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Fireworks may be a human’s favorite part of a holiday (I know they’re mine), but it’s often a completely different story. Here’s a guide to helping your pet be less anxious when the “boom booms”, as my family calls them, start going off.

Getting ready for the big day

It’s never too late to try to help desensitize your pets toward fireworks, and one option can be done in the days leading up to when fireworks are likely to be prolific.

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For many animals, the loud noises and the somewhat random nature of the booming are what cause anxiety. An easy way to simulate that experience at home is by microwaving popcorn and keeping your pet somewhere near the microwave so they can hear the sounds of the kernels popping. Not only does this desensitize them to the noise, but it also provides them with a positive association with the noise if they get to eat the popcorn at the end.

Make sure the popcorn is pet-friendly before you give them any - use plain, unseasoned air-popped popcorn, and remove any unpopped kernels, as they could pose a choking hazard.

In the hours leading up to a fireworks show, tire your pet out. Lots of playtime during the day will expend some of their energy so they aren’t as able to be anxious. For dogs, a nice long walk or game of fetch is perfect. And for cats, some time with a laser pointer or a cat teaser will help burn off some nerves.

Defend the senses

The obvious major stressor from fireworks for pets is the noise, and if desensitization ahead of time doesn’t work or if it’s not enough, there are also several ways to turn down the volume a bit.

Heavy, blackout curtains do a great job of muffling sound as well as the light. And placing a blanket (or two) over your pet’s kennel or other safe space adds a little extra padding. Make sure their safest space is far from the windows, maybe by moving their kennel or their bed into a closet.

And while dogs and cats can’t wear noise-cancelling headphones, there are earmuff-headband hybrids that can be used to cover their ears.

But believe it or not, it’s not just the sound of fireworks that pets find distressing - it can also be the smell. I have seen this in my own dog, Brody, who is usually okay with fireworks. However, if a window is open or we are outside when the fireworks are going off, and he can smell the smoke, he starts to get anxious.

Staying inside with the windows closed is a good, easy fix here. Lighting a candle that he’s familiar with also helps mask the smell of the smoke a little bit. (Bonus points if it’s a candle with calming aromas)

An extended hug for their nervous system

Just like how you swaddle a crying child, compression can soothe a pet's nervous system. There are calming vests that you can purchase for your four- (or fewer – we support tripawds, too) legged friend that essentially provide a hug for the entirety of the fireworks show.

And if you don’t have a compression vest specifically for your pet, a weighted blanket can work the same way. Just make sure they aren’t overheating under there!

General safety tips

Analysis has shown that the number of stray dog intakes each year surges in the days around the Fourth of July, so taking a little extra care beyond just managing their anxiety is important for keeping your pets safe.

Here’s a checklist of things to consider:

• Keep your pets indoors to limit their exposure to fireworks and to prevent them from running away if they get scared
• If you do need to take your dog out for a walk, keep them on a leash
• Make sure your animal is microchipped and has an up-to-date tag on so they can be reunited with you if they get out
• Never allow animals around open flames, and don’t bring your animal anywhere near where fireworks are being set off
• If your pet has destructive or dangerous behaviors when they are anxious, consider consulting your vet for medications or supplements that can help them remain calm

Sara Tonks is a content meteorologist with weather.com and has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Georgia Tech in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences along with a master’s degree from Unity Environmental University in Marine Science.