Stars, Stripes, and Safety: Preparing Your Pet for the Fourth of July

By Mandi Gerigk, CVT

For many families, the Fourth of July means cookouts, fireworks, and time spent with loved ones. For our pets, however, it can be one of the most stressful and dangerous holidays of the year.
Every year, veterinary clinics and emergency hospitals see an increase in lost pets, anxiety-related emergencies, and accidental injuries surrounding Independence Day celebrations. Fortunately, a little planning can go a long way in keeping our dogs and cats safe.

Why Are Fireworks So Stressful for Pets?
Pets experience the world differently than we do. Loud noises, flashing lights, and unexpected booms can trigger fear and anxiety. Even pets that have never shown signs of noise sensitivity before can become frightened by fireworks.
A scared pet may:

• Pace or pant excessively
• Shake or tremble
  
• Hide or try to escape
• Bark or vocalize more than usual
• Become destructive
• Refuse food or water
• Attempt to jump fences, break through screens, or run away

Many pets that go missing on July 4th have never escaped their homes or yards before.
One of the best things you can do is prepare a quiet, secure area inside your home before the fireworks begin. See below for some helpful ways to calm firework anxiety.

• Bring all pets indoors before dark.
• Closing curtains and blinds to reduce flashes of light.
• Playing calming music or white noise.
• Providing favorite blankets, toys, or treats.
• Allowing your pet to hide if that makes them feel safer.
• Exercise earlier in the day to reduce excess energy and make your pet more relaxed in the evening.
• Make Sure Identification Is Up to Date such as tags and microchips
• Consider using a GPS collar if your pet is an escape artist.
• Consider Anxiety Medications Before the Holiday

If your dog struggled during previous holidays and are considering anxiety medications, talk with your veterinarian well before the Fourth of July to discuss options that may include:

• Prescription anti-anxiety medications
• Situational medications for noise phobias
• Pheromone products
• Behavioral strategies
• Compression garments or calming aids

One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer as a veterinary technician is to not wait till the last minute to get help. Every year, veterinary clinics receive frantic phone calls on July 3rd and July 4th from owners whose pets are terrified by fireworks. Unfortunately, many clinics have limited appointments, reduced holiday hours, or are completely closed. I have seen countless families wait until the last minute to seek help for pets that have severe anxiety around fireworks. Having a plan in place before the fireworks start can make all the difference for both you and your pet.

If Your Pet Escapes
If your pet goes missing:

1. Contact local animal shelters immediately.
2. Notify nearby veterinary clinics.
3. Post clear photos on local lost-and-found pet pages.
4. Update your microchip company if needed.
5. Continue checking shelters in person.

Many pets are reunited quickly because their identification information is current.
The Fourth of July should be a time of celebration, not an emergency. A little preparation today can prevent panic tomorrow.
From all of us at the Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, we encourage every pet owner to make a plan, keep pets safely indoors, and remember that some of our four-legged family members need a little extra help during the holiday.

We wish you and your pets a safe and happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸🐾