Natural Ways to Keep Dogs Calm During Fireworks
Why Fireworks Can Be Stressful for Dogs
For most of us, fireworks are a sign of celebration — but for dogs, those unpredictable bangs, flashes, and smells can trigger fear and anxiety.
Dogs hear frequencies up to four times higher than humans, so every explosion sounds much closer and louder to them.
Signs your dog might be stressed include:
- Trembling or pacing
- Hiding or seeking reassurance
- Barking, whining, or excessive panting
- Refusing food or water
The good news? There are natural, proven ways to help your dog stay calmer — without resorting to medication.
1. Offer a Natural Chew for Comfort
Chewing is one of the most effective natural stress-relievers for dogs. It releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, helping them self-soothe.
Natural chews like rabbit ears and buffalo horns give your dog something to focus on instead of the noise outside. They also help:
- Promote dental health
- Satisfy natural instincts
- Occupy anxious energy
Tip: Introduce the chew before the fireworks start, so your dog associates it with calm, positive feelings.
2. Use a Lick Mat for Slow Enrichment
Licking has a naturally calming effect — it’s repetitive, satisfying, and helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone).
Spread a layer of natural pâté onto a lick mat and let your dog work at it slowly.
This type of enrichment helps them focus and stay grounded during stressful moments.
Try:
- Chilled pâté on a lick mat
- Pâté-stuffed buffalo horn
- Frozen lick sessions earlier in the evening
These activities stimulate your dog’s brain while keeping them quietly occupied.
3. Engage Their Nose with Scent Work
Your dog’s nose is a powerful tool for relaxation. Sniffing activates a different part of their brain — one associated with calm and curiosity rather than fear.
Create simple scent games indoors:
- Hide small pieces of training treats around the room
- Scatter a few sausage bites on a towel for them to sniff out
- Encourage slow, calm searching
This encourages natural problem-solving and helps tire them out mentally (which leads to better rest later).
4. Create a Safe, Predictable Space
During fireworks season, routine and comfort matter.
Make your dog’s environment feel safe by:
- Closing curtains and windows to dull sound and light
- Playing soft music or white noise
- Letting your dog choose where they feel most comfortable
Avoid forcing interaction if they prefer hiding — the goal is to help them feel in control.
5. Try Our Hallows Eve Box – Calm Through Chewing
We created our limited-edition Howlers Eve Boxes to help dogs stay relaxed while the fireworks are brewing.
It’s packed with our most popular, natural treats — designed to keep jaws busy, tummies happy, and minds calm.
Because a calm dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog always deserves a good chew.
