4th of July Pet Safety Tips

The Fourth of July is an exciting time for everyone... well, mostly everyone. Our pets don’t understand what’s happening, and the changes to their routine can cause significant anxiety. Together with Crossroads Animal Hospital, it’s time to get a handle on Fourth of July pet safety.
Stick to the Routine
Pets love to anticipate certain events like meal times and bathroom breaks, but holidays have a way of interfering with their daily program. If possible, stick to your pet’s routine as closely as possible to keep their nerves on an even keel.
Plan for the Worst
Just because a pet didn’t have a strong reaction to fireworks the year before does not necessarily mean they’ll always be so accepting this time around. Assume that the day’s events will be upsetting to a pet. Approach the holiday as if they needed extra help and comfort. Additionally, you should:
- Set up a small room away from any noise with their bedding, food, and plenty of fresh water.
- Stay with them if you can, or at least check on them every so often to ensure they feel safe.
- Use pheromone sprays or diffusers to help calm their nerves.
- Provide a compression wrap, calming music or white noise, and lots of reassurance.
Noise phobia can get bad enough that chronic conditions set in. We can help you find the right prescription medication to calm your pet and reduce the chance of long term effects.
The Elements
The heat can play a big part in a pet’s ability to get through the Fourth of July safely. Practice heat safety by:
- Never leaving a pet in a parked car or trapped outside in the elements without shade or clean, cool water.
- Exercise your pet around sunrise and dusk, and limit how much direct sunlight they receive.
- Invest in a good, pet-specific sunblock to reduce skin damage and burns.
Water Fun on July 4th
Kiddie pools and sprinklers are excellent diversions on a hot day. Swimming is as well, but comes with certain risks. Outfit your pet in a snug-fitting life jacket and stay close to them even if they are good swimmers. Always rinse your pet’s coat after any time spent in a pool, river, or lake.
Food Safety
Be aware that hamburgers and hotdogs can be very fattening, and the cause of a painful case of GI disruption or even pancreatitis. Other BBQ items like corn on the cob choking hazard, alcoholic beverages, onions, grapes/raisins, and anything containing caffeine or alcohol should be strictly monitored.
ID Matters
Check on your pet’s microchip and update any changes to your address or phone number. Inspect their collar and ID tags for any wear and tear, and treat them to a new set if necessary. It’s much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to keeping your pet safe.
If our team can assist you with questions or concerns about Fourth of July pet safety, please call us at (540) 832-1751.