Quiet Fireworks Exist, and Your Dog Will Be so Grateful

There’s a lot to love about the Fourth of July. By day, we relax by the pool, grill with friends, and score killer deals from online sales. By night, we ooh and ahh at spectacular fireworks displays. But there’s one member of your family who may not love the Fourth as much as you do: your dog. It’s important to keep your dog calm during fireworks so they don’t pace, panic, and bark. Companies are catching on to the fact that Fido doesn’t love fireworks and this year, you might see something new at your local display: quiet fireworks.

Quiet fireworks are exactly what they sound like: a quieter alternative to the loud, booming fireworks we’re used to seeing and hearing during Independence Day displays. They’re a bit smaller than the fireworks you’re probably used to, but what they lack in size, they make up for in color—and isn’t that the best part, anyway? A slightly smaller firework is a small price to pay for a reduction in noise. A quieter display could help ease the anxiety not only of your pets, but also of wildlife, young children, those who suffer from PTSD, and anyone else sensitive to loud sounds.

Quiet fireworks are already being implemented into fireworks shows in towns across the country. As Better Homes & Gardens notes, the main city-wide fireworks show in Costa Mesa, California uses quiet fireworks. If you traditionally set off a fireworks show of your own, you can check your local fireworks stands for quiet fireworks or buy them from companies like Epic Fireworks.

“These fireworks focus more on visual colors and effects instead of noise,” Epic Fireworks explains on its website. “Many people who have pets and animals or young or elderly relatives do not want bangs, screeches or whistles but still want to enjoy the fun that only fireworks can bring.”

Whether you’ll be seeing quiet fireworks or regular ones this year, don’t forget to prioritize your pet’s safety. Keep them indoors, keep the windows and curtains closed, and turn on the television or play music to drown out the sound of the booms. As much fun as fireworks are to watch, keeping your pet safe and calm is the most important thing.