Dogs, Fireworks, and New Year’s Eve: Helping Our Pets Feel Safe When the Sky Gets Loud
A few times a year here in the United States—New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July, and other celebrations—we mark special moments with fireworks. Sometimes these are big, organized community displays, and other times they’re happening right in our neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, we don’t always have control over when or where fireworks go off. And our animals certainly don’t either.
For many dogs—and cats, too—the loud popping, banging, whistling, and booming sounds of fireworks can be incredibly scary. Even pets who are usually confident and relaxed may suddenly become anxious, shaky, or desperate to hide.
If you’ve ever watched your dog pace, pant, tremble, or crawl into the smallest possible space during fireworks, you’re not alone.
Leonard and the Closet
In our house, fireworks mean one very specific thing:
our sweet Leonard disappears into the closet and hides in the clothes.
Every.
Single.
Time.
Watching a pet you love experience that level of fear can feel helpless and heartbreaking. Over the years, we’ve learned that while we can’t control the noise outside, we can make changes inside our home to help support our animals through it.
A Few Options That May Help
There are pharmaceutical options available for noise-related anxiety, such as fireworks. One commonly prescribed product is Sileo® gel, which is applied to a dog’s gums and specifically marketed for fireworks. While this option can help some dogs, it may come with side effects, so it’s important to talk with your veterinarian about whether it’s appropriate for your pet.
In our family, we’ve chosen a more natural, supportive approach.
What We Use at Home
We use a few essential oils from the Young Living company as part of Leonard’s fireworks and thunderstorm routine.
The primary oils we use are:
Copaiba
Stress Away
We also diffuse Peace & Calming for several hours leading up to a known fireworks event—and often throughout the day when we know there will be a lot of noise.
For Leonard specifically:
We apply a very small amount of Copaiba and Stress Away to his gums
Sometimes we gently rub Stress Away on his ears
Every pet is different. Always research carefully, use pet-safe practices, and consult a trusted professional when introducing anything new to your animal’s routine.
This simple routine has made a noticeable difference. Leonard still prefers the closet during fireworks, but instead of burying himself behind the clothes, he’s now able to relax in the middle of the closet. That might sound small—but for us, it’s huge progress.
And it didn’t take very long to see that change.
Sometimes the Best Plan Is Staying Awake
One of the biggest shifts we made was simply planning to be awake during big fireworks nights.
Trying to sleep while your dog is panicking, pacing, or climbing all over you can be incredibly frustrating. But most of the time, our pets aren’t trying to be disruptive—they’re just scared. They want reassurance. They want to know they’re safe.
So instead of fighting it, we leaned into it.
On the Fourth of July, we usually watch the Back to the Future trilogy (how far we get depends on when the fireworks start). On New Year’s Eve, we keep things festive and cozy with winter or holiday-themed movies—yes, Die Hard absolutely counts.
We keep the TV volume up, the diffuser running, and stay present with our dogs until the fireworks finally wind down—often around 1 a.m.
Is it ideal? Not always. Is it effective? Absolutely.
Loving Them Through the Fear
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for fear when it comes to fireworks or big thunderstorms. The only real way through it is loving them through it.
That doesn’t mean reinforcing panic or hovering anxiously. It means creating a calm, stable environment, being present, and meeting your pet where they are.
Trying to sleep through it, getting frustrated, or being upset because their fear is inconvenient doesn’t help them feel safer—and it doesn’t make the experience easier next time.
It wasn’t until we changed our practices, added supportive tools like essential oils, and truly committed to being present for Leonard’s experience that we started to see sustainable change.
Progress, Not Perfection
Are things perfect now? No.
Leonard still retreats when there are big fireworks or loud thunderstorms.
But compared to where we started, we are in a much better place—and that’s what matters.
If your dog or cat struggles during fireworks, know that you’re not failing them. With patience, preparation, and a whole lot of love, these loud celebrations can become more manageable over time.
Need a Little Extra Support?
Fireworks and thunderstorms can be incredibly hard on our animals, and every pet responds differently. Sometimes it helps to talk things through or explore calming options that have worked for other families.
If you have questions about calming support, essential oils, or how to help your dog or cat through loud events, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share what’s worked for our family and help you decide what might be a good fit for yours.
If you’d prefer to explore on your own, you can view the Fireworks & Thunderstorm Calm Wishlist—the items we use at home—here:
Fireworks & Thunderstorm Calm Wishlist
https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/myaccount/wishlist?listId=694c60fc272d4b000afed24d&enrollerId=5501137&sponsorId=5518427&userName=Hello
✨ New clients receive 10% off with code SHAREYL ✨
(Shared for educational purposes—no pressure, just support.)
Educational Disclaimer
This content is intended for educational purposes only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.
Always consult a licensed veterinarian or qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment or supplement protocol for your animal.
Product Integrity Statement
All protocols and recommendations shared by Hello Huckleberry Canine Wellness use Young Living™ essential oils and supplements exclusively.
Young Living’s Seed to Seal® promise ensures purity, safety, and integrity through every step — from the soil to the sealed bottle.
We do not use or endorse other brands, even those labeled “organic” or “pet safe,” as their sourcing and quality standards cannot be verified.
It is always better to use no oil than to use one that is not Young Living™.
