display, but as the saying goes, we need to be considerate of pets, vets, and the planet.

Some data to demonstrate how severely dogs and fireworks don’t mix: According to the American Animal Hospital Association, animal shelters see a 30% to 60% increase in lost pets around the Fourth of July holiday. And for many pet owners, the stress and worry over panicked pups can throw a wrench into the festive spirit.

However, according to Cesar Millan, renowned celebrity dog trainer and behaviorist, there are steps you can take to help keep your dog safe and calm as local firework events kick off.

Why are dogs scared of fireworks?

Millan explains that fireworks are an unusual experience for your dog. In general, many animals have experienced something similar to fireworks by hearing or being exposed to lightning and thunder, but it’s not quite the same.

In fact, a 2024 review of research published in the International Journal of Environmental Impacts found that 93% of dogs showed fear in response to fireworks—more than to thunder or even gunshots.

The research explains that several factors influence why dogs are scared of fireworks:

• Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans.
• Fireworks are unpredictable, sudden, and out of your pet’s control, all of which can flood a dog’s system with the stress hormone cortisol.
• Fireworks produce bangs, flashes of light, and even unusual smells that dogs can detect, triggering sensory overload.
• Fireworks mimic natural threats, stimulating your pup’s fight or flight response.

As a result? Your dog might experience excessive salivation, loss of appetite, panting, restlessness, cowering, hiding—and sometimes, a desperation to run away.

Keeping your dog calm during fireworks

Though both biology and evolution feed into your dog’s fear of fireworks, Millan says making the noise easier on them just takes a little preparation.

The week before

Millan suggests you can use the week before July Fourth, New Year’s Eve, or any other scheduled fireworks occasion to ease your dog into the festivities to come.

• Help prepare your dog’s senses by using a speaker to play sounds similar to the fireworks throughout the week. “While playing the speaker, you can use treats to desensitize your dog.”
• In addition, exercise your dog more than usual this week so that coming home represents a soothing space where they feel peace, calm, and rest. This will help build the connection that home is a safe space.

On celebration day

“Be proactive by providing exercise and mental stimulation to drain the dog’s body and mind before the fireworks start,” Millan advises. For example, take your dog out on a new, sense-stimulating hike or a walk at a faster speed than usual. This encourages them to stay focused and work both their body and mind.

Research published in Animals in 2024 offers additional strategies, including:

• Keeping windows closed and curtains drawn to create a safe space
• Offering favorite treats and toys, if your dog will accept them

Support your pooch in the long term

If noise phobia is an ongoing issue for your dog and home care isn’t helping, speak with your vet. The Animals research says that, in some cases, your vet might prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to use for stressful events, such as thunderstorms or fireworks.

Millan adds that using pet technology, such as a Halo Collar, can keep your mind at ease, too. As a wireless GPS fence system, this collar helps keep your pet safe and contained if running off leash—and ensures they don’t run away if they get spooked.

Still, the Animals research also highlights the use of a daily supplement for anxious dogs—specifically a blend of tryptophan and the herbs valerian and passiflora. In the study, dogs taking this supplement for six weeks showed significantly greater reductions in fear scores during fireworks, lower baseline cortisol levels, and had faster recovery when their anxiety did spike.

While no notable side effects occurred, always speak with your vet before introducing a supplement into your pet’s routine.

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