Many people look forward to celebrating July Fourth with fireworks, barbecues, and gatherings with friends and family. However, while Independence Day is enjoyable for people, the festivities can be stressful and potentially dangerous for your four-legged friend. Our Veterinary Medical Center of Indian River County team wants your July Fourth to be fun without the drama of a pet emergency, and we explain what dangers the holiday may pose for your pet.

July Fourth pet danger 1: Missing pets

July 5th is one of the busiest times of year for animal shelters because of all the pets they take in who have bolted during the fireworks displays and Independence Day festivities. Losing your pet is devastating. To help prevent your pet from running away and to improve your chances of being reunited if they go missing, follow these tips:

  • Keep your pet inside — Keep your pet inside during the July Fourth festivities, especially the fireworks display, to prevent them from running away if they get scared by the noise.
  • Secure doors and windows — Ensure all your doors and windows are securely latched in case your pet attempts to do a disappearing act.
  • Remind guests — If you have guests, post notes on your doors to remind them to make sure your pet stays inside when they enter and leave your house.
  • Keep your pet leashed — When taking your pet for a walk, keep them leashed so you can supervise them at all times.
  • Ensure your pet wears a collar and identification (ID) tags — Ensure your pet always wears a collar and ID tags that have your current contact information.
  • Microchip your pet — Microchipping your pet is the best way to provide permanent identification for your four-legged friend. 

July Fourth pet danger 2: Unsafe foods

Who doesn’t look forward to the July Fourth feast? However, many foods served at Independence Day celebrations are unsafe for pets. Foods high in fat can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) upset or trigger a potentially life-threatening pancreatitis episode. In addition, leftovers, such as bones and corncobs, can cause GI blockages, which require surgical removal. Some foods are also toxic to pets. Examples include alcohol, chocolate, xylitol-containing baked goods, grapes, and onions. To protect your pet from unsafe July Fourth foods, follow these tips:

  • Keep garbage contained — Keep all garbage in secure, sealed containers to help prevent dumpster diving.
  • Ask your guests not to share — Ask your guests not to share their food with your pet regardless of how much they beg.
  • Feed your pet — Feed your pet before the party begins so they aren’t ravenously hungry.
  • Remove detritus — Pick up discarded cups and plates as soon as possible to prevent tempting your four-legged friend.
  • Provide treats — Provide safe treats so your pet gets to participate in the July Fourth feast.

July Fourth pet danger 3: Fireworks

Fireworks and sparklers can cause injuries, such as burns and eye trauma, and are toxic to pets if ingested. To protect your pet from fireworks, follow these tips:

  • Keep your pet away from fireworks — If fireworks or sparklers are part of your July Fourth celebration, ensure your pet is indoors or safely away from where the fireworks are being ignited.
  • Educate children — If children at your party are using sparklers, ensure they know not to go near your pet while the sparkler is ignited.
  • Clean up — After the July Fourth festivities, inspect your yard before letting your pet outside. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks, debris from your neighbors’ celebrations may have drifted into your yard.

July Fourth pet danger 4: Stress and fear

Many pets experience significant stress and anxiety associated with July Fourth festivities, and some pets have a noise phobia, leading to panic-level responses. To help prevent your pet from experiencing stress and fear during Independence Day, follow these tips:

  • Create a pet safe zone — Confine your pet to a quiet room, such as the basement or an interior room, to help shield them from outside noise. You can also leave music or white noise playing to help muffle outdoor sounds.
  • Distract your pet — Play with your furry pal or offer a food puzzle toy to distract your pet during the July Fourth festivities.
  • Use calming aids — Use calming pheromones or supplements to help your pet relax.
  • Consult our veterinarian — Pets with extreme anxiety or a noise phobia can benefit from anti-anxiety medications or sedatives to help them get through July Fourth.

Contact our Veterinary Medical Center of Indian River County if your pet experiences an emergency on July Fourth or if you would like to discuss medications to help relieve their anxiety before the patriotic holiday.