Summer in Arizona means hot days, monsoon rains, and loud noises. Between the Fourth of July fireworks and late-night thunderstorms, this season can be especially stressful for pets. Dogs and cats have much better hearing than we do, and unexpected bangs, booms, and rumbles can make them feel anxious, scared, or even unsafe.
If your pet hides under the bed or paces restlessly during a storm, there are a few things you can do to help them feel more secure. From “thundershirts” and supplements to vet-prescribed medications, here’s how to keep your pet safe and calm.
Why Pets React to Loud Noises
Fireworks and thunderstorms often trigger a pet’s natural fight-or-flight response. The sounds are sudden, unpredictable, and far louder than anything they hear on a normal day. Some animals even experience noise phobias, where the fear becomes intense enough to cause panic or destructive behavior.
Signs of noise anxiety in pets can include:
- Trembling or shaking
- Hiding or trying to escape
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Whining, barking, or yowling
- Accidents in the house
- Destructive behavior like chewing or clawing
Storms and fireworks are one of the top reasons pets go missing in the summer. Make sure your pet is microchipped and wears a collar with up-to-date contact info. If your pet does run off, ID tags and microchips make it much more likely that they’ll be returned to you safely.
How to Keep Your Pet Calm During Fireworks or Thunderstorms
If your pet gets anxious during fireworks or storms, here are a few things that can help them stay calm and safe.
1. Make a Safe Hiding Place
Before the noise begins, set up a quiet, comfortable area where your pet can retreat. This might be a cozy spot in the closet, bathroom, or laundry room. Add familiar items like a favorite blanket, crate, or toy to make it feel safe and familiar.
Close the windows and blinds to muffle outside sounds and block flashing lights. You can also try playing soft music or turning on a white noise machine to help mask the thunder.
2. Try Calming Products
There are several pet-safe products designed to ease anxiety during loud events:
- Thundershirts are snug-fitting wraps that help dogs and cats feel secure—kind of like a weighted blanket for pets.
- Calming sprays or diffusers can help, but be cautious with essential oil blends. Not all ingredients are safe for pets, so it’s best to talk to your vet and read labels carefully.
- Supplements like chews or treats made with ingredients like L-theanine can help reduce stress, but talk to your vet first.
It’s a good idea to test any new product in advance, so your pet gets used to it before a storm or fireworks celebration starts.
3. Stay Calm and Stay Home (If You Can)
Your pet picks up on your emotions, so staying calm yourself can help them relax, too. If you know a storm or fireworks show is coming up, plan to stay home if possible. Your presence alone can be reassuring.
If you have to leave, make sure your pet is secured inside with easy access to their safe space. Never leave pets outdoors during fireworks or storms—they could panic and run off, or hurt themselves trying to escape.
4. Talk to Your Vet About Medication
For pets with severe anxiety, calming supplements might not be enough. In those cases, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety medication or sedatives to help your pet stay calm during high-stress events. If your pet has reacted badly in the past, it’s worth having a conversation ahead of the next storm season or holiday.
How We Can Help
If your pet struggles with noise anxiety or you’re worried about how they’ll handle Arizona’s storm season, we’re here to help. From microchipping and anxiety management to customized care plans, the team at Anasazi Animal Clinic can help you prepare.
Contact us today to schedule a visit or talk with one of our veterinarians. We’re always happy to help your pets feel safe, calm, and cared for—no matter what the forecast brings.
Photo by Reba Spike on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 6/25/2025