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The days following the Fourth of July are many shelters' most active days. Not only can a panicked pup run away or slip a collar, but some cats can even slip through windows and screens.
With a few safeguards in place, your pets can have increased safety and comfort during a fireworks display, whether you’re staying home or going out for the occasion.
What can you do to prepare your pets for July 4th?
The best thing you can do for most pets is to keep them home during July 4th in a safe area where they’re comfortable and secure. But that’s not always possible.
It’s essential to consider your pets’ individual needs and create a plan for each of them before Independence Day. Start by inspecting your home. Look at window screens, fences or doors and ensure you don’t have any weak spots or areas where a panicked animal can break out.
Ensure your pets are up to date on shots and other information.
If your pets escape your home, you want someone to identify them. This is where both a microchip and ID tag can come in handy.
- Update any contact information on your microchips or ID tags. A microchip can help a vet notify you if an ID collar falls off.
- If you don’t have a microchip yet, check with your vet before Independence Day.
- Ensure your pet’s medications are pre-filled and all shots are current.
- Have a recent photo handy that you can refer to or share if your pet goes missing.
Set up a safe area for your pet to hide or burrow.
If your pup likes to burrow into blankets inside its crate, give them a few cozy covers to help them feel secure.
If your cat favors hiding in tight spaces, outfit a box or piece of furniture with comfortable layers.
Many birds have sensitive lungs, so you should put their cage in an area where there’s less risk they might inhale firework residue.
- To be safe, you may want to add an air purifier to the room.
- Consider removing the perch if you think your bird might injure itself.
- A blanket can help your feathered pet be more comfortable while blotting out bright lights and sounds.
Bring any rabbit hutch or cage indoors and add plenty of bedding so they can stay comfortable during the festivities. If you cannot bring your bunny inside, turn their pen away from where the fireworks are likely to occur and add some blankets to help damper the sights and sounds. Don’t forget to allow ventilation!
Consider keeping your four-legged friend at home.
Your pup may become overwhelmed or fearful if you bring them to a gathering. If you decide to leave town for the night, it’s a good idea to hire a pet sitter or ask a friend to monitor your animals.
- If possible, introduce your pets to the pet sitter before the Fourth of July. If your pet needs medication, the pet sitter should be comfortable administering these pills.
- Pet sitters can also alert you to any extreme or destructive behavior.
- If you have a friend who lives away from the festivities, it might be a good time to take your dog to their home.
Secure your home to help prevent pets from injuring themselves or escaping.
Cats may pry open screens to escape, while a dog that gets out of the house may break damaged fencing to get out of the yard.
- Fix your screens, fences and doors.
- Fill in any holes in the backyard.
- If you’re hosting a cookout, ensure the grill is away from your home.
Consider installing the Indoor Google Nest Cam to help you monitor your pets. Smart security cameras allow you to monitor your pet from virtually anywhere. Plus, you can even speak to them through 2-way audio.
How can you protect your pets from fireworks?
Some pets prefer to bundle up in a crate or box or hide inside or underneath furniture. If this is the case for your pet, add a few toys and extra comforts to help make them feel more at ease.
- Many cats and dogs can pick up on their owner’s feelings, so it’s vital that you also try to remain calm. This will go a long way in helping keep your animals calm, too.
- Keep your pet away from fireworks, sparklers or anything that flames or sparks. There may be a risk of fur catching on fire, or they could ingest something they shouldn’t.
- A smart thermostat can help keep your pet cool and comfortable, whether hanging out with friends in your backyard or out of town for fireworks season.
- Try to cover or block out the sights and sounds of fireworks with heavy curtains or blankets.
- A basement is an excellent place to keep your pet. If you don’t have a basement, you can put your pet in an enclosed space, cover all the windows, then play some ambient sounds to cover up any sounds of fireworks.
How to keep cats calm and secure during fireworks?
When cats are afraid, they often hide. Even though cats may be less destructive to themselves than dogs, there is still a risk of injury.
- Bring your outdoor cat inside to help protect them from the loud noises of a fireworks display.
- Create hiding or burrowing spaces for your cat under your bed or inside furniture. Add blankets or toys to keep them comfortable and distracted.
- Supply an additional litter box near your cat’s hiding space. Some cats may be too afraid to visit their typical litter box when stressed out.
- Many cats prefer independence when they’re afraid, so if this is your cat’s temperament, don’t pull or tear them away from a comfortable hiding spot.
How to protect dogs during July 4th?
While you can soothe some pets with comforting words or toys, others may need medication or professional training to curb their anxiety.
A veterinarian has these recommendations for pups:
- Consider purchasing an anxiety wrap.
- You can add cotton to your pet’s ears to help block noises.
- Purchase dog-approved earmuffs.
- Animals that display less anxiety may benefit from natural supplements.
- Tinted dog goggles or sunglasses can help protect your four-legged friend’s eyes.
- A pheromone diffuser or collar can give Fido comfort. These diffusers work by mimicking the pheromones a nursing mother gives off.
What can you give your pets during the 4th of July?
