4^th of July can be fun for pet owners, but for our pets it’s a different story. The fireworks, crowds, and festivities humans enjoy can be terrifying and potentially dangerous for our four-legged family members.

More pets go missing on July 4th than any other day of the year. Every year during 4^th of July weekend, calls to PetLink’s lost pet line significantly increase.

Dogs and cats have much more sensitive hearing than humans. What sounds like a distant boom to us might feel like an earth-shattering explosion to them. Additionally, these sudden, loud noises can trigger their fight-or-flight response. Even normally calm pets might panic and take off when fireworks start.

Guide for Dogs

Guide for Cats

Preparing your dog for the 4^th of July:

Here’s some valuable advice to help keep your dog safe, happy, and comfortable during this noisy holiday weekend.

Before the festivities begin, check the following:

• Check all your pet’s microchip information and your own personal contact information is up to date in net. Without this, your pet may not be reunited with you if they are ever lost.

• Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with updated collar tags for easy identification.
• Consider a PetLinkGPS Activity and Location Tracker for added security. A GPS tracking device allows you to always see your pet’s location right from your phone. They are the perfect pet safety partner to a microchip.

• Set up a quiet room in your home where you can keep your pet during celebrations. Make sure it’s got their favorite toys, bedding, and blankets.
• Play calming music or turn on a TV to help mask outdoor noises.

• Close windows and blinds to muffle sounds and block flashing lights.

• Consider Calming Aids like ThunderShirt, etc.*

During the event:

• Equip your dog’s collar with your fully charged PetLinkGPS for Dogs.
• Set safe zones with your PetLinkGPS to be alerted if your dog leaves a certain area.

• Keep dogs indoors if possible.
• Make sure all windows are closed and fences secured.
• Keep any alcoholic beverages and barbecue foods away from dogs.**

• Dispose of skewers, bones, and corn cobs where pets can’t reach them.

*Talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medications if your pet is especially anxious with loud noises.

**Onions, garlic and grapes are toxic to animals! Make sure to keep them off the ground during barbeques and outdoor parties.

After the event and before letting your pets outside again:

• Check your yard for debris, food spillage, and/or fireworks remnants.
• Check for food scraps guests might have dropped.
• Ensure gates and fences remained secure in the night.

Preparing your cat for the 4^th of July:

Here’s some valuable advice to help keep your cat safe, happy, and comfortable during this noisy holiday weekend.

Before the festivities begin, check the following:

• Check all your pet’s microchip information and your own personal contact information is up to date in net. Without this, your pet may not be reunited with you if they are ever lost.

• Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with updated collar tags for easy identification.
• Double-check that all windows have secure screens with no holes.
• Set up a quiet room in your home where you can keep your pet during celebrations. Make sure it’s got their favorite toys, bedding, and blankets.
• Play calming music or turn on a TV to help mask outdoor noises.

• Close windows and blinds to muffle sounds and block flashing lights.

• Consider Calming Aids like ThunderShirt, etc.*

During the event:

• Keep cats indoors in the secure room that you have set up for them.
• Equip your cat with the break-away collar and tag displaying their microchip information.
• Keep doors and windows secure, and let your guests know to close doors behind them when entering or exiting your home.
• Keep any alcoholic beverages and barbecue foods away from cats.**

• Dispose of skewers, bones, and corn cobs where pets can’t reach them.

*Talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medications if your pet is especially anxious with loud noises.

**Onions, garlic and grapes are toxic to animals! Make sure to keep them off the ground during barbeques and outdoor parties.

After the event and before letting your pets outside again:

• Check your yard for debris, food spillage, and/or fireworks remnants.
• Check for food scraps guests might have dropped around the house or in the yard.
• Ensure gates, fences, and windows are still secure.

Conclusion

Each pet is unique in how they handle stress. What works for one might not work for another, so be prepared to adjust your approach based on your pet’s needs. PetLink is here to help if you need to report a lost or found pet on the 4^th of July. PetLink’s Customer Service Center is open 24/7/365, just call 1-877-PETLINK (738-5465).

It’s key to remember that microchips are not GPS tracking systems, so if your cat does escape, they will be reunited with you should someone find them and call the PetLink customer service line.

With some preparation and extra attention, you can help ensure that the 4^th of July remains safe and as stress-free as possible for your furry family members (and for pet parents)!