Fourth of July Safety Tips: Fireworks, BBQs and More

While the Fourth of July may be a fun time for barbecues and gatherings with family and friends, for many of our pets, this holiday brings scary or anxiety-inducing fireworks and other loud, celebratory sounds as well as many food hazards.

With a little planning and the helpful tips below, you can ensure that your pets stay safe, happy and healthy during any summer festivities. 

If your pet has a fear of or an aversion to fireworks or loud noises:

• Something as simple as turning on some soft music and moving your pet into an interior room with no windows can be helpful. Give them a space where they feel comfortable and calm that’s inside and away from any excitement.
  • You can also consider giving your pet an enrichment activity, like a Kong or a chew, to keep them busy inside. 
• An anxiety vest may work in some cases — if you don’t have one, try a snugly fitting t-shirt.
• If you and your veterinarian do decide that anti-anxiety medication is your pet’s best bet, there are a few things to remember. First and foremost, give a practice dose of the medication before the big night to see how your pet responds to the medication. Second, never share the medication with another animal or give more than the recommended amount, and always keep a close eye on your pet.
• While noise phobias are not as common in cats, they can and do happen. Cats tend to hide when frightened. Checking in on your cats, having some quiet music on and keeping them indoors during the height of the fireworks is always a good idea.
• Be sure your pet has an ID tag and microchip with up-to-date information as pets can get scared and bolt.

Other safety concerns to watch out for:

• Some pets will eat anything, regardless of how it tastes — including fireworks! Never underestimate your pet’s level of curiosity and keep them far away from any fireworks. Keep any fireworks securely locked away until you’re ready to light them, then be sure to keep pets out of the area as you set off your fireworks.
• Fireworks also contain several types of chemicals and heavy metals. If you set off fireworks at home, make sure you thoroughly clean up the area, gathering any trash or remaining materials, before letting your dog have access again.
• Food and beverages can always be a concern for curious pets at any social gathering. Pay close attention to the following:
  • Fatty Foods
    • Fatty foods (like burgers or steak trimmings) can lead to pancreatitis — a painful and potentially serious condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas. Even small amounts of fat drippings or greasy leftovers can cause vomiting, stomach pain and depression, with certain cases requiring hospitalized treatment
  • Sauces and Seasonings
    • Common flavor enhancers like garlic, onion, cocoa powder, coffee and tamarind — often found in rubs, marinades and sauces — can cause anything from stomach upset to red blood cell damage, kidney damage and possible heart/nervous system effects. To see more toxic human foods, check out our full list.
  • Alcohol
    • Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to stomach upset, depression, incoordination and complications with breathing, heart function and more severe neurologic effects.
  • Charcoal Briquettes, Wooden or Metal skewers, Corn Cobs and Bones
    • These items can all be a risk for foreign body obstruction if ingested, a complication that often requires surgery to correct. The sharp objects can be an additional risk for injury as well. To keep pets safe, always dispose of these items carefully and ensure trash receptacles are securely closed.

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately.