Pets and Pyrotechnics: Tips for Fireworks and Loud Noises

Fireworks are synonymous with Fourth of July celebrations, but the loud unpredictable noises and bright flashes can trigger intense anxiety in animals, especially dogs who tend to be extra sensitive to sound. These stress responses can cause pets to panic, hide, or even attempt to escape. Unfortunately, this can sometimes result in injuries or pets going missing during the celebrations. The good news though is that with just a few simple steps you can help keep your pets safe, content, and right where they belong! 

• STAYING HOME: If you’re spending the evening at home, create a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat. Choose a room away from windows and doors, and fill it with familiar items like their bed, toys, or a favorite blankets. Playing calming music, white noise, or even media on the tv can help mask the sound of fireworks. Be sure to close all windows and doors securely, and try to keep your pet engaged with treats or toys to provide a distraction.
  
• GOING OUT: If you plan to attend a fireworks display with your pet, extra planning and care may be needed. It is smart to stay as far from the main crowd and fireworks as possible, and always keep your pet leashed and close to you. Bring comfort items, make sure they stay hydrated, and watch for signs of stress like pacing, whining, panting or trembling. If they seem overly anxious or start to panic, remember that it is totally okay to leave early.

For pets with a history of severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian ahead of time. They may recommend calming aids like anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or even medication you can use both at home and in public. Another option is to slowly desensitize your pet in the weeks leading up to the event. Start with low-volume firework sounds and pair them with treats or playtime to create a positive association, then gradually raise the volume as they get more comfortable. 

Fourth of July barbeques are a staple summer event, but the combination of open flames, rich foods, and crowds of guests can create a number of hazards for pets. It's important to keep the following in mind.

• Do your best to keep pets away from the grill area at all times. Not only can they get burned by the hot surfaces or open flames, but they may also try to lick up grease spills or chew on skewers, tongs, or other tools that are not in use which could cause injury or even internal damage. Lighter fluid, matches, and charcoal should be stored well out of reach, as they can be toxic if ingested.
• Beyond the grill, it’s important to manage food and drink access as not everyone at your gathering will know what’s safe for pets. Well-meaning guests might be more easily tempted to share food with your pet, but even small amounts of common barbecue foods can be harmful. Bones and corncobs can easily become choking hazards or cause internal blockages. Fatty meats may trigger gastrointestinal issues or even more serious issues like pancreatitis. And of course, ingredients like chocolate, grapes, onions, and alcohol are extremely toxic and should never be left within paw’s reach.
  

Trash Removal

Before you let your pet run wild in the yard post-party, do a quick sweep of the area. Fireworks may be over, but the leftover debris definitely isn’t. Burnt wrappers, used sparklers, and firework shells can be tempting to curious pets and dangerous if chewed or swallowed. Even “duds” can still contain chemicals that are harmful to them. Also remove full trashcans, trash bags, beer cans, drink cups, and food scraps that your pet could get into. A good rule of thumb? if a toddler could get into it, so could your dog. Grab a trash bag and give your yard a once-over before your pet heads out. Just five minutes of cleanup can prevent a whole lot of vet bills. Bonus tip: if you’ve got a dog that loves to graze, consider doing a second check the next morning too because stuff can blow around overnight or get missed in the dark.

July Fourth usually goes hand in hand with hot weather, and whether they’re zooming around the yard or lounging in the sun, pets can overheat fast and heatstroke is nothing to joke about. Here are a few way to help combat that risk! 

• Water, water, water. Make sure there’s always fresh, cool water available both inside and outside. If you’re going to be out for a while, bring a collapsible water bowl with you.
• Shade is their best friend. Trees, umbrellas, pop-up tents, blankets - whatever gives them a break from the sun. If you wouldn’t sit there without sweating buckets, neither should they.
• Cool-down tricks. You can wet a towel with cold (not ice) water and drape it over them, set up a kiddie pool for splashing in the yard, or let them hang out near a fan indoors. There are also recipes or store bought pet safe frozen treats that can not only be helpful but delicious!
• Time your walks right, early morning or late evening is usually best. The pavement (especially darker pavement) can burn their paws when it’s hot out. Use the back-of-the-hand rule: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
• Know the signs. Symptoms such as excessive panting, drooling, wobbling or walking strangely, lethargy, and disorientation can be major red flags. If they are experiencing any of these you move them to a cool spot, offer water, and call your vet if they don’t bounce back quickly.
• Cars are a hard no. even with the windows cracked, a parked car turns deadly in minutes. If you’re going somewhere they can’t go inside, it’s better to leave them at home in the AC.
  

With all the outdoor activities that comes with the holiday, your pet’s risk of picking up some unwanted hitchhikers rises. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos can all lead to some pretty nasty issues if you’re not prepared so before the festivities start double check that your pets are up to date on their preventions. It’s one of the easiest (and cheapest in the long run) ways to protect them from things like lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and heartworm - all of which can be serious or even life-threatening. After spending time outside, especially in grassy, wooded, or shady areas, do a quick full-body check:

• Look between their toes, under their collar, around their ears, and near their tails extra carefully (ticks love these spots)
• If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible with tweezers or a tick removal tool (grasp close to the skin and pull straight out - DON’T TWIST)
• Afterwards, clean the area with antiseptic and keep an eye out for redness or swelling

It is also worth noting that standing water attracts mosquitoes, so dump out any water in buckets, planters, or kiddie pools when they’re not in use. The less mosquito breeding grounds, the better.  Also the bug sprays that are made for humans are almost always a no-go for pets. Many contain ingredients that are toxic to animals so if bugs are bad where you live, it might be worth asking your vet about pet safe repellents.

No one plans on their pet bolting during fireworks, but when panic sets in even the calmest animals can take off looking for a place to retreat. So before the festivities start, double-check the basics: 

• Make sure your pet is wearing a secure collar or harness with up-to-date ID tags. Your phone number should be current and easy to read. 
• Microchip your pet if they aren’t already. It’s a tiny device that is implanted under the skin that shelters and vets can scan to instantly access your contact info even if the collar gets lost. Microchipping your pet provides an extra layer of permanent security. If they are chipped already, confirm your info is registered and current as outdated information won't help.
• Take clear, recent photos of your pets (standing and sitting, from multiple angles). if they ever go missing, you’ll be able to post and share accurate photos right away without wasting time.

Extra tip: if you’re hosting guests, put a sign on your front/back door reminding people not to leave it open. Sometimes just a little visual cue can help prevent an accidental escape and a little prep now can make all the difference later!