The Fourth of July is the perfect time to celebrate with friends and family, but the holiday comes with big risks for dogs. Light shows, debris, hot temperatures, and more can cause potential issues for your pup.
“When making plans for the holiday weekend, it’s important to think ahead and make arrangements so your dog can be comfortable,” says Julie Castle, CEO, of Best Friends Animal Society.
While some potential risks, like fireworks, are more obvious, your dog may still react in ways you wouldn’t expect. You’re not doomed to have a stressful Fourth of July with your pooch, but experts stress the importance of being aware of potential risks and hazards before they surface. These are the biggest ones to keep in mind, according to Castle and veterinarians, so you can keep your pup happy and safe.
What are the biggest Fourth of July risks for dogs?
Again, there’s no need to stress out about your dog potentially having a bad time on the holiday. But experts say they’ve consistently seen certain things be issues for pets this time of year. These are the biggies they flagged.
Fireworks
While humans are at risk of burns from handling fireworks, that’s not a common issue for dogs, according to Brian Collins, DVM, senior lecturer at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Instead, they can have anxious reactions to fireworks.
“Fireworks can cause many dogs a lot of distress,” he says. Dogs who are more likely to experience this usually have a fear of thunder or other loud noises, shaking, hiding, and “vocalizing” when they’re scared, Collins says. “Some dogs may even try to escape a crate or a home and injure themselves,” he notes. “I’ve even seen dogs jump through windows due to extreme anxiety.”
If you know that your pooch has a noise phobia, Collins recommends keeping your pet away from events where there will be fireworks and other loud sounds. “If this will be your dog’s first exposure, it is a good idea to try to find out when there will be fireworks in your area and be prepared to be home with your dog so that you can be with them in case they show any signs of distress,” he says.
Debris
This can include trash, food, and even fireworks residue. “Remember that what comes up has to come down, and that also applies to debris from fireworks,” says M. Leanne Lilly, DVM, clinical associate professor at The Ohio State University Veterinary Clinical Sciences. “Falling debris may be small and inconsequential from a falling object standpoint, but also does not belong in your dog’s mouth or stomach.”
There are plenty of foods that tend to show up at barbeques that can be hazardous for dogs, too, Castle points out. “Barbeques during the holiday weekend may be filled with summer food staples like avocados, grapes, ice cream, and onions—all of which can be toxic to dogs,” she says.
Lots of Activity
Many dogs enjoy being around people—especially their own humans—but all of the activity that comes with Fourth of July can be overwhelming to some. “If you are attending a celebration, a parade, or another occasion where there will be a lot of activity and noise and you don’t know how your dog will do, it might not be the best time to introduce them unless you feel that you can readily and safely leave the situation,” Collins says.
Hot Pavement
Asphalt can get hot fast, and that can be tough for your dog’s paws to handle. “On warm days, your dog’s feet can burn on hot surfaces,” Collins says. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of how the pavement feels before going for longer walks, Castle says. “A good rule of thumb is if a human can’t hold their hand on the pavement for more than seven seconds, it’s too hot for paws,” she says.
High Temperatures
Like humans, dogs can overheat. Collins recommends looking out for signs your dog is too hot, like excessive panting, whining, restlessness, seeming reluctant to play, or having vomiting or diarrhea. To keep your pup from overheating or if you’re concerned your dog has gotten too hot, he recommends offering your pet cool water, and moving them to shade or air conditioning.
Fourth of July dog safety tips
You can’t plan for everything that will happen on the Fourth of July, but making a few dog-friendly moves can help raise the odds that and your pup will have a great time this holiday.
- Talk to your vet. If you know your dog reacts badly to fireworks, Collins says it’s time to bring in a professional for help. “Make an appointment with your vet to discuss their recommendations, which may include medications to help your dog feel less anxiety,” he says.
- Create a safe space for your dog. This may be a crate that your dog uses on a regular basis, or a quiet room with the shades and curtains drawn to help reduce noise, Collins says. “It can also be helpful to have other sounds to help drown out loud noises such as a fan, noise machine, or calm music,” he says. If you’re staying in, giving your dog a favorite toy, treats, or doing activities together like fetch can help distract them.
- Have pet-friendly treats with you. To help your pooch resist the temptation to scarf up whatever is on the ground, Castle suggests creating frozen treats with pet-approved fruits and vegetables, like watermelon, blueberries, or carrots.
- Make sure your dog’s harness is snug. If you’re taking your pup out, Collins suggests double-checking that their harness is tight enough. “Dogs should have a collar and/or harness that fits well and that they can’t slip out of,” he says.
- Have cool water handy at all times. The cool water part is crucial, according to Castle. “It’s important to provide dogs with fresh, cool water at all times,” she says. “During the heat of summer, water bowls should be refilled with fresh water often because most dogs won’t drink hot water, no matter how thirsty they are.”
- Consider booties. If your dog likes to go on walks on hot days or you know you’ll be traveling over steamy ground, Collins suggests having booties ready to go. If your pet is small enough, using a backpack or stroller may also be helpful, he says.
Overall, just do your best—and try to think ahead. “In general, it is better to over-manage and be successful, then to under-manage and risk your pet’s safety,” says Lilly.
