The week after the 4th is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters across the country. Not because of adoptions, but because so many pets run away during the fireworks. Animal control agencies report up to 60% more lost pets between July 4th and July 6th every single year.
If you have a pet, you need to know how to keep them safe and calm during the fireworks. And just in case they do run away or get lost, it’s a good idea to make sure your pet has ID.
Why Pets Fear Fireworks
Dogs can hear at frequencies roughly twice as high as humans, and cats are not far behind. For pets fireworks are not just loud—they can also be painful. A firework that sounds like a loud pop to us registers as a massive, unpredictable explosion to them.
Unlike a thunderstorm, which gives at least some warning, fireworks can start at any moment, with zero warning and no explanation. That unpredictability is a huge part of what makes them so frightening to pets.
Add in the flashes of light, the smell of smoke, and the chaos of crowds and gatherings, and you have a recipe for genuine panic. And that’s why so many pets go missing during the 4th of July.
Why You Should Microchip Your Pets
If your pet is not microchipped yet, here’s a fact you need to know:
Microchipped pets are 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families if they get lost.
Collar ID tags are great, but it’s all too easy for tags to get snagged and pulled off or for a pet to slip their collar entirely. A microchip ID is permanent, painless to implant, and can be scanned at virtually every shelter in the country. A pet microchip ID is not a tracking device and nobody can steal your contact information from it. Luckily, it does reunite people with lost pets!
How to Keep Your Pets Safe This 4th of July
- Update your pet’s ID tags and make sure the information is current.
- If your pet is microchipped, log in to verify that your contact info is up to date in the registry.
- If you know your pet has anxiety about fireworks or loud noises, meet with your vet. There are prescription supplements, pheromone sprays, and anti-anxiety medications that can help keep your pet relaxed and calm.
- Secure your pets indoors before the fireworks start. Even cats that normally go outside should stay in.
- Set up a quiet retreat space away from windows and doors. Fill the room with familiar bedding, your pet’s favorite toys, and some background noise like a fan or TV to muffle the booms.
- Close the windows and curtains to reduce your pet’s exposure to loud sounds and flashing lights.
- Reassure your pet with calm attention. Your pet takes cues from you, and your relaxed presence helps more than you might think.
What to Do If Your Pet Has Severe Anxiety
Any holiday can be stressful for pets, but the 4th of July probably tops the list. Some pets take fireworks in stride. Others absolutely do not. If your pet falls in the second category, our vets can help you find a way to help keep them calm. Prescription options exist that are both safe and effective under veterinary guidance.
LazyPaw Animal Hospitals is here for you if you have questions about microchipping, anti-anxiety meds, or anything else your pet needs to stay healthy and safe this summer. Contact us to schedule a visit, or stop by our clinic in Frisco, Texas for a walk-in appointment.
Photo by Reba Spike on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 5/12/26.