A Canine Cognitive Scientist Says Most Parents Are Comforting Their Dogs Wrong During Fireworks

Americans have a lot to celebrate this weekend. Not only is it the 4th of July, but it's America's 250th birthday. That means a day known for its raucous fireworks displays is going to end with a bang that's more explosive than ever before in celebration of this special milestone.

But not everyone feels like celebrating when the fireworks go off. The 4th of July is frequently among the most stressful days of the year for dogs across the country.

While many dog parents are likely familiar with the sight of an anxious, stressed-out canine companion when fireworks go off, it's less likely that they know how to truly comfort and guide their dog through this ordeal.

In fact, Dr. Evan MacLean, an associate professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Arizona and the founder of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center, has found that science points to a counterintuitive approach to helping dogs stay calm and relaxed during fireworks. It's an approach many dog parents are totally unaware of.

Why Fireworks Are So Stressful for Dogs

According to Dr. MacLean, a potent combination of factors makes fireworks a particularly confusing and stressful experience for dogs to process.

Not only are they sudden and loud, but fireworks are also unpredictable. They happen so fast that dogs don't know how to make sense of them. They completely overload their senses.

In addition to bright flashes and loud noises, fireworks also produce vibrations that many dogs are unfamiliar with.

Combine this instantaneous sensory overload with the fact that it's unclear to dogs how to "get away" from this perceived threat, and suddenly the dogs will find themselves in a full-blown panic, according to Dr. MacLean.

Their emotional equilibriums are essentially forced to weather an unpredictable storm, with many dogs experiencing "emotional states ranging from low-level anxiety to full-on panic," in his words.

Fortunately for canine companions across the country, cognitive science has mapped out a path for people to help them.

The Mistake Most Dog Parents Make - and Why It's Not Enough

Dr. MacLean states that a common mistake is to "focus only on efforts to calm the dog, without giving them something positive to redirect their attention to. In addition to soothing your pup, give them something purposeful to do."

While it's understandable for dog parents to want to soothe their canine companion during such a stressful ordeal, giving them attention and affection is not enough because it does not provide them with an appropriate outlet for their anxiety.

If their anxiety has nowhere to go, a dog will likely just become more stressed and anxious.

The key here is knowing how to redirect a dog's anxiety so that they feel better.

What to Do Instead - Practical Tools That Work

Dr. MacLean recommends providing dogs with special enrichment activities, such as food puzzles or long-lasting chews, right before the fireworks start. He encourages people to get creative with their canine companions' favorite food or treats.

He cites freezing these to create a dog popsicle, which can be made with Blue Buffalo Love Made Fresh stews by pouring them inside a silicone lick mat or a freezer-safe shallow bowl.

When the fireworks are about to begin, dog parents can use these treats to redirect their attention to something more positive.

Dr. MacLean also suggests placing a dog's favorite treats or food around the house, inviting them to engage in a fun, rewarding game instead of focusing on the fireworks.

Additionally, he points to making sure that dogs have a safe space in the house. When animals become frightened, regaining some control over their environment significantly changes how they process stress.

When fireworks go off, many dogs naturally seek out spaces that feel secure to them, such as quiet areas in the house, the closet, a crate, or under a bed.

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He cautions against the instinct to try holding a frightened dog close. If the dog wants to retreat, it's best to let them go so they can naturally regulate their emotions.

But that doesn't mean people can't offer their canine companion valuable support by being near them.

According to Dr. MacLean, people can "Grab a good book and sit nearby. If you're up for it, reading aloud in a calm and relaxed tone can also help send a message of safety."

It's an unexpected and thoughtful alternative to forcing physical contact on a dog who's already stressing out over their perceived loss of control.

Dr. MacLean also points to using counterconditioning as a way to teach dogs that fireworks are nothing to be afraid of.

The idea is to train dogs to associate fireworks with something positive instead of something negative, in his words: "With enough practice, dogs can learn that the rumble of fireworks in the distance is a cue that the best treats are about to come out, not a sign of impending terror."

He adds that counterconditioning is most effective after consistent practice over weeks or months. It may not be something that can help dogs this weekend, but it can make a difference for future holiday fireworks celebrations.

Although Dr. MacLean does note that counterconditioning will not fundamentally change a dog's emotional reaction to fireworks before this Fourth of July, it can refocus their attention, making their experience more manageable.

It's also an effective technique for dogs who are terrified of thunderstorms or loud noises in general, as long as people consistently use it.

What Makes This Fourth of July Different

Fireworks displays are expected to be louder and longer this year, which is very likely to increase the intensity of a dog's stress response.

Dr. MacLean emphasizes that this is especially true for dogs who feel the physical vibrations from fireworks. However, it's the unpredictable nature of fireworks displays that's most difficult for dogs to cope with.

Even smaller fireworks shows are terrifying for dogs because they can continue for hours, randomly starting and stopping before or after traditional organized displays.

With an unprecedented number of fireworks likely going off this year, Dr. MacLean urges people to prepare for handling their dogs' stress response in advance.

The Blue Buffalo Fireworks Show

One way Dr. MacLean suggests preparing a dog for fireworks is introducing them to something low-stress that engages their attention, like a relaxing video. It's why he helped create Blue Buffalo's dog-friendly fireworks show that's currently available on YouTube.

This video replaces unpredictable explosions and startling effects with soothing audio and calm visuals and animation featuring treats, toys, and food that dogs naturally love.

Dr. MacLean describes it as an additional helpful tool available to families looking to help their canine companion through this anxiety-inducing celebration.

Be Proactive

"Be proactive, not reactive," is what Dr. MacLean singles out as the most helpful approach people can take this weekend. It's much easier to stop a calm dog from panicking than it is to get a frightened dog to relax.

Creating safe spaces where dogs are shielded from exploding fireworks and having enrichment toys and frozen treats they associate with positive experiences ready to go is the key to making a dog's Fourth of July as stress-free as possible.

Some dogs need additional support to make it through the fireworks, though. For dogs with severe sensitivity to sounds who are prone to panic, Dr. MacLean emphasizes that it's critical to seek out additional strategies or get help from the dog's veterinarian before the holiday.

Doing so can make a big difference. As Dr. MacLean puts it, "A little planning ahead can go a long way toward helping your dog have a calmer, more comfortable Fourth of July."

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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 1:06 PM.