Supporting Our Animals Through Fireworks Season

Natural Ways to Calm Dogs, Cats, and Farm Animals During Fireworks and Loud Summer Storms. EFT, Herbs, Mushrooms, and Cannabis

Jun 24, 2025

By Melissa | Animal Intuitive, Energy Healer & Holistic Pet Health Coach

As June draws to a close, many of us in the U.S. are already hearing the distant pops and crackles that mark the beginning of fireworks season. For many, the 4th of July is a time of joy and celebration, but for our animals, both companions and farm friends, it can be a weeklong stretch of stress, fear, and anxiety.

Whether you share your life with dogs, cats, horses, goats, pigs, or other beloved beings, there are gentle and effective ways to support them through the noise and chaos of fireworks and summer storms.

I have included links to some of my favorite products and resources throughout the post.

Why Fireworks Are So Hard on Animals

Our animals experience the world differently. Their hearing is far more acute, their sense of security tied deeply to routine and predictability. Sudden, loud noises, especially without a clear source, can be terrifying. For some, it's a mild unease; for others, it's full-blown panic.

Start Now: Prepare Before the First Boom

Don’t wait until July 3rd to prepare. Many areas begin setting off fireworks days before and continue for days after. Here are some ways to help ease the experience for your animals:

1. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

One of my favorite drug-free tools is EFT, or tapping. This gentle technique works by calming the nervous system and helping to release stress and stored emotion. And yes, EFT works beautifully for animals and their humans.

Because our animals are so connected to us, when we’re bracing for the boom, they feel that tension. When we work on calming ourselves, we help them calm too. I’ll include a short demonstration video in this post, and you can always visit my YouTube channel for more resources.

I’ve seen EFT work in powerful, practical ways. My own dog, Wishbone, isn’t afraid of fireworks, but thunderstorms used to leave him trembling. After a traumatic accident during a storm that led to the loss of his leg, he understandably developed a deep fear. Through regular EFT sessions, we've been able to ease his anxiety significantly. He still notices storms, but he no longer spirals into fear.

And last year, my neighbor’s horse, Dexter, became panicked when nearby fireworks went off unexpectedly. In his distress, he injured himself and was too overwhelmed for anyone to approach him safely. My neighbor called me, and I used EFT right there to help bring Dexter down from that heightened state of panic. It made it possible for the vet to step in and safely care for him. It was a reminder that even in the most activated moments, this simple technique can restore a sense of calm and connection.

Need help with a custom tapping script or want support? There’s still time to book a private EFT session with me for you and your animal. After the session, you’ll receive a recording of your session so that you can Tap anytime extra support is needed.

2. Natural Support: CBD and CBN

CBD is a well-known calming compound for both people and animals, but CBN is a lesser-known cannabinoid that shines when it comes to promoting rest and deeper calm. While CBD helps take the edge off, CBN can add that extra support for deeper relaxation.

Calming treats that contain these ingredients can be helpful for everyday stress, but I often find they aren't quite enough for more acute stress events like fireworks or thunderstorms. In these cases, tinctures in carrier oils such as MCT or olive oil tend to work more effectively, and there are even fast-acting oil formulations designed for quicker absorption. I still like to keep the treats around as a gentle baseline, but for high-stress moments, tinctures are often a better option. Always make sure your products are third-party tested and pet-safe. These are my two favorite and trusted brands: VetCBD and Earth Buddy

Calming Bundle - includes fast acting, quick calm oil

CBN - may reduce hyperactivity & promote relaxation

CBD - full spectrum

3. Calming Herbs and Supplements

Some wonderful calming herbs to consider:

Chamomile – gentle and soothing
Valerian root – great for anxiety but can be a bit sedating
Passionflower – supportive for the nervous system
Skullcap – calming but not sedating
L-Theanine – a calming amino acid
Magnesium – helps ease nervous tension
Herbsmith Calm Shen: TCVM herbal blend
Herbsmith July 3rd: valerian, chamomile, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, and passion flower
Homeopathic Arnica and Aconite - this one is good if your dog becomes catatonic with fear.

These herbs can be offered in several forms: as dried herbs (think zoopharmacognosy), brewed into teas and cooled, or in tincture form. Always ensure dosing is appropriate for the species and size of your animal.

As always, consult with a professional to ensure the right fit for your individual animal.

It’s important to buy your herbs from a reputable source like Mountain Rose Herbs. They prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality.

4. Comforting Devices and Techniques

White noise machines or calming music (try my calming playlist!)
Thundershirts or snug garments that provide a sense of security
Safe spaces: a darkened room with familiar bedding and soothing sounds
Aromatherapy (lavender, chamomile—always animal-safe and properly diluted)

5. Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms can offer incredible support for the nervous system and overall resilience. Reishi, for example, is known for its calming and grounding properties. Lion's Mane may help with neuroregulation, while Turkey Tail supports immune balance, which is often compromised during chronic stress.

Mushrooms can be given in powdered blends, capsules, or tinctures, always ensuring they’re clean-sourced, third-party tested, and free from harmful fillers. One convenient and effective option is the Relax Pet Chews from Real Mushrooms, which combine key calming mushrooms in an easy-to-give form. These chews are a great option for daily support, especially during stressful seasons like fireworks week.

While not necessarily fast-acting, medicinal mushrooms are a wonderful long-term addition for animals with ongoing stress or anxiety.

5. Support for Barnyard and Outdoor Animals

The calming techniques and suggestions mentioned above apply to these animals as well. Since farm friends and outdoor animals aren’t usually inside with us, here are some additional recommendations to help them during loud events like fireworks. Try to:

Keep them in a safe, enclosed space if possible
Offer extra bedding for comfort and muffling sound
Play calming music in the barn or stall
Spend some extra time with them to offer reassurance
Both of these companies sell CBD products for horses (I use these for my pigs, goats, and livestock guardian dogs) CBD Dog Health and VetCBD

Final Thoughts

The 4th of July, and other celebrations involving fireworks, don’t have to be terrifying for our animal companions. With a little planning and a lot of love, we can ease their experience and help them (and ourselves) move through the week with greater peace.

Feel free to share this with anyone who might benefit, and if you’re ready to try EFT or explore deeper calming strategies, reach out. I’m here to help.

P.S. My favorite line when tapping with anxious animals and their humans? "Even though this is really loud and scary, I’m safe. We’re safe. And we’re getting through it together."

If You’re Ready

If the noise and stress of fireworks or storms have you and your animal feeling unsettled, an EFT session might be just what you need. Whether you want to ease your companion’s anxiety or calm your own nerves, tapping can bring peace and clarity to both of you.

You don’t have to carry this tension alone. You and your animal can find calm together, because healing happens when we tap into connection.

🔗 Book an EFT Session

🔗 Join my private group here

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a veterinarian, and my services are intended as a complementary practice to support your pet’s overall well-being. They are not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatments your pet may require.