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For many pet owners, Fourth of July celebrations create challenges, not parties. Dogs and cats alike can panic, hide, run away or develop health problems like bladder infections when they’re stressed out from firework noises. It may seem like there’s not much you can do, but I have good news.
Here are some of the devices and innovative products that I and other pet owners use to help our pets when firework explosions or thunderstorms abound. Keep these in mind for Independence Day and related holidays when it gets loud for sensitive ears.
Read more: CNET’s Complete Pet Tech Roundup, Tested By Our Staff
A Petcube collar tracker with a nightlight
PetCube’s glow and siren options help make this tracker much more useful to worried pet parents.
Petcube’s pet tracker ($40) fits on the average collar and provides location services for pets who may bolt away. And if they run and hide in the night when fireworks go off, this model comes with a useful glowing LED light with a battery life to spot pets under decks or in corners.
Dr. Abel Gonzalez, Clinical Director and Veterinarian from online vet service company Dutch, told me, “July 4th is the busiest time for missing pets with vets seeing a 30-60 % surge in lost furry friends around those dates.” Gonzalez recommends a tracker that offers GPS, such as this Petcube model, so you can use an app map if a pet has wandered far.
A Furbo pet cam
Furbo’s cam requires a subscription, but you get a lot in return.
If fireworks start early or you will be away from home at an Independence Day event, a pet camera like Furbo’s ($100) can keep watch over your pet while you’re away, and allow you to talk to them through a two-way audio. Today’s advanced versions can also send you phone alerts if they hear barking or notifications about what the AI recognition thinks your pet is doing, like jumping on a couch — although that may require a subscription. Plus, many can toss treats to distract worried pets.
Noise-cancelling dogphones
If your dog doesn’t mind them, headphones could be a calming solution.
Companies make noise-cancelling headphones specifically for dogs, like this $70 model from Famikako or the extra-cheap $13 Happy Hoodie. They’re generally designed for larger dogs, but if your furry friend is fine with it, the noise cancelling can make a big difference. You may also find other uses for these headphones, like taking your dogs to concerts and fairs, or dealing with thunderstorms.
A smart speaker for white noise and ambient music
A smart speaker can provide distracting noise for pets who are worried about big sounds.
A smart speaker incorporates a voice assistant and can link to a variety of music streaming services or mini-apps that can provide white noise, nature sounds, background sounds or whatever music you prefer. You can also control them remotely, use them for two-way audio communication and link them to smart devices for additional home management. An Echo Dot starts at $50 and can also handle voice commands or even react based on nearby motion and temperature.
If you don’t have a smart speaker, simply running a fan can help distract a pet’s sensitive ears — one occasion where I’m fine with a fan being a little noisy.
An anxiety wrap for scared doggos
Anxiety wraps can be very soothing for the right pet.
Like humans, some dogs feel calmed by a weighted blanket. That’s why brands like ThunderShirt ($50) design anxiety wraps that accomplish something similar with a vest-like coat that dogs can wear no matter what they’re doing. If your Fido responds well to wrap treatment like this when anxiety strikes, see if you can find anxiety wraps at local pet stores or order one for next time. Note that prices can vary based on size, but you should be able to find a size for your dog.
An aroma diffuser for calming scents
Calming scents may work well with other methods for soothing pets.
Companies make diffusers specifically for pets like this Petfriend Mellow Out kit ($32) or the ThunderEase diffuser ($25), but if you have a spare diffuser around your home you can use that, too. I use Feliway for my cat, which can also help. Pair it with a pheromone mixture that’s made to help relieve stress, and it could work well with my other recommendations.
Bonus tip: Don’t hesitate to contact your vet
With today’s speedy telehealth options, you can often contact your vet right away if your pet is having bad anxiety (many vets will have staff specifically ready for Fourth of July). Your vet can give immediate advice, recommend calming treats or behaviors and even provide a quick prescription if necessary.
For more info about protecting loved ones, take at look at my 11 tips to prevent trespassers, my overall home security cheat sheet, and the top home security systems I’ve tested.
