The Fourth of July is one of the busiest emergency days of the year for veterinary hospitals. Between fireworks, backyard barbecues, hot temperatures and large gatherings, even the most well-behaved pets can find themselves in dangerous situations. Many holiday emergencies happen because families are distracted by celebrations or assume someone else is watching the pet.
Whether you’re celebrating in San Francisco, Oakland, Rockridge, Berkeley, Piedmont, Alameda, Emeryville or the surrounding East Bay, a little preparation can help keep your pet safe and out of the emergency room.
Fireworks and Anxiety 🎆
Fireworks are one of the biggest causes of pet emergencies during the holiday. Even calm dogs and cats can panic when loud noises begin, causing them to escape through open doors, jump fences or injure themselves trying to hide. More pets go missing on July 4 than any other day of the year.
Help reduce stress by:
- Keeping pets indoors before fireworks begin
- Closing windows, curtains and blinds
- Playing calming music or leaving the television on
- Providing a quiet room with their favorite bed or blanket (bathrooms are often a great quit location)
- Making sure collars, ID tags and microchip information are current
- Trying anxiety-reducing products such as a ThunderShirt®, which applies gentle, constant pressure that may help some dogs feel calmer during fireworks and thunderstorms
- Ask your veterinarian about calming products such as Composure Pro or ElleVet Hemp CBD Chews For Dogs, which may help some pets cope with fireworks anxiety when used as directed
If your pet has a history of severe fireworks anxiety, speak with your veterinarian before the holiday about safe treatment options. Dogs can greatly benefit from medications like Gabapentin and/or Trazodone.
Keep Pets Cool During Bay Area Summer Heat 🔥
Even though coastal temperatures may be mild, many inland communities including Walnut Creek, Lafayette and Orinda can experience significant heat during July.
Always provide:
- Plenty of fresh water
- Access to shade or air conditioning
- Breaks from outdoor activities
- Walks during the cooler morning or evening hours
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting or collapse. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.
Barbecue Foods Can Be Dangerous 🍔
Holiday cookouts often include foods that can make pets seriously ill.
Keep pets away from:
- Cooked bones
- Corn cobs
- Skewers
- Alcohol
- Chocolate desserts
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Fatty meats and food scraps
Secure trash cans and remind guests not to feed pets from the table.
Watch Doors, Gates and Guests
Large family gatherings mean doors and gates are opened more often than usual. Children and visitors may accidentally leave an escape route open.
Before guests arrive:
- Check fences and gates
- Keep pets in a secure area
- Use a leash outside even in familiar yards
- Make sure someone is specifically responsible for supervising your pet
Fireworks Are Never Safe for Pets
Even unused fireworks contain chemicals that can be toxic if chewed or swallowed. Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause severe burns.
Never allow pets near fireworks, matches, grills or fire pits.
Know When to Call Your Veterinarian
If your pet experiences:
- Difficulty breathing
- Heatstroke
- Persistent vomiting
- Burns
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Severe anxiety
- Ingestion of toxic foods or fireworks
Seek veterinary care immediately.
Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July
A little planning can make all the difference. Keeping your pet cool, hydrated, secure and away from fireworks and party hazards can help ensure the holiday ends with happy memories instead of an emergency visit.
Need veterinary advice before the holiday?
Text Dr. Medrano at (415) 506-8387 to schedule a mobile veterinary appointment anywhere in San Francisco, Oakland and throughout the Bay Area. MedranoVets brings compassionate veterinary care directly to your home.
Additional Resources 📚
