July Fourth is an exciting time filled with barbecues, parades, and of course, fireworks. While these festivities are fun for you and your friends and family, they can be overwhelming and, in some cases, dangerous for your pet. From loud noises to hazardous foods, the patriotic holiday poses several risks for your four-legged friend. Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics specialist Dr. David Dycus wants you and your pet to enjoy the festivities, and our team offers tips to keep your pet safe and calm during the Independence Day celebrations.

1. Create a pet-safe haven

Fireworks and loud noises from raucous crowds can frighten pets, who may panic and could be injured. Even the most sociable pet will appreciate having a place they can go if the festivities get too overwhelming. To help your pet feel secure:

  • Designate a safe area — Designate a quiet area in your home as your pet’s safe haven. This can be a small interior room, a cozy closet, or your pet’s crate covered with blankets.
  • Provide resources — Ensure your pet’s safe haven is well stocked with resources such as water, treats, bedding, and their favorite toys.
  • Mask loud noises — Use a white-noise machine, fans, or calming music to help drown out loud noises.

2. Keep your pet indoors

Keeping your pet indoors during the July Fourth celebrations reduces their risk of running away or being injured. If you have guests, ensure they know to watch for your pet when they go in and out. If you leave your pet at home while you attend a gathering elsewhere, ensure all windows and doors are secured. If you must take your pet outside:

  • Keep your pet leashed — Always keep your pet on a leash and use a secure harness to prevent escape.
  • Supervise closely — Never leave your pet unattended, especially in an unfamiliar or unsecured area.
  • Check boundaries — Check your fence for damaged areas or gaps that your pet could sneak through. 

3. Update your pet’s identification

If your pet does manage to escape, updated identification can make a significant difference in reuniting you quickly. Ensure your pet has:

  • Collar and ID tag — Your pet should always wear a well-fitted collar with identification tags that clearly show your current phone number and address.
  • Microchip — Microchip your pet to provide permanent identification that can’t be lost or removed. If your pet is already microchipped, verify your contact information is up-to-date in the microchip database.22

4. Avoid foods hazardous to your pet

Pets can be tempted by holiday food aromas, but many foods can harm them. Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and xylitol-containing baked goods are toxic to pets, and high-fat foods can cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset or pancreatitis in cats and dogs. In addition, chicken and rib bones can result in mouth injuries or a GI blockage. To protect your four-legged friend from hazardous foods:

  • Keep all garbage in sealed containers.
  • Ask your guests not to share their food.
  • Pick up discarded plates and cups as soon as possible.
  • Provide pet-friendly treats so your pet can participate in the feast.
  • Keep your pet out of the kitchen while food is being prepared.

5. Use pet-safe products

Using July Fourth paraphernalia is fun, but some products can be dangerous for pets. Avoid using:

  • Fireworks — Never light fireworks near your pet, and avoid sparklers and other pyrotechnics that can cause burns or stress. In addition, check your yard for firework debris on July 5.
  • Glow sticks and glow jewelry — These products can cause a GI upset if your pet chews them and ingests their contents.
  • Human sunscreen and bug spray — Products formulated for humans often contain ingredients toxic to pets. Use only pet-safe sunscreen and bug spray.

6. Consider pet anxiety aids

If your pet is extremely anxious around fireworks, consider calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps. Stress signs include panting, pacing, whining, and hiding. Some pets have a noise phobia, which is a severe panicked response to fireworks noise. If your pet is affected, ask your veterinarian about medications that can help them cope with the July Fourth celebrations.

Dr. David Dycus and the rest of the Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics team wish you a safe and happy July Fourth. Contact us if your pet requires specialized orthopedic care.