While July Fourth is meant for food, fireworks, and fun, the holiday can pose several serious threats to your pet’s mental and physical health. Many of the activities we enjoy—and want to include our pets in—can result in toxicity, organ failure, or trauma. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your four-legged friend. Here are three of the most common issues pets face on Independence Day, with tips to keep your furry pal safe.
Pets and Hot Weather
Although Seattle isn’t known for extreme heat, summer can still bring uncomfortable temperatures, especially with humidity. Pets who are overweight, brachycephalic (flat-faced), or have heart/breathing problems are especially vulnerable to heatstroke.
How to protect your pet from heatstroke:
- Provide the essentials – Always ensure your pet has shade, airflow, and fresh, cool water. Avoid garages or poorly ventilated spaces.
- Watch the weather – Stick to early mornings for exercise when it’s cooler and less humid.
- Monitor your pet – Look for early heatstroke signs, such as:
- Heavy panting
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
Pets and Party Food
To pets, the food is the main attraction—but many BBQ staples can cause serious harm.
High-risk foods include:
- Grilled items – Bones, fat trimmings, and heavy seasoning can lead to pancreatitis, GI upset, or intestinal blockages. Skewers and corn cobs can be deadly if ingested.
- Side salads – Many contain onions, garlic, mayo, or vinegar, all of which can be harmful. Spoiled food left out in the heat is another danger.
- Desserts – Chocolate and xylitol (a sugar substitute) are toxic, and can lead to vomiting, seizures, or liver failure.
Keep pets safe by:
- Keeping food out of reach
- Securing trash cans
- Reminding guests not to share food with pets
Pets and Fireworks
Fireworks can trigger full-blown panic attacks in pets with noise aversion.
Support your pet with:
- A quiet room – Set up an interior space with white noise or calming music, comfy bedding, and a food puzzle or chew.
- Calming products – Use compression wraps, calming pheromones, or supplements.
- Anti-anxiety medication – Speak to your veterinarian if your pet shows signs like panting, pacing, hiding, or clinging.
- Microchipping – If your pet escapes during fireworks, a microchip greatly increases the chance of a safe return.
Help your pet stay safe, calm, and happy this Independence Day. Contact Mercer Street Veterinary Hospital to discuss anti-anxiety options and safety tips tailored for your pet.