OVERLAND PARK, KS—As fireworks lit up the night sky on the Fourth of July, not everyone was thrilled by the dazzling display. Pixie, my brother’s beloved dog, finds the holiday’s loud celebrations to be a source of intense anxiety, it has been for the last five years of her existence.

“Pixie dreads the noise of fireworks, let’s just say any form of noise. Every year, she gets incredibly scared, to the point where my sister-in-law has to give her medication to help her cope.

She is five now.  It is the exact contrast for her elder-sister Sprinkles who is seven years old. She simply doesn’t care, actually the louder, the more excitement.

Fireworks, while a delight for many, can be a nightmare for pets like Pixie. The loud booms and bright flashes can trigger severe anxiety and fear in dogs, making holidays like the Fourth of July a challenging time for both pets and their owners.

Without her medication, Pixie becomes extremely distressed. She’ll shake, hide, and sometimes even try to escape. It’s heartbreaking to see her like that.

To help Pixie cope, her family consults with a veterinarian to provide appropriate medication that can calm her nerves during the fireworks.

“The medication helps a lot,” the veterinarian once noted. “It doesn’t completely take away her fear, but it makes the noise more bearable for her.”

While Pixie’s fear of fireworks is a yearly challenge, my brother’s family takes extra steps to ensure she feels safe and secure. They create a quiet, comforting space for her to retreat to, often with soothing music to drown out the noise of the fireworks outside.

I guess she is part of our family, and they will do whatever it takes to make sure she’s as comfortable as possible. Pixie’s case is a reminder of the impact that fireworks can have on pets, birds, other animals and importance of taking steps to protect them.

For families with pets who fear fireworks, consulting with a veterinarian and creating a safe environment can make all the difference.