Do Fireworks Scare Your Pet?

For many of us pet owners we worry when we start hearing all the loud booms after it gets dark outside. Fireworks might light up the sky for us, but for pets, they often spark fear and confusion. Here's how to keep your furry companions safe and calm during celebrations like the Fourth of July:

 Why Fireworks Are Stressful for Pets

• Loud noises can trigger anxiety, especially in dogs and cats with sensitive hearing.
• Bright flashes and unfamiliar smells may cause disorientation.
• Sudden bursts can lead pets to bolt or hide, increasing the risk of getting lost.

 Safety Tips for Fireworks Season

• Keep pets indoors in a quiet, secure room with familiar toys and their favorite bedding.
• Close windows and curtains to block out noise and light.
• Play calming sounds like classical music or white noise to soothe nerves.
• Exercise pets earlier in the day to help them rest more easily during fireworks.
• Avoid feeding table scraps—many holiday foods are toxic to pets.

 Identification & Emergency Prep

• Make sure pets wear updated ID tags and are microchipped if possible.
• Take a recent photo of your pet in case they go missing.
• Know your local animal shelter and emergency vet contacts ahead of time.

 Calming Tools & Products

• Thunder Shirts or anxiety wraps can help pets feel secure.
• Use diffusers or natural supplements like melatonin (with vet approval).
• Consider or smart cameras if your pet tends to hide or escape.

Inside Accidents Do Happen

• Step 1: If you “catch them in the act”, don’t punish your pet and just take them outside (hopefully away from any loud noises). This is a stressful time for them if they are scared of the loud fireworks.
• Step 2: Do some immediate damage control by blotting up the wet urine with a paper towel. Get up as much as possible without “rubbing” the spot. Don’t use a hair dryer to dry to spot as you could set the stain and odor.
• Step 3: You can fix the bigger problem after the nights of fireworks are over. A urine stain can damage padding and the surface floor if it is not totally removed. Bacteria and allergen can develop if you don’t take cared of the problem. Avoid using any steam or heat so you don’t set the stain or odor. And call Chem-Dry by Kevin Jones, your professional urine removal expert to ask about our revolutionary product, Professional Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T.).

If you’re planning a celebration, the kindest thing you can do for your pets is to give them a peaceful retreat and call us at Chem-Dry if your pet does have an accident indoors. Our P.U.R.T. has been proven to remove 99% of urine odor.