July Fourth is a time for celebration, filled with fireworks, barbecues, and festive gatherings of family and friends. However, this jubilant day can pose several hidden dangers to your pet. Our Bartow Animal Clinic team explains how to recognize and mitigate these risks to ensure a safe and stress-free holiday for your furry friend. 

Fireworks fiascos for pets

Fireworks are synonymous with July Fourth celebrations, but the loud noises can be terrifying for pets, especially dogs. The sudden booms and flashes can cause extreme anxiety, leading to panic and potentially dangerous behavior. Signs that your pet is experiencing fireworks anxiety include:

  • Trembling or shaking
  • Excessive barking or meowing
  • Hiding or trying to escape
  • Destructive behavior
  • Panting or drooling
  • Inappropriate elimination

If your pet becomes anxious during loud events, help ease their fear by:

  • Creating a safe space — Set up a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat. Use soft blankets, treat puzzles, and their favorite toys to make it cozy.
  • Soundproofing — Close windows and curtains to muffle the noise. Playing calming music or white noise can also help.
  • Using calming items — Apply a compression wrap, administer calming supplements, or diffuse soothing pheromones to help ease your pet’s distress.
  • Consulting your veterinarian — If your pet is particularly anxious, our Bartow Animal Clinic veterinarian might recommend medications or other treatments to help keep them calm.

If you must walk your pet at night, keep them safe by doubling up on security. Use a properly fitted collar and leash and walk them in an enclosed yard. Ensure all identification forms (e.g., collar tags, microchip) have your current contact information.

Cookout catastrophes for pets

Many dishes, drinks, and food preparation items commonly found at July Fourth barbecues are dangerous for pets, so don’t give in to your furry pal’s begging gaze when they drool over the following hazards:

  • Corn on the cob — Corn cobs may seem like the ideal chew toy for your pet, but if ingested, they can cause a life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction. 
  • Grilled meat — Hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, and steak line up on grills during July Fourth cookouts, but these meats can contain toxic ingredients, excessive fat and salt, and bones that can harm your pet.
  • Alcohol — Even small amounts of spilled or shared alcohol can be dangerous, leading to intoxication, coma, or death.
  • Ice cream — Pets are typically lactose-intolerant, meaning they can suffer from serious gastrointestinal discomfort if they eat ice cream. High levels of fat and sugar are also problematic.

If your pet will be attending your July Fourth cookout, ensure their safety by:

  • Keeping food out of reach — Ensure that food and drinks are kept on high tables or counters where pets can’t reach them.
  • Educating guests — Tell your guests not to feed your pet any table scraps.
  • Providing safe treats — Have plenty of pet-safe treats on hand to include your furry pal in the celebration without risking their health.
  • Blocking off the grill — Barricade your grill to keep your pet at a safe distance while you’re cooking, and ensure the grill is properly extinguished, cooled, and cleaned before allowing them to come near.

Temperature threats for pets

While Florida summers are always sizzling, July Fourth often involves spending time outdoors in the heat and humidity, which can be dangerous for pets. If your pet is outside for any length of time, watch for the following heatstroke signs:

  • Heavy panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Disorientation
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Collapse

Keep your pet from overheating by ensuring they have access to plenty of fresh water and well-ventilated, shaded areas. Whenever possible, avoid the hottest parts of the day by walking your pet early in the morning or late in the evening. If you notice warning signs that indicate your pet is becoming too warm, head indoors and point a fan at them while monitoring their temperature.

With the right precautions, July Fourth can be a fun-filled holiday for everyone, including your pet. If your furry pal panics at loud sounds, prepare for nearby fireworks by discussing anti-anxiety options with our Bartow Animal Clinic team.