Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, and festive gatherings. However, the holiday can be one of the most stressful and dangerous times of the year for pets. The loud noises, unfamiliar guests, and potentially harmful food and decorations threaten their well-being. Our Tennessee Avenue Animal Hospital offers strategies to minimize stress and ensure your four-legged friend’s safety during the holiday.

How to reduce stress and anxiety in pets

One of the biggest threats to your furry friend during July Fourth is escape. Loud fireworks can send cats and dogs running, often ending up in shelters as lost or missing pets. To minimize your pet’s stress and risks, follow these suggestions:

  • Create an indoor sanctuary — Keep your pet indoors during fireworks and parties, even if they usually spend time outdoors. Create a comfortable, quiet area where your furry pal can retreat, offering familiar items such as a bed, toys, treats, and water.
  • Soundproof the room — Play white noise machines or calming music, or run fans to help drown out the fireworks noises. Closing windows and drawing curtains can also help reduce noise. If possible, choose an area for your pet that has few or no windows.
  • Use calming aids — If your furry friend is particularly anxious, consider using an anxiety wrap, such as the Thundershirt, which provides gentle pressure to help soothe them. You can also try pheromone sprays, including Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs, which help relieve stress. 
  • Distract your pet — To help your pet cope with their anxiety, distract them with things they enjoy. Give your dog a few challenging puzzle games that dispense treats, a sturdy dental chew, or a Kong toy filled with xylitol-free peanut butter. For an anxious kitty, you can use a laser pointer, feather wand, or other interactive toy they love. By occupying your pet’s mind with something pleasant, they will be less likely to react to the festivities’ noise and commotion.
  • Ask about medications — If your pet has severe anxiety, consult our Tennessee Avenue Animal Hospital veterinarian about prescription medications to help your cat or dog cope with Independence Day stress.

July Fourth pet safety tips

Along with noise anxiety, pets face other risks during the holiday. To help mitigate Independence Day pet dangers, follow these tips:

  • Ensure identification — Check if your pet’s identification tags have the current contact information. Likewise, your furry friend’s microchip manufacturer should have your current address and phone number in their database. 
  • Avoid hazardous food — Keep your pet away from barbecue or picnic foods and table scraps. Everyday foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and alcohol, are toxic to cats and dogs. Secure all trash cans with tight-fitting lids and keep them out of your pet’s reach to prevent them from ingesting harmful substances.
  • Be aware of decorations — Prevent your curious four-legged friend from investigating glow sticks, sparklers, and small decorative items they might chew or swallow. While seemingly innocent, glow sticks contain toxic ingredients, so never allow your pet to chew on them. Additionally, promptly clean up fireworks debris after use.
  • Create a pet-free zone — If you are entertaining or grilling, you must keep your pet in a separate area for their safety. Many guests unknowingly leave plates of food or alcoholic beverages on tables within pets’ reach. Hot grills and barbecue pits are burn hazards, so ensure they are a no-go zone for your furry friend. 
  • Monitor your pet — While you may want to include your pet in the festivities, keep your furry pal safe by allowing them in the yard before the fireworks and food are brought out. Ensure all outdoor gates are closed, and monitor your furry pal around your guests’ pets. 
  • Bring outdoor cats indoors — Although most cat owners believe that their outdoor kitties are happiest outdoors, during a fireworks display, when your whiskered friend likely feels extremely frightened, they will be safer indoors. Fireworks, increased road traffic, and crowds can create a danger-filled maelstrom for outdoor cats on July Fourth.

By following our Independence Day pet safety tips, you can rest assured your pet will remain safe and calm during the July Fourth celebrations. Preparation and vigilance are vital to preventing accidents and reducing your furry friend’s anxiety and fear. Extra care and precaution can go a long way in making the holiday enjoyable for everyone, including your furriest family member. If your pet struggles with noise phobia, schedule an appointment with our Tennessee Avenue Animal Hospital.