Many holiday traditions can be a scary experience for pets, especially if you add fireworks and strangers to the mix. These loud noises can frighten your four-legged friends.

The potential for injury isn’t over after the holidays, either. If you’re hosting a July 4th party, your pup may eat trash or pieces of left-behind fireworks. And many people don’t just burn fireworks on the Fourth, but before and after, too. So your pet may have to deal with hearing fireworks for several days.

Read this article to find out how you can help keep your dog safe and secure before, during and after the 4th of July.

How can you prepare your dog for the 4th of July?

Independence Day can be stressful for a lot of pets. Whether your pup is afraid of fireworks booming or the other sights and sounds of celebrations, there are ways you can help your four-legged friends remain calm.

No one likes to think about their pet getting out of the house, especially during a holiday. But you should prepare for scenarios like this, especially if you have a pet sitter watching your pup.

ID tags can help a neighbor or good Samaritan find your info, while a microchip can help a shelter or vet notify you in case the ID collar gets lost. So it’s essential to update your IDs and chips with the correct address and phone number.

If your pet isn’t microchipped, you should discuss microchipping them with a veterinarian before July.

• Ensure your pup is up to date on all shots.
• Have a recent photo of your pup on hand, with any identifying marks or behaviors noted.
• Don’t forget to fill any prescriptions before July! 
• Take your four-legged friend for a long walk, play with them or exercise them to tire them out before the celebration.
• If you’re going out of town for the Fourth, you may want to hire a pet sitter to keep an eye on your pup.
• Secure your property to help prevent escape or injury. Fix broken or damaged fencing or screens, fill ground holes and close open windows.

What can you do for your dog during the 4th of July?

The 4th of July can bring out anxieties in any pet, even in dogs that don’t tend to be afraid of other things. We’ve compiled a few tips for dog owners to help keep their pets safe and comfortable during fireworks.

Keep your four-legged friends inside.

The best way to help keep your pup safe is to keep them inside during fireworks displays. Fireworks and loud noises don’t just happen after dark but can occur throughout the day and even on July 3rd or 5th. It’s important to be cautious leading up to Independence Day, especially when walking your pet.  

Place your pup in a quiet room with background music to help drown out the sound of July fireworks. A basement works well for this, especially if you have a room without windows or doors.

• If your dog is crate-trained, their crate may be a comforting and safe option, especially after dark.
• Avoid keeping your pet outside, even if you have a fenced-in yard.
• Close windows and pull blinds or shades to help keep noises and flashes out of sight.

Keep an eye on your pets.

If you’re leaving home to celebrate somewhere else, there are still ways you can watch your pets.

Install indoor cameras to keep an eye on your pup. If they appear stressed, you can head out of the party early. Some indoor cameras even let you speak to your dog through 2-way audio.

Read more about keeping an eye on your pets: Pet Cameras: 9 Ways To Keep an Eye on Your Best Friend

Secure your home to help prevent escape or injury. 

It’s important to be prepared beforehand, but there are also a few ways you can secure your property on Independence Day, too.

• Keep windows, doors and fences locked. Smart locks make it easy to lock or unlock doors whether you’re home or not.
• Remind guests that you have pets by adding signs to some of your doors so they’ll be more mindful about closing and locking doors when they exit.
• Outdoor cameras not only help you keep an eye on your property but can be used to monitor your pets.

Try to keep your pets comfortable.

Whether you’re keeping them in a crate or containing them in a private room, if your pets feel safe, they may be less prone to injury or anxiety.

• Remove anything you don’t want a pup to damage from its crate or room.
• Add extra blankets over the crate to help your pet feel more secure.
• Avoid keeping your pets inside a crate for too long, and check on your pup occasionally.
• Add toys to your animal’s room or crate to reduce anxiety.
• Physical comfort can be beneficial for a stressed-out or frightened companion.
• Smart thermostats make it easy to control your home’s temperature, so your four-legged family member is comfortable.

What can you give your dog on the 4th of July?

If your pup exhibits anxiety, you may want to try a few things to help ease their nerves.

Some extremely anxious dogs may even need medicine or behavioral training from a certified trainer. Monitor your pets during tense situations and consult a professional.

Best for mild to moderate anxiety

An extremely anxious dog may try to break out of its crate, pant, shake or more. Mild anxiety symptoms may be treatable with calming medications, anti-anxiety vests or soothing your pup.

• Weighted anxiety vests or anxiety wraps apply steady, constant pressure.
• Play with your dog to tire them out before a fireworks display or other celebration.
• You can sometimes soothe your animals by petting or cuddling them. 
• If your dog is crate trained, they may find comfort in their container during loud celebrations.

And if all else fails, or your animal is consistently anxious during a thunderstorm or fireworks, you should consult a professional for anti-anxiety training.

Best for moderate to extreme anxiety

There are many stress-reducing treats or supplements on the market for your pet to try, including dog-calming pheromones. But you may want to speak to your vet if your dog displays severe anxiety. 

A vet can prescribe anti-anxiety prescriptions or give you advice on training. You should discuss options with your vet if there’s any possibility your pet may try to injure itself. 

Is liquid Benadryl safe for dogs?

According to the American Kennel Club, diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl) is commonly used to treat various ailments, from allergies to anxiety.

It’s important to note that Benadryl is not FDA-approved for pet use, so it’s vital that you consult with your vet before giving your pup any home remedies or medications.

10+ July 4th pet safety tips

We recommend leaving your pet behind instead of taking them to a 4th of July celebration. Not only will they have to contend with fireworks, but also loud strangers and the risk of eating something they shouldn’t, on top of the heat.

If you decide to take your pup with you to celebrate Independence Day, there are things you can do to help keep your pets safe. Heat, bugs, sun and human food can be your pup’s enemy during a fireworks celebration.

• Bring extra water for any pet that’s going to be outside.
• Ensure that your pup has some access to shade and never leave them outside for too long during hot weather.
• Avoid leaving your pet alone and keep an eye on them throughout the day, especially around food and fireworks.
• If your pup starts to exhibit signs of overheating, immediately bring them inside and away from the sun.
• Only use pet-safe insect repellents and sunscreen.

Keep your pets away from cookout food and drinks before and after July 4th.

You should do a thorough walk-through of your property after every party to ensure there aren’t any drinks, food or other items your pup might consume.

• Secure trash cans with lids.
• Remind guests to dispose of chicken bones and food in the proper receptacles. Even if your pet is in the house during the fireworks display, there may be errant scraps on the ground.
• Alcohol can be poisonous to pets. Your outside tables should be high enough that your pets can’t reach people’s food or drinks.
• Many marinades contain ingredients harmful to pets, so be cautious around barbecue chicken and barbecued meat.
• Be mindful of hot grills or barbecues, which can singe or burn an overly curious pup.

If you’re throwing the party, secure your pets inside, especially if they’re anxious. Another option is to put them in a crate or room while you’re celebrating or drop them off at a friend’s house that may be away from fireworks.

Add a sign to your home so guests won’t accidentally open the door and allow your pet to escape. It’s also a good idea to label your front and back doors and gates to let your guests know there is a pet in the home and to make sure they close the door whenever they enter and exit.

ADT has smart security solutions for every home.

You want your pet to be safe and secure when you’re not around. ADT and Google have partnered together to offer indoor and outdoor cameras to help give you peace of mind.  

Keep an eye on your pets, whether home or away, with Google and ADT.