July 4th is a party for us.

But for dogs and cats, it is one of the most dangerous nights of the year.

On July 4 last year, Konni, a one‑year‑old dog, was camping with her family in Colorado when fireworks began. 

She ran off during the show and vanished into the woods. 

Days later, locals found her cold, scared, and alone. 

Across the U.S., shelters report 30%–60% more lost companion animals between July 4–6 every year.

Your companion animal does not know that fireworks are harmless. 

They hear booming sounds and their instincts scream, “danger!”

Even well‑behaved dogs and calm cats can run away when panic sets in.

Here is what you can do right now to keep them safe:

1. Create a soundproof bunker inside your home

Do not “just bring them inside.” 

Choose the quietest room in your house — a closet, an interior bathroom, or a basement, and make it their bunker.

Add blankets, a bed, a toy that smells like you, and keep lights low. 

Run a loud fan or white noise machine (like the Dohm or even an AC unit).

Keep the door closed, and stay with them if you can.

This setup helps block loud noises and flashes and makes them feel protected.

2. Play fireworks videos in the days leading up to July 4th

Do not wait until July 4th to see how your companion reacts.

Play fireworks videos on your TV or phone at low volume while playing with toys. 

Do this daily, gradually increasing the volume.

It is a desensitization method used by behaviorists, and it works. 

Just make sure to keep it short, positive, and never force it.

3. Give calming medication, but only with your veterinarian's approval

Some dogs are so scared by fireworks that they need help staying calm.

If your veterinarian agrees, they might suggest a safe calming pill or chew to give before the noise starts. 

These pills are not meant to distract or keep your companion “busy.”

They’re made to gently calm their nerves so the fireworks don’t feel as scary.

Do not wait until the fireworks start — most calming medication work best when given earlier in the evening, or as your veterinarian recommends.

Never give human medication, and always ask your veterinarian first.

4. Use a tight shirt or vest to help them feel secure

Wrap a stretchy t-shirt around your dog’s chest and back to gently press on their body.

This pressure helps some dogs feel more secure and less nervous.

If you have a thunder vest, that is even better. 

But a regular shirt works too — just do not wrap it too tight or leave it on without checking.

5. Pre-label your companion in case they run off anyway

Even if your companion has a microchip, it is smart to add a temporary tag on July 4th that includes your phone number and the words:

“SCARED BY FIREWORKS — Please call [Phone number].”

Many shelters see a surge of companion animals without ID on July 5th. 

A backup label could be the reason your companion gets home faster.

6. On July 5th, check the yard for toxic debris

Firework shells, sticks, and ash often land in backyards and streets. 

If your dog finds them first, they might chew or swallow something harmful.

Before letting your animal outside the next morning, walk the area and pick up all visible debris. 

Even “spent” fireworks can contain toxic materials that burn throats and stomachs if ingested.

These small steps could make the difference between a calm night and a lost companion. 

If you care deeply about your animals, take a moment to act before the chaos starts.

Konni made it home.

But not every dog is that lucky.

Some of those animals end up living on the streets, scared, alone, and soon part of the cycle of overpopulation.

At 600MillionDogs, we are working to end that cycle of suffering for good.

600MillionDogs: a project using advanced science to end the number one cause of suffering and death for all dogs and cats on earth: overpopulation. 

The world's 600 million stray dogs and 87 million stray cats give birth to over 1 billion homeless puppies and kittens every year.

Tragically, those who survive, also reproduce and give birth to another generation of homeless strays - thus repeating the cycle of suffering, every year. 

With your help, we will end this suffering.

Please join us.

Thank you for showing love for animals!

Sources:

[1] WBRC

[2] 9news