In This Article
Why Dogs Get Anxious on the 4th of July
The Fourth of July may be a favorite summer holiday for us — fireworks, barbecues, and parties — but for our dogs, it’s often a different story. Loud noises, house guests, new environments, and travel plans can all contribute to increased anxiety in dogs.
When your dog is stressed, it doesn’t just affect their behavior — it can also disrupt their digestive system, causing loose stools, upset stomach, or appetite loss. Fortunately, there are proven ways to help calm your dog, including supporting their gut health with the right probiotic supplement.
3 Proven Ways to Ease Dog Anxiety
If you're wondering how to calm an anxious dog during fireworks or summer travel, try these science-backed and vet-approved techniques:
1. Use Soothing Sounds and Noise Masking
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce anxiety in dogs is by using white noise machines, calming music, or even the hum of a fan or air conditioner. These sounds help block out the loud bangs of fireworks or unfamiliar party noise, creating a more secure environment.
You can also try playing “dog relaxation music” from Spotify or YouTube — it’s designed specifically for canine calming. You can try different sounds ahead of time to discover what works better for your dog.
2. Compression Therapy (Like a Hug)
Compression therapy helps calm anxious dogs by gently stimulating pressure receptors on the torso, which activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the body's natural "rest and digest" mode. This response lowers heart rate, reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and promotes a sense of calm.
Compression garments, such as anxiety wraps or Thundershirts, mimic the reassuring sensation of being hugged, much like swaddling a baby or using a weighted blanket. This physical comfort not only helps dogs feel secure but also interrupts stress-related behaviors like pacing or barking.
3. Interactive Distraction with Toys and Puzzles
You can distract and redirect your dog’s energy away from the source of stress by engaging them in a different activity. Mental stimulation is a powerful tool for relieving anxiety. Use treat-dispensing toys, puzzle feeders, or frozen KONGs stuffed with peanut butter to keep your dog’s mind busy and focused.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Why Digestive Health Matters for Anxious Dogs
Anxiety doesn’t just affect your dog’s mood — it can take a toll on their digestive health too. The gut-brain axis, the communication pathway between the brain and the gastrointestinal system, plays a crucial role in your pet’s emotional and physical well-being. When dogs experience stress, it often shows up in their gut as occasional loose stools, disrupted bathroom routines, poor nutrient absorption, or decreased appetite.
This is where Visbiome® Vet can help. As a high-potency veterinary probiotic, Visbiome Vet supports a healthy gut microbiome — a critical factor in managing the side effects of stress, including digestive discomfort.
Visbiome Vet helps reduce loose stools caused by environmental stress or dietary changes, and promotes the balance of beneficial gut flora and supports protective bowel layers.
Prepare from the Inside Out
Whether your dog is facing fireworks, travel, boarding, or a change in routine, addressing their anxiety from the inside out is essential. While behavior management tools help calm their mind, supporting their gut gives them the internal resilience to handle stress more comfortably.
Visbiome Vet is available through veterinary professionals and trusted online retailers. A calm gut often leads to a calm pup — and that’s something to celebrate all year long.