07/03/2025
Fireworks might be fun for us—but they’re terrifying for animals. This includes not just our beloved pets, but also local wildlife. Help keep your companion animals safe and calm with these important tips!:
1. 🏋️♀️Exercise them beforehand: A well-exercised pet tends to be calmer. Give them a good, long workout before the fireworks begin.
2. 🐾Bring Outdoor Pets Inside: If your dog or cat usually stays outdoors, bring them inside *before* fireworks begin--well before sunset. Loud noises can cause panic—and a scared animal will bolt and can get lost or injured. Loud fireworks and unexpected noises can cause even the calmest pets to panic and run.
3. 🏠Provide a sheltered space: If you can't bring your pet inside, offer a designated outdoor shelter that is weatherproof, temperature controlled, and provides a sense of security for your pet. Ensure it has adequate ventilation. Equip it with their bed, blankets, and favorite toys to offer comfort and familiarity. Consider playing calming music or white noise to help mask the sound of fireworks.
4. 🚪Secure your property: Make sure fences, gates, doors, and windows are securely closed to prevent accidental escape. Even a seemingly secure yard may not be sufficient for a panicked animal. Inspect your fences and gates for any weak spots or loose latches. A scared pet can dig under, barrel through a weak spot, or climb over easily in a panic.
5. 🐶Avoid leaving them unattended: Even in a fenced yard, don't leave pets alone outside during fireworks. They might panic and try to escape, potentially injuring themselves.
6. 🏷Check Collars & Microchips: The 4th of July, New Years, and Memorial Day are the top holidays when pets go missing. Have safeguards in place incase your pet does manage to bolt. Make sure collars are fitted appropriately and snugly (no more than 2 fingers between collar and neck) and ID tags are current. Double-check that your pet’s microchip info is registered and up to date.
7. ❌🎆Skip the Fireworks Show
Don’t bring pets to fireworks shows. The noise, lights, and crowds are overwhelming for pets, especially those not trained/desensitized to handle loud, busy environments.
8. 😴Have Calming Aids Ready: Prepare calming meds in advance. Pick up anxiety/sedation meds from us, or use over-the-counter remedies like CBD treats. Have other calming aids ready like anxiety vests (i.e. Thundershirts) or white-noise machines. Prepare food puzzle toys and games ahead of time to keep your pet's mind occupied (frozen lick mats or KONG toys stuffed with food and frozen). Begin utilizing pheromone diffusers or calming sprays the morning of fireworks.
9. 🌭🚫Keep Party Foods Out of Reach
BBQ scraps, chocolate, alcohol, and onions are toxic to pets. Keep human treats off pet-friendly plates. Check out our "Summertime Sweets" Blog on GuytonAnimalHospital.com for pet-friendly summer treats you can give your pet during festivities.