Animals react differently to overstimulation, including fear of fireworks or loud noises. Ultimately, keep your eyes open for any behavior changes, especially if your pet becomes aggressive or destructive.
Dogs:
Signs of anxiety can vary from pet to pet, but here are a few things to look out for if you have a dog:
- Growling or whining
- Shaking
- Rising hackles
- Excessive panting
- Pinned back ears
- Pacing or spinning around chasing their tail
- And more apparent signs like hiding or running
Some vets may recommend anti-anxiety medications for more severe cases of anxiety, as well as Benadryl. It’s important to discuss your options with your vet.
Cats:
While cats are well-known for hiding if they’re anxious, there are a few other telltale signs your furry friend is feeling anxious.
- Behavioral changes, like suddenly grooming themselves too much or becoming withdrawn
- Hissing, yowling or growling
- Pinned ears
- Crouching low to the ground with an arched back
Consider over-the-counter remedies if your cat shows extreme signs of anxiety or stress. These can include calming treats or collars.
Rabbits:
As we mentioned earlier, bringing your rabbit inside is always a good idea. Since rabbits are such social creatures, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re around someone familiar. If you’ve hired a pet sitter, ensure they’ve met your bunny a few times beforehand and that your rabbit feels comfortable and safe with them.
Your rabbit may exhibit some of this behavior if they’re afraid or stressed out, including:
- Excessive thumping
- Running away or hiding
- Ears that are perked up or at attention
- Sudden aggression
- Frozen in fear
- Staying low or crouching on the ground
Some rabbits may respond well to soothing speech and distractions, like playing with them or giving them treats.
Birds:
When birds are afraid, they may pull out their feathers, spread their wings along the ground or vocalize their fears by screeching.
You can treat some birds with anxiety-reducing supplements, or you can help train your bird to remain calm during these situations beforehand with a bit of behavior training.
How to find a lost pet after the 4th of July
Every pet owner knows that sometimes things happen. Hopefully, your pet has an updated microchip and an ID collar that helps get your beloved four-legged friend back to you.
If your pet goes missing after Independence Day, you can do a few things to see that they get home safely. So, what should you do if you lose your pet?
Contact your local vet. Since so many pets go missing during celebrations like the 4th of July, it’s possible your pet’s microchip hasn’t been scanned yet.
Ask neighbors if they’ve seen your dog. This is when a recent picture comes in handy.
Use social media. Nextdoor, Facebook, Instagram, Lost Dogs of America or other social platforms can help spread the word about a missing pet. Don’t forget to add important information like what name your dog responds to and any defining markings or personality traits your pet may have.
It may seem old school, but it’s still a good idea to print out your pet’s picture and info and post flyers around the neighborhood.
Consult any local parks, libraries or businesses that might be nearby.
Some websites can help you find lost pets, including Petco Love, Pet FBI and Craigslist.
Pro-tip: It’s a good idea to always keep one fact about your pet from missing flyers or social posts. If someone finds your dog or cat, you can use this information to ensure that it’s actually your pet.
You should always be cautious when meeting someone that claims they’ve found your animal. Ask them to describe your pet or do a video call before meeting them to determine if they have your four-legged friend.
When deciding on a meeting place, try to do it at a local vet’s office or pet-friendly establishment so that you’re as safe as possible.
5 things to keep away from your pets during the 4th of July
Glow sticks can be poisonous if your pets ingest them.
Skewers can splinter or injure your pets if they’re chewed or eaten.
Citronella is toxic to your four-legged friends, so avoid having it around them. You should opt for pet-safe repellents instead.
Fireworks and sparklers can sometimes leave bits behind. To prevent this, ensure your yard is free from this debris before releasing your pet outside on July 5th.
Certain foods are poisonous to your dogs but are often found around a cookout. These include alcohol, chocolate, salty foods, onions or garlic, avocados and yeast doughs.
Keep an eye on your pets this July 4th with indoor and outdoor cameras.
Cameras can add peace of mind during holidays and celebrations. Monitor your pets from inside with indoor cameras. And if your pet escapes your home, an outdoor camera can let you know which way they went.
Learn more about ADT’s outdoor and indoor cameras today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Safety During the 4th of July
How do I protect my pets from fireworks?
The safest way to help protect your pet from fireworks is to keep them safe and secure inside your home. This could mean many things depending on your animal’s anxiety level. A comfortable, dark room with background music may be enough to soothe your pup. Or you may need to consult a vet to prescribe them medications or visit an animal behaviorist if your pet shows more extreme anxiety.
Why do pets go missing on the 4th of July?
Many pets go missing around Independence Day because they become frightened of the loud, bright fireworks. The best way to prevent this is to keep your pet secured inside your home and to limit their exposure outside during the nighttime when fireworks are more likely to go off.
Do cats run away on the 4th of July?
Yes, cats also run away on July 4th. You should be especially careful about your cat escaping because they may run out between your legs or pry open a loose screen somewhere in your home. Always ensure that your cat is up-to-date on their shots and information on their microchip and ID tag in case they get lost.
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