Independence Day celebrations can be exciting for us, but traumatizing—and dangerous—for our pets. From fireworks displays in the park to backyard cookouts and sizzling sunshine, hiding from July Fourth’s most common hazards is impossible. Fortunately, with a little preparation, your pet can enjoy a safe and happy holiday. Here are some key pet safety tips from your trusted Fort Mill Animal Hospital team.

Turn down the volume on fireworks: Protect your pet from noise-related stress

The loud noise and bright flashes of fireworks can make many pets feel anxious and stressed, and some will panic and attempt to flee. Sadly, more pets go missing during the July Fourth holiday than any other time of year, so all pets should be kept indoors during fireworks displays. If your pet is sensitive to loud noises, take additional precautions, such as:

  • Creating a safe space — Set up a quiet, comfortable area inside your home—ideally away from windows and doors—where your pet can hide during noisy times. Introduce them to the area in advance so they make a positive association. Include a cozy bed, toys or treat puzzles to provide a fun distraction, and essentials, such as a litter box, food, and water.
  • Playing white noise — Play soothing music or white noise, or turn on a fan to mask the sounds outside.
  • Reassuring your pet — Despite popular belief, comforting your scared pet will not worsen their fear. Instead, gentle touch and reassuring words can help them feel safe and comfortable.
  • Consider anxiety aids — If your pet has a history of noise-related anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety aids, such as calming pheromone diffusers and collars, anxiety wraps, supplements, or prescription medications. If your pet takes anti-anxiety medication, request refills in advance to ensure you have enough on hand before the big day.

Beat the heat: Protect your pet from heat-related emergencies

Summer heat can pose serious risks to pets, especially those with thick coats or short muzzles (i.e., brachycephalic breeds). Don’t underestimate the impact of heat on your pet. Take precautionary measures, such as:

  • Providing fresh water — Ensure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water. Check regularly for evaporation and refill as needed.
  • Restricting outdoor activities — Exercise your dog during the morning or evening when temperatures are cool. If you must exercise them during the heat of the day, avoid asphalt and pavement, which could burn their paw pads, and reduce exercise intensity.
  • Monitoring your pet for heatstroke signs — Heatstroke (i.e., hyperthermia) signs include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting. If you suspect your pet is overheating, immediately move them to a cooler area, offer them water, and contact your veterinarian. Heatstroke progresses quickly, so take rapid action if your pet is in distress. 
  • Leaving your pet at home — If you aren’t sure you can keep your pet cool, or they cannot stay inside at your destination, leave them at home. Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle for any length of time. 

Avoid a “bone”-afide disaster: Keep pets safe around the grill 

Cookouts and barbecues are summer staples, but many classic party foods and activities can be disastrous for curious pets. Protect your four-legged foodie with precautionary measures, such as:

  • Recognizing harmful foods — Many common cookout foods and ingredients are toxic to pets, including onions, alcohol, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and xylitol (i.e., a sugar-free sweetener used in some baked goods). Ensure these foods, alone or as ingredients in dishes, are securely stored away from curious noses and paws.
  • Preventing burns — Like people, pets love to gather around the grill. Unfortunately, their curiosity can lead to burns from the hot grill, grease, or searing meat. Consider stationing your grill beyond your pet’s reach (e.g., behind a barrier) or confining your pet to a leash or pen.
  • Advising guests not to share — Ask attendees to refrain from feeding your pet from their plate. While meat bones, corn-on-the-cob, and sweet and salty snacks aren’t toxic, they can cause serious illness or injury and require emergency veterinary care or surgery.
  • Disposing of all trash — Meat bones, skewers, corn cobs, foil and plastic wrappers, and kitchen twine can cause choking, internal injury, or obstruction when swallowed. Ensure all food-related debris is immediately disposed of and all trash cans are secured.

July Fourth is a time to celebrate our freedom and express gratitude for our great country—not a time for fear, stress, and veterinary emergencies. Ensure you and your pet celebrate safely on July Fourth by taking precautions to protect their wellbeing.

Contact our Fort Mill Animal Hospital team if you need to refill your pet’s medication or to discuss their noise sensitivity with our veterinarian. Taking action now will ensure your pet—and you—stay calm and comfortable when fireworks light up the night sky.