Advice from Dr. Streicher: How to Calm Pets During 4th of July

Fireworks are a beloved part of Independence Day celebrations — but while we enjoy the dazzling lights and thunderous booms, our pets often experience something far more stressful. For many dogs and cats, the loud, unpredictable noises and flashing lights can trigger anxiety, leading to behaviors like pacing, trembling, hiding, or even destructive actions.

Thankfully, there are gentle, natural ways to support your pet during these stressful moments. When introduced thoughtfully, Essential Oils can help create a sense of calm and comfort in your home.* At Amrita, we believe in the power of aromatherapy — and we always recommend consulting your veterinarian before introducing Essential Oils into your pet’s routine.*

Understanding Your Pet’s Stress Triggers

Before reaching for a remedy, it’s important to understand how your pet responds to fireworks. Some may shake and seek out hiding spots, while others might bark, whine, or appear restless. These reactions are your pet’s way of coping with sensory overload.

Fireworks often combine several overwhelming elements at once: loud bangs, sudden flashes of light, and unfamiliar scents from smoke. Even normally calm pets can become unsettled — especially if left alone or exposed to hours of ongoing noise. Recognizing your pet’s unique stress signals can help you respond with empathy and choose the most supportive approach — including natural, pet-safe aromatherapy.*

Naturally Calming Essential Oils for Firework Anxiety

When diffused with care, Essential Oils can be a gentle, effective way to help your pet relax during fireworks or other unsettling situations.* Just as they help us feel grounded and centered, these botanical allies can also create a peaceful atmosphere for your furry companions — when used under veterinary guidance.*

• Lavender Extra is one of the most trusted oils for relaxation. Its soft, floral aroma encourages a sense of calm and helps pets who struggle to settle during noisy celebrations.*
• Clary Sage offers emotional grounding, helping reduce nervous tension and promote a balanced mood.*
• Frankincense Carteri supports stillness and clarity, ideal for pets overwhelmed by flashing lights or chaotic environments.*
• Vetiver, with its earthy and grounding aroma, is especially useful for long nights of extended fireworks, helping pets feel safe and anchored even in the midst of chaos.*
• Bergamot offers uplifting yet calming support, making it ideal for pets experiencing anxious energy or mood swings.* Its bright, citrusy aroma promotes emotional balance and can help ease restlessness during stressful events like fireworks.*
• Rose Geranium provides a gentle floral aroma that supports emotional stability and comfort.* Especially helpful for sensitive pets, it can ease nervous tension and create a sense of safety and calm in the home.*
• Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile are both known for their soothing, comforting effects. German Chamomile, in particular, can help calm pets that become panicked or hyperactive in response to loud sounds.* Please do not use Chamomile around dogs.
• Sweet Marjoram is excellent for releasing physical tension and encouraging total-body relaxation.* Please do not use Sweet Marjoram around dogs.

Do Not Use undiluted topical applications or ingestible blends of Essential Oils for pets. This is especially true for cats, who lack the enzymes needed to process Essential Oil compounds, which then build up in your cat's bloodstream, causing toxicity. Since many Essential Oils can be toxic to pets, it's safest to use them in diffusers rather than allowing pets to come into direct contact with or absorb them. Stick to using one to four drops per oil when diffusing with no more than four drops of Essential Oils total in a blend. Be extra cautious with senior pets, puppies, cats and those with respiratory conditions as they will be more sensitive to the potent aroma of Essential Oils.*

Creating a Calming Space: Safe Essential Oil Use for Pets

Using Essential Oils around animals requires extra care — but when done mindfully, it can offer a safe and comforting experience.* The most recommended method is diffusion, which allows pets to benefit passively from the aroma without direct contact.

Start diffusing 30 to 60 minutes before fireworks begin, using only pure, undiluted Essential Oils that are free from synthetic additives. Use 1 to 4 total drops in your diffuser, and make sure the room is well-ventilated. Always allow your pet to leave the area if they choose, and monitor for any signs of sensitivity such as sneezing, drooling, coughing, or lethargy.*

Never apply Essential Oils topically or give them orally to pets. Cats in particular are highly sensitive, as their livers can’t effectively metabolize many Essential Oil compounds. Young, elderly, or respiratory-compromised pets are also more vulnerable and should be treated with extra caution.*

For best results, pair aromatherapy with other calming practices: create a cozy, quiet space in a familiar room, use white noise or calming music, and consider gentle techniques like thunder shirts, cuddles, or a bit of extra playtime earlier in the day to release built-up energy.* With care, awareness, and intention, Essential Oils can be part of a safe and supportive toolkit for helping your pet stay calm — naturally.* Most important, let your pet sniff. They will show you what they like and what not. Remember, an Essential Oil they dislike is not helpful!

Here’s a few pet-friendly recipes you can use in your nebulizer:

Supporting Your Pet with Care and Calm

While fireworks light up the sky in celebration, they can cast a shadow of anxiety for our pets. By understanding your pet’s behavior and creating a peaceful environment using natural, vet-approved tools like Essential Oils, you can help ease their distress and make the 4th of July more manageable for them.*

Always consult your veterinarian before using any Essential Oils around animals, and observe how your pet responds. With a little extra planning and a lot of love, you can help your furry friend feel safe, supported, and comforted — no matter what’s happening outside.*

And most of all, Happy 4th of July to you and all your pets!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.