For many of us, the Fourth of July means backyard BBQs, family gatherings, and fireworks lighting up the night sky. For our pets? It can be one of the most stressful nights of the entire year.

The good news? You don't have to wait until July 4th to help your pet feel calmer and more confident. In fact, the best results happen when you start preparing early.

When Should You Start Preparing?

The ideal time to begin supporting your pet is 2–4 weeks before fireworks season.

Many neighborhoods begin setting off fireworks well before the holiday, and anxiety often builds with each exposure. Starting early gives calming products time to work and allows your pet to establish positive routines before the biggest celebrations begin.

If your pet has struggled with fireworks in the past, don't wait until the day of the event to try something new.

Why Fireworks Are So Stressful for Pets

Dogs and cats experience the world very differently than we do.

Their hearing is significantly more sensitive, making loud booms feel sudden, unpredictable, and sometimes frightening. Add flashing lights, unfamiliar smells, and changes in household routines, and it's easy to understand why many pets become overwhelmed.

Common signs of anxiety include:

  • Pacing

  • Panting

  • Trembling

  • Hiding

  • Excessive barking or meowing

  • Clinginess

  • Restlessness

  • Refusing food

  • Attempting to escape

The goal isn't simply to "stop" the behavior, it's to help your pet feel safe and supported.

Choosing the Right Calming Support

CBD Dog Health Calm Oil

Best For:

  • Dogs and cats

  • Pets needing higher-potency support

  • Multi-pet households wanting one product for everyone

  • Pets that struggle with chews or treats

CBD Dog Health Calm uses full-spectrum hemp extract with less than 0.3% THC and delivers a higher potency per serving than many other CBD products. Because it's more concentrated, many pets require smaller serving sizes.

We also love the transparency of this brand. Every bottle includes a QR code that allows pet parents to view ingredient information and testing results.

Austin & Kat No More Wiggles

Best For:

  • Dogs

  • Mild to moderate situational anxiety

  • Picky pets who enjoy treats

Austin & Kat combines broad-spectrum hemp extract with calming ingredients designed to support relaxation without sedation. Available in both oils and soft chews, it's a great option for pet parents who want flexibility and easy administration.

Many customers find it especially helpful for:

  • Fireworks

  • Storms

  • Car rides

  • Grooming appointments

  • Vet visits

Pet Releaf Oils & Calming Chews

Best For:

  • Dogs and cats

  • Daily stress support

  • Pets that benefit from a routine wellness approach

Pet Releaf combines hemp with thoughtfully selected ingredients to support calm behavior and emotional balance. Their oils work well for both dogs and cats, while their chews offer a convenient option for dogs who enjoy treats.

For pets that become anxious over several days surrounding the holiday, Pet Releaf can be an excellent part of a longer-term calming plan.

Additional Calming Tools We Love

Heavenly Hounds Relaxation Brownies

These tasty calming treats are a customer favorite during fireworks season. They're easy to give before stressful events and can be paired with other calming strategies.

Feliway Diffusers for Cats

Cats often show stress differently than dogs. Instead of obvious pacing or barking, they may hide, stop eating, or avoid family interaction.

Feliway releases calming feline pheromones that help create a sense of familiarity and security in your cat's environment. For best results, plug it in several days before anticipated fireworks.

ALZOO Calming Collars & Diffusers

Available for dogs and home use, ALZOO products provide continuous calming support using plant-based ingredients and soothing aromas.

These work especially well when started before fireworks begin and can help create a calmer environment throughout the week.

Calming Activities That Help

Woof Pupsicles & Calming Pops

Licking is naturally soothing for dogs. The repetitive action can help reduce stress while providing a positive distraction from outside noises.

The calming Pupsicle Pops offer enrichment and relaxation all in one activity.

Stashios Soothing Saucer

The Soothing Saucer encourages licking and engagement while helping redirect nervous energy.

Try serving:

  • Bone broth

  • Goat milk

  • Wet food

  • Pumpkin

  • Nut butters (pet-safe)

Freeze for longer-lasting enrichment.

LickiMats

Licking activates calming pathways in the brain and can help lower stress levels.

Spread:

  • Buddy Budder

  • Canned food

  • Northwest Naturals Functional Toppers

  • Goat milk

  • Plain pumpkin

Freeze and serve before fireworks begin.

Create a Safe Space

One of the most effective things you can do costs nothing.

Create a quiet retreat where your pet can choose to relax.

Consider:

  • A crate covered with a blanket (if crate-trained)

  • A bedroom away from windows

  • A closet with comfortable bedding

  • Favorite toys and blankets nearby

Allow your pet to choose whether they want company or solitude.

Use Background Noise

Fireworks are less startling when they're competing with other sounds.

Try:

  • White noise machines

  • Box fans

  • Television

  • Calming pet playlists

  • Soft classical music

Start using these sounds before fireworks begin so they become part of the normal environment.

Exercise Earlier in the Day

For dogs, a long walk, training session, enrichment activity, or game of fetch earlier in the day can help take the edge off excess energy.

A mentally fulfilled dog is often better equipped to cope with stressful situations later in the evening.

Keep Pets Indoors

Even pets that normally stay close can panic when frightened.

The Fourth of July consistently ranks among the busiest times of year for lost pets.

Before festivities begin:

  • Bring pets inside early

  • Close doors and windows

  • Check fences and gates

  • Ensure collars fit properly

  • Verify microchip information is current

Don't Forget ID Tags

If your pet's tag is outdated, now is the perfect time to replace it.

All Pet ID Tags are 15% off this month at both Three Tails locations.

A current phone number on an ID tag can make all the difference if your pet becomes separated from you.

Our Biggest Tip? Don't Wait Until July 4th.

The pets who typically do best during fireworks season are the ones whose families prepared ahead of time.

Whether that's starting a CBD routine, plugging in a Feliway diffuser, introducing calming enrichment activities, or simply creating a safe retreat, small steps taken now can make a huge difference later.

Not sure which calming product is best for your pet?

Stop by either Three Tails location and our team can help build a personalized Fourth of July game plan based on your pet's age, species, personality, and previous anxiety history.

Because every pet deserves to feel safe, even when the sky gets loud.