If your dog is already conditioned to a noisy or raucous environment, he may have no problem with the booming. However, dogs are far more sensitive to fireworks’ vibrations than humans, so it’s best not to take any chances.
“It’s the loudness of the fireworks themselves and the vibrations — the percussion of those fireworks — that they feel,” Gicking tells The Dodo. “Especially for animals who live in homes that are somewhat quiet.”
If noise isn’t an issue for your pet, he may still have trouble adjusting to the excitement surrounding the festivities, notes Victoria Cussen, director of anti-cruelty behavior research for the ASPCA.
“Fireworks also often accompany other loud gatherings or events, which can be confusing or upsetting to pets,” Cussen tells The Dodo. “Animals do well with consistency, so fireworks and the celebrations they come with can catch animals off guard.”
So how do you help your dog make it through the holiday? Here’s how to keep your pup safe and still celebrate the red, white and blue.