As you gear up to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, barbecues, and festivities, it’s important to remember these celebrations can be stressful and potentially dangerous for your pet. The Fourth of July holiday is notorious for pets going missing, and many animal shelters report it’s the busiest time of the year for them with the large number of lost pets. To ensure your pet stays safe while you and your family are enjoying the festivities, our Memorial Animal Hospital team offers Fourth of July pet safety tips to consider.

Fireworks safety for your pet

Loud, unexpected noises can cause fear and anxiety in cats and dogs (as well as other animals). To minimize your pet’s fear and keep them safe, practice the following safety tips:

  • Create a pet-safe space — Designate a quiet, comfortable space in your home where your pet can retreat during the festivities. This could be a room with no windows or a cozy corner with their favorite bed and toys. Play calming music or white noise to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.
  • Keep pets indoors — On Independence Day, bring your pet indoors, even if they’re used to spending time outdoors. The loud noises and bright lights of fireworks can cause your pet extreme stress and anxiety, and possibly lead them to bolt if they’re outside.
  • Ensure current identification — All pets should wear a collar with up-to-date identification tags and correct microchip information. If your pet does manage to escape, this will greatly increase the chances of them being reunited with you. Consider getting your furry friend microchipped if they aren’t already, as microchips provide a permanent form of identification.
  • Exercise early — Despite the holiday, your pet still requires daily exercise. Take them for a long walk earlier in the day to tire them out before the festivities begin. A tired pet is more likely to relax and sleep through the loud noises later.
  • Avoid fireworks exposure — Even “safe” fireworks, such as sparklers and poppers, can cause burns or injuries if ingested or mishandled by curious pets. Store fireworks and other flammable materials out of their reach in a secure location.
  • Stay with your pet — If possible, remain with your pet while the fireworks are going off. Comfort them with gentle words, soothing strokes, and cuddles to let them know everything is fine. If you cannot stay with your pet, consider enlisting a friend or family member to be with them while you are away. 

Other Fourth of July pet safety precautions

Along with loud noises, the holiday can also bring other risks to your four-legged friend. Be aware of the following holiday dangers:

  • Unsafe food — Holidays typically come with ample amounts of food that can potentially harm pets. Toxic and unhealthy ingredients such as xylitol (a sugar substitute), grapes, fatty meat, onions, garlic, and rich, creamy sauces should be stored away from your pet. Also, ask your guests not to give your pet table scraps so that you can avoid a food-related pet emergency.
  • Grilling dangers — Tin foil, hot coals, ashes, and skewers are all potentially risky for your four-legged friend. Moving your pet to a safer part of your yard will discourage them from being around the grill while it is in use.
  • Heat awareness — July can be a hot, humid month. When pets are outside for long periods, they can become dehydrated or suffer from heat-related illnesses. Provide plenty of shade and water for your pet when they’re outdoors, and consider moving them inside your air-conditioned home when you cannot supervise them outside.

By taking proactive measures to keep your pet safe and comfortable during the Fourth of July celebrations, you can create a happy, secure, and stress-free holiday for them. Remember to plan, stay vigilant, and pay attention to your pet’s well-being. If you have questions about your pet’s health and safety, do not hesitate to call our Memorial Animal Hospital team. Have a paws-itively pet-safe and happy Independence Day!