As Washington, D.C., prepares for an unprecedented fireworks display to mark the nation’s 250th Independence Day, many local pet owners are bracing for heightened stress among their animals. The planned show, promised by President Donald Trump to feature a record-breaking number of roman candles, shells, and rockets, has prompted pet owners, trainers, and veterinarians to prepare extensively for the challenges the event may pose for animals sensitive to loud noises.

Many dogs and cats are known to exhibit symptoms such as shaking, pacing, panting, and hiding in response to fireworks. Sheri Annis of Chevy Chase, Maryland, whose 80-pound Bernedoodle Lulu experiences severe anxiety during such events, plans to administer CBD drops recommended by a California veterinarian to help calm her dog on the night of July 4. “She’s not going to be a very happy dog on the Fourth of July,” Annis said, emphasizing the need to medicate Lulu to ease her distress.

Similarly, veterinarians in the D.C. area have reported a surge in demand for anxiety-reducing medications. John von Kieckebusch, lead veterinarian at Livewell Animal Hospital in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood, noted that trazodone, a human antidepressant used off-label to calm dogs, has been dispensed in large quantities—"like Tic Tacs," he explained.

Dog trainer Tara Henigan of Falls Church has developed a calming routine for her pets, which includes administering a low dose of trazodone, providing distractions such as frozen bones and lick mats, and playing classical music to reduce anxiety. She and her husband plan to remain with their two dogs and three cats throughout the fireworks, emphasizing the importance of companionship and comfort during the stressful evening.

Others have opted for strategies to avoid the fireworks altogether. Heidi Ridgley of Columbia Heights is relocating her pets to a cabin in West Virginia, citing painful memories of previous holidays when fireworks caused her family’s dogs to panic, resulting in near accidents and traumatic experiences. “It’s super traumatic all the way around,” she said, referring to the distress fireworks inflict on animals, which she expects will be intensified this year.

Veterinarians and animal behavior experts stress the importance of preparing well in advance, recommending that owners consult their veterinarians early about medications such as trazodone, gabapentin, or prescription gels like Sileo. They caution, however, that some over-the-counter CBD products may contain unregulated ingredients and advise securing pets with updated microchips to prevent runaway incidents, which tend to spike in the wake of fireworks displays.

Experts also suggest environmental modifications such as thunder shirts, noise-cancelling headphones fashioned for pets, and the use of white noise, including music, to mask fireworks sounds. They emphasize extra daytime exercise to tire pets out and advise owners to stay calm themselves, as animals are highly attuned to human stress signals.

With the anticipated scale and duration of the 2026 fireworks show surpassing previous years, owners in the region are mobilizing a combination of pharmaceutical, behavioral, and environmental approaches to mitigate their pets’ anxiety. The collective hope is to navigate the holiday safely and compassionately amid the booming spectacle in the nation’s capital.