- July 11, 2025
With July 4th fast approaching, let’s keep animals in mind as we celebrate. Studies suggest that 50 percent of dogs have a significant fear of fireworks.
Dogs are able to hear up to 60,000 hertz, while humans can’t hear anything above 20,000 hertz. So our hearing has only a third of the capacity of dog’s hearing. This acuity is one of the reasons the sound of fireworks can be harmful to them.
Even if your dog isn’t scared during thunder storms, fireworks can terrify them. The main difference is the warning signs. Thunderstorms come with changes in wind, temperature and barometric pressure, allowing animals to anticipate and plan. Fireworks are sudden and intense, leaving animals no time to prepare.
Fireworks also can be louder than thunder, depending on the type of fireworks. Professional displays, can reach 150 to 175 decibels, while thunder typically ranges from 100 to 115 decibels.
I have multiple dogs. Only one, “Lilly Lou Pickles” is afraid during thunderstorms, but all of them panic when neighbors set off fireworks. If your pet has severe reactions to fireworks, there’s still time this year to consult your veterinarian to determine if anxiety meds should be prescribed. If you don’t want to go that route, there are still ways to help ease your dog’s fears.
You may purchase a calming wrap for your dog. The most common brand name is “Thunder Shirt” (They’re made for humans too). The idea is that the compression is a bit like a hug. White noise like calming music or a loud fan can help.
Make sure your scared dog has a safe spot like a covered crate that they can come and go from. Some dogs will squeeze under the bed or hide in the closet. I mentioned my dog “Lilly Lou Pickles’; my husband took an odd shaped wall in our bedroom and built Lilly Lou her own apartment. I always know way ahead of time if a storm is coming. She goes in her apartment. I call her our little meteorologist.
Dogs aren’t the only animals affected by fear of fireworks. The effects of fireworks on cats are less obvious, but their responses are similar. Horses can feel threatened by fireworks due to their hypervigilance since they are constantly on alert for possible predators. It is estimated that 79% of horses experience anxiety from fireworks.
Wildlife may have severe reactions too. The shock of fireworks can cause wildlife to flee, ending up in unexpected areas or roadways, even abandoning nests, leaving young to die of dehydration or starvation. The effects on wild animals are challenging to document. Researchers expect that millions of birds and other wildlife are affected around the world every year.
There is a growing acceptance of alternatives, such as laser light shows. There are also “silent” fireworks, which aren’t completely silent but are not nearly as loud. So, it is possible to enjoy fireworks without causing stress.
This is a good time to ensure your pet’s microchip information is current. Or, if your pets are not microchipped, contact your vet or come see us at Flagler Humane Society and get your pet microchipped. July 4-5 are some of the busiest days of the year for shelter intake, with pets getting lost during Independence Day festivities.
Amy Carotenuto is the executive director of Flagler Humane Society, whose mission is to transform animals' lives through compassionate care and services, outstanding educational programs and advocacy for all animals.
