Tips And Tricks For A Stress-Free 'Freedom Day': 9 Helpful Hints On How To Celebrate Independence Day With Your Pets

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Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
Jul 4, 2023 1:00 PM EDT

Did you know that more dogs and cats run away on Independence Day, more than any other day of the year? Although we have fun with the amazing display of fireworks, our four-legged friends don't have as much fun! They get scared by the loud noises, especially if they're not used to it. So we've compiled a list from some professionals on how to celebrate July 4th with your furry friends stress-free, and enjoyable!

Firstly, make sure they're inside when it starts. There are a multitude of other things to do after that, which you can read further down in the article. We want everyone to have a good time today, and that includes the members of our family with four legs! So get ready to have a grill partner (AKA a dog that stares lovingly at your food) and enjoy everything safely with a little help from yours truly. Happy Independence Day!

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    Dog
    via Ben West
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    Fireworks
    via Ben West
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    Font - Bring all pets indoors whenever neighborhood fireworks displays are likely to occur and secure them in a quiet room. Close the windows, draw the curtains, and surround them with their favorite toys and treats. It can help to play calming music or turn on the television to drown out the frightening sounds.
    via Mori Kessler

    Remember, pets are basically small children. That means, the best way to stop them from getting upset is to distract them with something that they like! Toys, Animal Planet on the TV, perhaps some peanut butter and a bone for the doggos!

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    Font - Always keep pets away from lit fireworks (including in your own backyard). Some pets will chase after the bright moving objects and are at risk of being burned or blinded in the process.
    via Mori Kessler

    We kind of feel like this one should go without saying, but it never hurts to say it out loud! Definitely keep your pets away from any fire or anything that explodes. Duh!

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    Font - Fireworks also contain substances that are toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep unlit fireworks out of reach, too. Some of the health impacts that dogs can get from ingesting fireworks can be found here.
    via Mori Kessler
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    Font - If your pet gets spooked and runs off, ensure they are wearing current identification tags with your current contact information. Also, make sure their microchip contact information is up-to-date.
    via Mori Kessler
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    Font - "The last thing you want is an emergency over a holiday, when many veterinary clinics and shelters are closed or only open for limited hours," Dr. Erin Katribe, medical director for Best Friends Animal Society, said in a press release. "If you know your pets suffer from anxiety, discuss pharmaceutical options with your veterinarian in advance. Several medications to treat anxiety are available and can help your pets during these stressful holidays."
    via Mori Kessler
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    Font - Katribe also noted that milder anxiety may be helped with supplements, such as those containing tryptophan, or a compression-style garment, which swaddles and comforts them. It's best to speak with a veterinarian for the best option.
    via Mori Kessler
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    Dog
    via Dog Psychology 101
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    Dog - 1. Set up a distraction $ CEFF
    via Casey Clark, JENA ARDELL VIA GETTY IMAGES
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    Font - "You can put on a distraction in the house, like white noise and TV on in the background," said Dr. Grant Little, a JustAnswer veterinarian expert who is based in Nebraska. "Basements where the sound is muffled and a TV is present can help drown out the noise." Other good distractions include long- lasting chew toys or lick mats, according to Australian veterinarian Dr. Lisa Chimes, founder of DOG by Dr Lisa.
    via Casey Clark
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    Dog - 2. Buy a weighted item for your furry friend thunders
    via Casey Clark, Amazon
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    Dog - 3. Try exposure therapy to loud stimuli
    via Casey Clark, HOLLY HILDRETH VIA GETTY IMAGES
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    Font - "You can also help this process by playing firework noises in the house, starting at a very low volume, leaving it on for some time, and slowly increasing the volume," Richter said. "This can help dogs become desensitized to the sound and over time, they will realize nothing is wrong."
    via Casey Clark
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    Font - 4. Keep yourself calm Holidays like the Fourth of July can be anxiety provoking and stressful for humans and dogs alike, but try to keep it as routine as possible. "Avoid fussing over your pet, as this may increase their anxiety, but rather engage in normal activities," Chimes said. “If watching TV on the couch is what you would usually do, curl up on the couch with your dog and watch some TV."
    via Casey Clark

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dogs freedom tips july 4th fear celebrate pets independence day helpful fireworks stress doggos doggo advice tricks pet safety Cats animals anxiety
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