Fourth of July celebrations are a great opportunity to gather with family and friends and that means your pets, too.  As much as you love them, leave them out of this celebration.  July 4 is one of the top nights for lost pets each year. Nationwide, July 5th is the busiest day at animal shelters. Cats and dogs panic and flee the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks, party revelers and music. 

The Fourth of July is literally an explosion of chaos in the daily routines of our pets and does not go well with the noise sensitivity of dogs. 

Follow these tips to make your holiday stress free for both you and your pet:

• Ensure you pets are wearing a collar with tag/ID. Double check that your pet is microchipped and that the chip is registered with updated contact information. Have a current photo just in case. 
  
  
• Avoid Crowds. Resist the urge to bring your dog to crowded events, parades, and other gatherings with a lot of noise or people. A combination of heat, loud noises, packed spaces and hot blacktop can not only be stressful, but harmful to your pet’s health. It is best to leave them at home in a cool spot with lots of water. It’s especially wise to avoid bringing your pets to firework events, as they could panic, try to run or bite.
  
  
• Exercise Your Pet Early. Be sure to give your pets lots of exercise during the day, so they’ll be worn out before the scary noises start at night. It will help with your pet’s overall stress and anxiety levels. Some pets may sleep right through the night-time celebrations.
  
  
• Head indoors before the fun begins. Don’t wait for the fireworks to be in full swing before taking care of your pet. It’s best to bring him or her indoors or get them settled in a cozy spot well ahead of the first boom of fireworks. 
  
  
• Create a safe space. Pre-fireworks, create a safe, escape-proof space in your home and provide a bed or crate where they feel comfortable. Be sure to secure fences, gates and doors (including pet doors). 
  
  
• Drown Out the Noise. Lower the blinds, close the windows, and turn the TV or music on to mask the noise. 
  
  
• Divert Attention.  Offer a special chew or toy to distract you pet.   

If your pet becomes lost, contact Broward Animal Care and shelters immediately and provide a description and recent photograph of your pet.  

ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY DANGERS

People Playthings

The summer is full of cool recreational toys that make the warmer days more fun. Of course, you know your four-legged friend likes to play, too. However, plastic toys that aren’t made for pets can get damaged and ingested, causing trouble in your pet’s system.

The festive glow jewelry, popular on the Fourth of July, can be toxic for dogs, cats and other animals (and babies, too!) if chewed on and broken open.

Fun light up wands and other pins, toys, jewelry that contain lithium button batteries are also not a good choice to keep around our pets or small children. The batteries are incredibly toxic if swallowed.

People Food

Pets need a consistent diet. Changes can cause messy tummy troubles. Certain foods that commonly accompany celebrations, like chocolate, onions, and avocados, can be toxic to your four-legged friend. Resist the urge to give them any BBQ scraps, even for the “special occasion.” 

Alcoholic Beverages

A cocktail or beer is a potential poison for your dog. If left low enough, a pet looking to quench their thirst could get into your beverage. Alcoholic intoxication in pets can result in weakness, depression, coma, respiratory failure, and even death. This is true even for beer, so keep the cold ones out of reach!

Heat

Your canine companion has to work hard to maintain body temperature. They do this by panting and through specialized sweat glands on the pads of their feet. The best way to keep them cool is to keep them out of the sun and well hydrated. Make sure you always have water on hand for your dog and keep water bowls from direct sunlight.

The City of Weston hosts its Fireworks Celebration on July 3 in Weston Regional Park.  Other cities in the area primarily host their fireworks events on July 4 and it is likely that there can be personal fireworks set off in your neighborhood.  
Be sure you make preparations for your pet, so the entire family has a great holiday.