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Is Your Pet Scared of Fireworks? Labor Day Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

Pet Care Tips 5 min read

To us, fireworks mean celebration. To a pet, the sky may suddenly start making loud, unpredictable noises they do not understand.

Labor Day weekend can be full of family gatherings, outdoor fun, and fireworks. But for many dogs and cats, the booms, flashes, and vibrations can turn an exciting evening into a stressful one. The good news is that a little preparation before the first firework goes off can make the evening feel much safer for your four-legged family member.

Why Are Dogs So Scared of Fireworks?

Dogs and fireworks are not always a happy combination. Fireworks are sudden, loud, and unpredictable. A dog cannot understand that the sound is part of a celebration, or tell where it is coming from.

Fireworks can be frightening because of:

  • Sudden, explosive sounds
  • Vibrations that can be felt through the floor or ground
  • Bright flashes outside
  • Unfamiliar smells, voices, or activity around the home
  • Not knowing where the sound is coming from
  • Previous frightening experiences

Every dog responds differently. One dog may barely notice the noise, while another may hide under a bed, pace around the house, bark, cling to their person, or try to escape.

Research shows that fear of fireworks is common in dogs and can begin early in life. A large owner survey found that many dogs showed some degree of fear around fireworks, while a study of dogs during New Year fireworks identified changes such as ears held back as a useful sign of fear.

Dog Shaking From Fireworks? Know the Signs of Stress

A dog shaking from fireworks is often showing fear or anxiety. However, trembling is only one possible sign. Some dogs show their stress loudly, while others become very quiet.

Watch for:

  • Shaking or trembling
  • Panting when the room is not warm
  • Pacing or being unable to settle
  • Hiding
  • Clinging to you or following you closely
  • Barking, whining, or vocalizing
  • Drooling
  • Refusing treats or food
  • Trying to dig, jump, or escape
  • Changes in their usual behaviour, such as seeming withdrawn or unusually restless

This Labour Day, remember: Know Their Normal. When you know how your furkid normally eats, rests, plays, and reacts to everyday sounds, you are more likely to notice when something has changed.

If your pet is trying to escape, injures themselves, has trouble breathing, or remains extremely distressed after the fireworks end, contact your veterinarian.

How to Calm Dogs During Fireworks

The best time to prepare is before you hear the first boom. Here are practical ways to help your dog feel safer during Labor Day fireworks.

1. Exercise earlier in the day

Take your dog for their walk, playtime, or backyard break before dusk, when fireworks are more likely to begin. Keep the walk relaxed and avoid taking them near busy celebrations.

2. Bring your dog indoors early

Do not wait until fireworks have started. Bring your dog indoors before dark, even if they normally enjoy spending time outside. A frightened dog may panic and run, dig under a fence, or try to escape through an open door.

3. Check identification and secure your home

Make sure your dog’s collar tag has your current phone number and that their microchip information is up to date. Close doors, windows, curtains, and blinds. This can reduce both sound and flashing lights while helping prevent an escape.

4. Create a familiar safe space

Choose a quiet room or corner where your dog already likes to rest. Add their bed, favourite blanket, water bowl, and a familiar toy. Some dogs prefer a covered crate; others may choose a closet, bathroom, or space under furniture.

Let your dog decide where they feel safe. Never force a frightened dog out of their hiding place.

5. Use gentle background noise

Turn on calm music, a fan, TV, or white noise to soften the sound of fireworks. Keep the volume comfortable rather than trying to completely drown out the noise.

6. Stay calm and act normally

Your dog looks to you for information. Speak softly, move normally, and offer comfort if they come to you. You do not need to ignore them, but avoid making a big fuss each time a firework goes off.

Do not punish barking, hiding, accidents, or trembling. Fear is not bad behaviour. The RSPCA also advises creating a safe space, closing curtains and windows, walking dogs during daylight, and never punishing a frightened pet.

7. Keep bathroom breaks short and supervised

If your dog needs to go outside, use a leash even in a fenced yard. A sudden boom can make even a well-trained dog run. Keep the trip short, stay nearby, and return indoors when they are finished.

8. Plan ahead if your dog has severe fear

For dogs with a history of panic during fireworks, speak with your veterinarian before the holiday. They can help you decide whether behaviour training, a pheromone product, prescription medication, or another plan is appropriate.

For future fireworks seasons, gradual training with low-volume sound recordings and positive experiences may help some dogs. Research suggests that counterconditioning and relaxation training can be useful parts of a treatment plan for firework fear.

Are Cats Sensitive to Loud Noise Too?

Yes, cats can be very sensitive to loud noise, although they may show stress differently from dogs.

A fearful cat may not bark or run around the room. Instead, they may hide under a bed, become unusually quiet, move to a different hiding spot, avoid interaction, pace, eat less, or seem more watchful than usual. Some cats may also become more restless or vocal.

Cat stress and anxiety can be easy to miss because cats are often good at hiding when they do not feel well. Keep cats safely indoors before fireworks begin, close windows and curtains, and make sure they have access to familiar hiding places. A box, covered bed, quiet closet, or space under furniture may feel safest to them.

Do not pull your cat out of hiding or force interaction. Let them come to you when they are ready. Keep food, water, and the litter box accessible, especially if they choose a quiet room for the evening.

Home Remedies for Dogs Scared of Fireworks: What About Calming Supplements?

Many pet parents look for home remedies for dogs scared of fireworks, especially when they want to support a calmer routine at home. A cozy safe space, familiar background noise, gentle company, and preparation are often the most important first steps.

A calming supplement may also be something to consider

A calming supplement may also be something to consider for pets who become mildly anxious during noisy events. NHV Matricalm and NHV Lesstress are herbal formulas designed to support calmness and emotional balance in dogs and cats. Both are gentle herbal blends that may help support pets during stress, anxiety, restlessness, or changes in routine.

NHV Lesstress is usually a better option for dogs. It includes chamomile, passionflower, and lemon balm to encourage calmness and relaxation, plus reishi, eleuthero, and echinacea for added immune and stress-response support. It can be helpful for dogs that seem nervous, restless, or easily stressed.

NHV Matricalm is generally more suitable for cats. Along with chamomile, passionflower, and lemon balm, it contains valerian and hops, herbs commonly used to support relaxation and more restful sleep. It may be helpful for cats experiencing anxiety, agitation, nighttime restlessness, or stress from changes at home.

A Calmer Labor Day Starts Before the First Boom

Fireworks may only last for an evening, but knowing how your furkid normally behaves can help you recognize when they are feeling overwhelmed and respond sooner.

This Labor Day, prepare early. A little preparation can help every member of the family, including the four-legged ones, have a safer and more peaceful long weekend.

Excited for the big weekend? Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. We have a special surprise that you don’t want to miss.

Dr. Mehdi Sharbafi, DVM

Dr. Mehdi Sharbafi, DVM

Dr. Mehdi Sharbafi graduated from Tehran University in 2014, earning his DVM. He is a dedicated and compassionate Vet Expert at NHV with experience spanning clinical practice, emergency medicine, and infectious diseases. He provides empathetic guidance and elevates the customer experience for pet parents seeking natural support. As a cat dad to Hana and Silky, he understands how cats and dogs are more than just pets; they’re family. Though sometimes, he feels a bit less like a cat dad and more like a tenant to these bossy felines!

Published: September 3, 2026

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