Top 4th of July Pet Safety Tips

The 4th of July is a perfect time to relax, have fun, and enjoy company under the sun, but with all the loud fireworks, people, and excitement, the day might not be as fun for our pets. You can help them celebrate the festivities more by taking extra safety precautions.

Start preparing for the day by reading our top 4th of July pet safety tips below!

Pet Safety Before 4th of July Celebrations

Why Are Pets Scared of Fireworks?
Pets fear loud noises. Approximately 20-40% of cats and dogs have a noise phobia, and loud sounds like fireworks trigger their flight-or-hide response.

More pets go missing around the 4th of July than any other time of year because of fireworks. In fact, animal control services nationwide see a 30-60% increase in missing pets between July 4th and 6th.

Lost Pet Prevention
Registering your pet’s microchip with your contact info and signing up for a Lifetime Protection Membership before the celebration begins is critical.

Amidst the chaos, if your pet goes missing, the Lifetime Protection Membership will give you 24/7 access to the Lost Pet Recovery Specialists at 24Petwatch.

Next, double-check your pet’s ID tag, ensuring it hasn’t broken off and has an up-to-date phone number in case they go missing.

Lastly, to prevent your pet from escaping when they hear fireworks, walk through your home and check that all windows and doors are secure.

Pet Safety During 4th of July

On July 4th, walk your dog and show your cat some extra love before the festivities begin, as they won’t get as much attention throughout the day.

If you’re going somewhere else, leave your pets at home where you know they’re safe and comfortable.

Besides the fireworks, sparklers, and decorations, keep these other pet poisons and hazards out of reach from pets.

Common Cat and Dog Poisons on the 4th of July
Citronella candles
Insect repellent
Alcohol
Human Foods Toxic to Dogs and Cats
Bones
Skewers
Desserts with chocolate or xylitol
Garlic
Onions
Pets and Fireworks
You can help ease your pet’s firework anxiety by preparing a safe space away from loud noises.

Give them their favorite toys, their bed, a blanket with your scent, and a white noise maker, like the radio or music to drown out scary sounds.

To help them deal with their anxiety, play with them during fireworks, and encourage them with treats, so they associate the loud noises with a happy time.

You can also talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications and sprays that could help calm their nerves.

Hot Weather Safety Tips
As most celebrations are outside, ensure your dog has access to shade and water and bring them inside during the hottest times of the day to avoid heat stroke.

Water Safety
Will you spend the 4th of July by a pool, lake, or ocean? Always supervise your pets near water. You can purchase a life jacket for your dog and cat for extra safety.

Prevent your pets from drinking pool, lake, or ocean water, as it contains bacteria and chemicals that can make them sick.

Pet Safety After the 4th of July

Before you send your dog outside, check your yard for any firework debris that landed on your property.

If you hosted, check your house for food scraps and garbage your guests left that could be toxic or hazardous to the furry members of your household.

What to Do in an Emergency
If your pet goes missing and you are registered with 24Petwatch, call our Lost Pet Recovery Specialists at 1-866-375-7387, who are available 24/7, or submit a lost pet report.

If you suspect your pet ingested something toxic, call the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline® for advice at 855-764-7661.

Call, chat, or email the 24/7 Vet Helpline for veterinary advice, which is complimentary for one year with a Lifetime Protection Membership.

It’s also a good idea to record what emergency clinics are open during the holiday in case your pet needs medical attention, and to always have a pet first-aid kit prepared.

We hope you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the 4th of July with your furry companions, knowing they are protected from danger with these safety measures.