It’s time to dust off the grill and bug spray as we prepare to celebrate July Fourth. However, while this may be an exciting time for pet owners to gather with friends and family, you must remember that this holiday can be stressful and dangerous for your pet.

Many pet owners are concerned about keeping their furry friends safe during the festivities, and rightfully so. More pets get lost on July Fourth than any other holiday, so our All Breed Pet Care team knows the importance of being proactive, and we offer suggestions for doing exactly that.

Understanding the fear and anxiety that fireworks cause is crucial for protecting your pet during the July Fourth celebrations. When you are aware of the dangers and take the following steps, you can help ensure your furry friends stay safe and comfortable.

1. Escape-proof your home for your pet

Cats and dogs are known escape artists, especially when they’re scared, so you must ensure your home and yard are secure to prevent any frantic escape attempts.

  • Secure your pet — Keep your pets inside the house during the festivities, if possible. If they need to go outside, keep them leashed and supervise them closely, because a frightened pet may bolt unexpectedly, even from a familiar environment.
  • Update your pet’s identification — Keeping your pet’s identification tags up-to-date is an important safety measure. Better yet, ensure they are microchipped and the information is current. Then, if your pet does manage to escape, these identification methods greatly increase the chances of a safe return.
  • “What if my pet isn’t microchipped?” — No problem! Give the friendly faces at All Breed Pet Care a call to schedule the simple procedure.
  • “My pet’s already microchipped.” Super! Ensure all contact information is updated, especially if you’ve recently moved or changed your phone number. 

2. Create a safe space for your pet

One of the best ways to help your pet during a fireworks display is by creating a safe and secure space inside your home. This designated area should be quiet, comfortable, and away from windows to shield your pet from the most intense noise and flashing of fireworks.

Set up this safe space ahead of time and ensure visitors know not to access your pet’s safe zone. Not sure where to start? Follow this easy checklist so your furry friend has everything they need.

  • Favorite toys and blankets
  • Cozy bed or crate
  • Water
  • Treats and chews
  • Comfort items (e.g., a worn T-shirt that smells like you)
  • Background noise (e.g., music or shows on their favorite radio station or TV channel)

3. Keep pets cool, calm, and collected

To keep your pets calm during the fireworks displays, a variety of soothing techniques are available that can be tailored to your pet’s needs.

  • Veterinary consult — Ask your veterinarian about calming treats, pheromone sprays, calming wraps, or anxiety medications to help reduce your pet’s stress level.
  • Exercise early — A tired pet is often a calmer pet. Exercise them early to help them burn off as much excess energy as possible.
  • Don’t leave your pet alone — Stay with your pet during the fireworks. Your presence alone will be comforting, and speaking in a calm, reassuring voice and acting normally will show them you’re not worried, and they likely will not be anxious. 

4. Pet-safe parties

Cookouts and outdoor parties are a huge part of July Fourth celebrations, but they can pose several risks for pets. Be mindful of the following dangers to ensure your pets stay safe during the festivities.:.

  • Heatstroke—ensure your pet always has access to shade and fresh water
  • Sunscreen and bug spray can be toxic for pets
  • Hot grills and open flames can burn pets
  • Skewers and toothpicks can injure pets or cause an obstruction
  • Fireworks, sparklers, and glow sticks are toxic to pets
  • Onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate, and foods that contain xylitol, are all toxic for pets
  • Alcohol—pets cannot metabolize alcohol like humans

The ASPCA provides a complete list of pet dangers, plus more information, here.

5. Be prepared for pet emergencies

Despite our best efforts, emergencies can still happen, but being prepared can make a significant difference in how quickly you respond and your pet receives the necessary care. This includes:

  • Knowing the signs — Ensure you are familiar with common distress signs in pets, which include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or behavior changes.
  • Locate the nearest clinic — Know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary facility, and seek veterinary care immediately if your pet shows any distress signs.
  • Should your pet escape — Know the contact information for local shelters and animal control, and keep recent photos of your pet to help find them should they escape.

Are you ready to make this July Fourth safe and enjoyable for your pets? Visit All Breeds Pet Care, where “special friends deserve special care.” Our team is here to help, not only to calm your pet’s fireworks anxiety but also to ensure they are happy and healthy, no matter the occasion.