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Keep Calm and Pawty On: 4th of July Pet Safety

by/July 3, 2024
Happy young man holding dog Labrador in hands at sunset outdoors. Fireworks and pets are no match, so we take this opportunity to review 4th of July Pet Safety.

Don’t Let Fireworks Frighten Fido! Your Guide to 4th of July Pet Safety

Ah, the 4th of July: a time for backyard barbecues, dazzling fireworks displays, and celebrating America’s independence. For me, however, living in the epicenter of our city’s fireworks frenzy, it’s often meant a different experience. Friday night fireworks boom from the baseball stadium two blocks away, while the city’s New Year’s Eve and 4th of July launchpad sits a mere 500 feet to the other direction.

While many enjoy watching the displays from their living rooms, during a fireworks you’ll find me huddled in the walk-in closet with my two hundred-pound canine companions glued to my side.

According to the American Kennel Club, more pets go missing in July than any other month, with the 4th of July weekend creating a perfect storm for runaway pets. Animal shelters and animal control facilities see a 30-60% uptick in lost pets during this time.

This doesn’t have to be your story! This guide provides all the essential tips for a stress-free and fun-filled 4th of July with your furry friend.

Fireworks and Pets: A Symphony of Scares?

For many pets, the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks displays can be a terrifying experience. Their sensitive ears pick up on loud noises at a much higher volume than ours, causing anxiety and stress. Additionally, the sudden bursts of light can be disorienting, leading some pets to attempt escape and potentially get lost.

Here are some key tips to create a safe haven for your pet during fireworks displays:

  • Desensitization Therapy:

    If you have time before the holiday, consider desensitization therapy. Play recordings of fireworks at a low volume and gradually increase the volume while rewarding your pet for calm behavior. We found this great YouTube video that combines firework sounds along with instructions to guide you through the process of desensitizing your dog to the sounds.

  • Designated Quiet Room:

    Identify a quiet room in your house, preferably one away from windows and exterior doors. Make this their safe haven by providing comfortable bedding, familiar toys, and calming music to drown out the noise. For my dogs, the bathroom and closets have been their safe space, whether its thunder or fireworks. The inner rooms provide a buffer from the sounds and vibrations.

  • Calming Aids:

    Consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of using calming aids or anxiety wraps during fireworks displays. You can also set up distractions like treats and puzzles to help distract them during distressing situations.

BBQ Food Hazards for Pets: A Recipe for Disaster?

The tempting aroma of barbequed food can be irresistible, and your pet might be tempted to snatch a bite. However, many BBQ staples pose serious health risks for our furry friends. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Bones:

    Cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

  • Fatty Trimmings:

    Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Fatty cuts of meat, greasy trimmings, and sugary marinades can lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.

Keeping Pets Cool in Summer: Beating the Heat with Fun & Hydration

The 4th of July often coincides with scorching summer temperatures. It’s crucial to keep your pet cool and prevent overheating, a serious health risk. Don’t leave pets outside for extended periods in hot weather and never leave your pet in the car. Here are some tips:

  • Increased Access to Water:

    Ensure your pet has access to fresh, cool water throughout the day. Consider placing multiple water bowls around the house or carrying a portable water bowl if you’re outside.

  • Sidewalk Heat and Paw Pad Dangers:

    Asphalt can reach scorching temperatures on hot days, exceeding 125°F according to a 2022 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This is significantly hotter than the air temperature! For example, on a seemingly pleasant day of 86°F, asphalt can be a dangerous 135°F – hot enough to cause severe pain and blistering on your pet’s sensitive paw pads.

    Air Temperature Vs. Pavement Temperature
    77 degrees F 125 degrees F
    86 degrees F 135 degrees F
    87 degrees F 143 degrees F

    To avoid this painful experience for your furry friend:

    • Walk your pet in the early morning or evening when the ground is cooler.

    • Stick to grassy areas whenever possible.

    • Test the pavement temperature yourself before walking your dog. If it feels too hot to comfortably hold your hand on for a few seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.

  • Shade Options:

    If you’re spending time outdoors, provide your pet with plenty of shade. This could be a covered porch area, a pop-up tent, or even a large umbrella. Let them have access to air conditioning indoors during the hottest part of the day.

  • Kiddie Pool Fun:

    Fill a kiddie pool with cool water (avoid using chlorine) to create a refreshing spot for your pet to splash around.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure a safe, happy, and festive 4th of July celebration for both you and your furry friend. Remember, 4th of July pet safety is all about planning and preparation. With a little forethought, you can create a fun and stress-free holiday experience for everyone involved.

The information provided in this piece is for your convenience and informational purposes only and not to be construed as professional advice. FEEA and its coauthors and sponsors are not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act with regard to the content in this piece.

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