In Brooklyn, summer means block parties, street parades, rooftop grills, and (you guessed it) fireworks. While these festivities bring joy to humans, they can cause serious stress for your four-legged family member. From fireworks and pets to constant foot traffic and street noise, the city can feel overwhelming for sensitive animals.
At HEAL. Veterinary Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, we’ve helped countless pet parents manage dog and cat anxiety in summer. If your pet has a noise phobia, hides during barbecues, or trembles at the sound of sirens and booms, you’re not alone.
While fireworks may be a blast for people, pets hear them as unexpected, explosive threats. Many dogs and cats don’t just get nervous—they panic.
Signs of pet anxiety include:
NYC’s density means these sounds come from every direction. What’s festive to us can feel inescapable to our pets.
Here are some tools we recommend for managing summer pet stress:
It’s also important to keep pets active, so they can burn off excess energy.
Are fireworks dangerous to pets even if they’re indoors?
Yes—noise alone can trigger anxiety. Plus, some pets hurt themselves trying to escape.
Can cats develop anxiety from city noise?
Absolutely. Cats are sensitive to change and loud environments. Provide hideaways and soothing routines.
When should I talk to a vet about anxiety meds?
If your pet’s quality of life suffers or behavioral interventions don’t work, talk to your veterinarian early in the season.
Summer is a time to celebrate—but let’s not forget about our more sensitive companions. At HEAL. Veterinary Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, we’re ready to help with noise phobias, anxiety relief strategies, and safe socialization plans for dogs and cats.