4th of July Pet Safety

Dr. Ruth, "The Pet Vet" shares ways to keep pets safe & calm this holiday.

SAN DIEGO, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 4^th of July is only a few days away. While we look forward to celebrating our nation's birthday with parties, BBQs, and fireworks, many of our pets dread this time of year. Fireworks, with their bright flashes and loud booms, frighten many pets. Sadly, many scared pets escape and get lost during the festivities, while others get sick from consuming harmful foods at parties and BBQs. Dr. Ruth, "The Pet Vet" shares some simple ways to help your pets stay safe and stress-free this holiday.

Keep your pets indoors
Though most of us consider fireworks the highlight of the evening, many pets are terrified of them. The bright lights and loud noises can unnerve pets, and frightened animals will often escape to get away. Runaway pets can become lost or get hit by a car. To keep your pet safe during the fireworks, be sure to keep them indoors, preferably in a secure and comfortable room away from the door.

Keep your pets distracted and busy
Distract your pets from the commotion by turning on the TV or radio to help drown out the loud and scary noises outside. Give your pet a new chew toy to keep them focused on something besides the loud noises. Nylabone makes innovative chew toys in different strengths, flavors, textures and sizes and even has treat toys designed to keep your dog entertained longer. In celebration of their 70^th birthday, Nylabone is donating a chew toy to Best Friends Animal Society for every Nylabone product purchased. So, in addition to helping your dog stay busy this holiday, you can help enrich a shelter pet's life.  For more information or to upload your receipt go to: NylaboneCares.com

Calming Products
Utilize calming products to help keep your pet stress-free during the celebration. Pheromones have been shown to decrease stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. Feline and Canine Pheromones are available as plug-in diffusers, sprays, and collars and can be found at pet stores and online.

Speak with your veterinarian about medications
If you have a pet that you know becomes very stressed or agitated by fireworks or loud noises, speak with your veterinarian about medications. There are several different medications available to help keep your pet relaxed and stress-free this holiday. Your veterinarian will determine which medication is best for your pet.

Watch out for food that can be harmful to pets
The 4th of July is known for summer cookouts with hot dogs, hamburgers and apple pie. Unfortunately, many of the foods we love can be harmful to our pets. Everyone knows to avoid chocolate and alcohol, but did you know bones are dangerous too? Poultry bones can splinter and get lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. Ham and beef bones can break teeth or cause intestinal obstructions. Be careful with grapes and raisins as well, as these can cause kidney disease in dogs. Finally, it goes without saying to keep your pets away from hot grills. Your pet may get burned if they find the smell of grilled meat too tempting to resist. 

Be sure all pets have ID tags and microchips
All of your pets should have a microchip and a collar with an ID tag, even indoor-only cats. A door or gate could be left open accidentally during the 4th of July celebration, or your pet can escape if they become frightened during the fireworks display. Collars with ID tags and microchips are the best way to ensure that if your pet gets lost, he or she will be returned to you. And of course, make sure that all your information is correct and up to date.

Know what to do If your pet gets lost
What should you do if your pet gets lost? Walk or drive around your neighborhood to look for them. Contact your local shelters and call nearby veterinary clinics as soon as possible. Make flyers with your pet's picture and post these around the neighborhood, on neighborhood apps, in local pet stores and veterinary clinics, and around retail stores with high foot traffic, like grocery stores.

Conclusion
No one wants to spend the 4^th of July in the emergency room or looking for a lost loved one. Be sure to keep these tips in mind to ensure you and your pets have a safe and fun 4th of July!

For more about pet health or some pet-friendly ideas go to: https://drruthpetvet.com/
Facebook @DrRuthMacPete
Instagram @drruthmacpete

About Dr. Ruth MacPete, aka Dr. Ruth "The Pet Vet"
Dr. Ruth MacPete is a veterinarian, media correspondent, and author. She has appeared on The Doctors, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, The Weather Channel, as well as numerous news shows around the country. She has written about pets and pet health for various magazines and published the award-winning children's book Lisette the Vet. To learn more about Dr. MacPete go to: www.DrRuthPetVet.com.

SOURCE Dr. Ruth MacPete -- The Pet Vet