Dogs aren’t the biggest fans of fireworks, making July 4th one of their least favorite holidays. While most of the country anticipates and looks forward to the 4th of July, pet parents may fear the impending anxiety their pets are likely to face once the fireworks begin. Luckily, essential oils can help.

In this article, we share vet-encouraged tips on keeping your dog calm and safe on the 4th of July and answer stress-relieving aromatherapy FAQs for pups. Read on to learn more.

6 Tips To Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

#1 Keep Your Dog Away From Fireworks

First and foremost, keep your dog far away from fireworks to avoid potential harm and danger. Dogs can act unpredictably around fireworks, so keeping them away is best. 

#2 Secure The Perimeter

Ensuring your dog is safely locked in your home or yard is a must on the 4th of July. An anxious pup might try to escape once the fireworks start. It’s also recommended you ensure your pet has proper ID in case they do get out. 

#3 Exercise Your Pup

Get your pooch’s energy out before the 4th of July festivities begin by walking and exercising them during the day so that they’re more likely to sleep come nightfall.

#4 Desensitize Them To Noise

 Try desensitizing your pup to noises by playing fireworks sounds for them and giving them treats. Calmly showing them that loud noises are not always a threat may help them to stay relaxed. 

#5 Create A Safe Space

Dogs should have a safe space where they can feel relaxed and at ease such as a crate. Keep the crate away from windows and loud areas such as the basement or a large closet. Place their favorite toys in the crate and treats like frozen bone broth.  

#6 Play White Noise

Play soothing white noise sounds for your pup to help minimize the sound of fireworks.[1]

The Best Essential Oil Tips For Your Dog on the 4th of July

 What essential oils can I use on my dog for the 4th of July?

Oils of Chamomile, Lavender oil, Clary Sage and Frankincense all offer a calming effect and may help to ease your dog’s anxiety on July 4th. 

How do I calm my dog down from fireworks?

It starts with you, the pet parent. When fireworks and loud noises occur, don’t react. By reacting and trying to immediately comfort your dog, you may actually be confirming to them that there is something to fear. Instead, try practicing commands with them and refrain from reacting to loud sounds. 

If it’s your dog’s first experience with fireworks, it’s best to stay with your dog so they can look to you remaining calm and collected when the loud sounds occur.[2] 

Note, that the best way to keep your animals calm during fireworks is with the help of a professional trainer. This is especially true if you’ve been struggling to keep pets calm during loud noise occurrences for a while. 

What is the best way to apply essential oils to dogs?

The best way to soothe an anxious dog with essential oils during July 4th celebrations is with essential oil diffusers. Try this soothing diffuser blend to lower your dog’s stress in 100 ml of water:

• 1 drop Chamomile- German essential oil

• 1 drop Chamomile- Roman essential oil

• 1 drop Lavender essential oil 

What essential oils are safe to rub on dogs?

There are many essential oils that can be diluted and safely applied topically to your dog, such as:

• Orange- Sweet

• Rose 

• Geranium

• Copaiba

• Clary Sage

However, we don’t recommend applying oils to your dog unless you’ve consulted with their vet.

SOURCES:

1. How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-keep-your-dog-calm-during-fireworks/

2. Using animal Essential Oils as an aid to various anxieties and behaviors. https://animaleo.info/anxiety-fireworks-thunderstorms-behavior-oils/