How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks in Miami (New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July)

To keep your dog calm during fireworks, keep them indoors in the quietest room with windows and curtains closed, play music or white noise, tire them out earlier in the day, and make sure their ID tag and microchip are up to date. Long lasting chews or puzzle toys help, and if your dog's fear is severe, talk to your veterinarian well before the night. If you'll be away, boarding with a team that plans for fireworks nights is another safe option.

Why fireworks nights are hard on Miami dogs

In Miami, New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July both mean hours of loud booms. Many dogs are frightened by the noise, and a scared dog may hide, pant, shake or try to run. A frightened dog can also slip out of an open door or gate, which is why safety comes before everything else.

How to keep your dog calm at home

These tips follow guidance from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

1. Exercise early. A long walk or play session earlier in the day helps your dog rest better at night.
2. Check ID before the night. Make sure tags are current and your dog's microchip has your correct phone number, in case they bolt.
3. Create a safe space. Keep your dog inside in the quietest room, with their bed or crate, windows closed and curtains drawn. Dimming the lights can help too.
4. Mask the sound. Music, white noise or the TV helps muffle the booms.
5. Keep them busy. A favorite toy, a food puzzle or a long lasting chew gives them something else to focus on.
6. Try snug clothing. Some dogs seem calmer in a fitted garment designed for anxiety. Ask your vet what might work.
7. Stay calm yourself. Dogs take cues from us, so a relaxed voice and routine help.
8. Talk to your vet early. If your dog's fear is intense, ask your veterinarian about a plan well before the holiday. Don't give any medication without their advice.

Reminders if you're celebrating at home

• Take your dog out for a last potty break on a leash before the fireworks start, even in a fenced yard.
• Ask guests to keep doors and gates closed, and keep your dog in their safe room while people come and go.
• Keep party food, drinks and decorations out of reach.
• Never bring your dog to a fireworks display, and keep them away from anyone lighting fireworks or sparklers.

How we care for boarding dogs on fireworks nights

We plan for New Year's Eve every year:

• Impact windows: our building has hurricane impact windows, which help muffle the noise.
• Location: we're a bit farther from the areas where Miami's big fireworks go off.
• Soothing music: we play calming music through the night on New Year's Eve.
• A familiar routine: every dog has dinner, a potty break and bedtime in their own private sleeping suite, with comfy bedding.
• Updates: you'll hear from our team in your dog's WhatsApp group, so you can enjoy your night.

We're closed to the public December 30 to January 1, with boarding check ins and check outs only, so book your dog's stay early. Our holiday boarding guide has the full schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calm my dog during fireworks?

Keep them inside in a quiet room with windows and curtains closed, play music or white noise, offer a long lasting chew, and stay calm yourself. If fear is severe, talk to your vet early.

Should I board my dog on New Year's Eve?

If you'll be out or traveling, boarding with a team that plans for fireworks night can be safer than leaving your dog home alone. At Fit & Go Pets, boarding guests sleep indoors behind impact windows with calming music playing.

Can I give my dog something to calm them down?

Only with your veterinarian's advice. Ask them well before the holiday.

See our boarding suites or book your free Meet & Greet.

About Fit & Go Pets
Founded in 2015 by a Miami mom and daughter, Fit & Go Pets is a concierge pet care service in East Allapattah, minutes from Wynwood, Brickell, Edgewater and Miami Beach. Our #DOGOBSESSED team has cared for more than 3,600 dogs through boarding, daycare, grooming, training, enrichment, wellness and door to door transportation, all at Abuela's House, where every dog is known by name. Voted Miami New Times Best Doggie Daycare (2023), a Miami Herald Best Pet Daycare and Boarding Favorite (2023) and a Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave (2022 and 2024).

By the Fit & Go Pets team. Updated October 2026.

Source: AVMA, "More fireworks can lead to more anxious pets: 8 tips from the AVMA to keep them calm," reviewed October 2026.