Preparing Dallas Homes and Pets for Fireworks on the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a time for celebration. But, for many pets, fireworks can be a source of intense fear and anxiety. Sudden loud noises and bright flashes may lead to stress, attempts to escape, and even injury. Here’s how to prepare your cats, dogs, pocket pets, and other pets for the upcoming festivities. I’m also sharing some home care tips to ensure everyone stays safe during the celebrations. Please keep in mind that preparing Dallas homes and pets for fireworks on the 4th of July should begin immediately. Don’t forget to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to order sedative medications. Wait too long and you may not get what your pet needs!

Create a Soothing Safe Space

Like we shared a couple of weeks ago in our blog about Dallas summer storms, creating a soothing, safe space for your pet is a great way to give them a reprieve from the loud bangs of fireworks. To do this, consider the following:

• Set up a quiet, comfortable room where your pets can retreat and relax. Ideally, choose a space they already enjoy and/or one that’s relatively soundproof. Equip it with their favorite toys, bedding, food, water, and a litter box (for cats)
• For dogs that are crate-trained, create a cozy, den-like area with blankets over their crate. Add familiar bedding and toys to help them feel secure, but avoid using bedding if your dog chews when nervous, as it can become a choking and ingestion hazard when these types of dogs are anxious or fearful
• Ensure all doors and windows are securely closed to prevent escape. Block off cat flaps and consider using pet gates to limit access to exits

Drown Out the Noise & Light

Especially if you live near a Dallas landmark that celebrates with intense professional firework displays, prioritize drowning out some of the noise as follows:

• Use background noise to mask the sound of fireworks. Play calming music, white noise, or leave the TV on at a moderate volume
• Cats often respond well to soft, slow rhythms or nature sounds, while dogs may benefit from white noise, soothing classical playlists, or reggae due to its steady rhythms
• Close curtains or blackout blinds to reduce the impact of bright flashes

Keep Pets Indoors & Safe

Fireworks displays are considered one of the biggest risk factors for runaway dogs, cats, and other animals. Our pets don’t understand the noise (or its appeal). While we can’t ask them, experts believe animals go into fight, flight, or freeze because they feel imminent danger when they hear fireworks exploding. If your dog is often outdoors, bring them inside on July 4th and consider the following:

• Walk your dog early in the day to avoid being outside during fireworks; a tired dog is likely to be calmer later on
• Keep cats indoors, especially if they are accustomed to roaming outside; provide a litter tray and block off exits
• Display ID tags on pets that are accustomed to wearing collars
• Ensure your pets’ microchip information is up to date in case they escape in a panic; if you don’t update your contact info, people who find your pet might have to call your rescue or veterinary clinic instead of calling you

Provide Comfort & Distraction

Our animals tend to become fixated on scary noises and experiences. Instead of letting them become paralyzed with fear, provide one or all of the following comforts and distractions to help soothe them:

• Give them naturally soothing treats and supplements that include ingredients like CBD, chamomile treats, and L-Theanine
• Offer treat dispensers, puzzle feeders, lick mats, and snuffle mats, or hide small treats around their safe space to keep pets occupied and distracted from the noise
• Plug in or spray calming pheromones like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs, which can help reduce anxiety
• Consider pressure wraps or vests, such as the Thundershirt, which may comfort some pets by applying gentle, reassuring pressure; never leave your pet unattended while wearing these
• Stay calm, as your pets can sense your emotions. Offer gentle reassurance, cuddles, or simply your presence if they seek it
• Stay home with your pets if you can – being left alone will make them more fearful and anxious because you, their security blanket, are gone

Remove Hazards & Prepare for Safety

• Keep all fireworks and matches out of reach of children and pets
• Water down dry areas around your home and trim greenery to reduce fire risk from stray fireworks bursting into flames
• Ensure your roof and outdoor spaces are clear of flammable materials
• Make sure that all pets are accounted for before and after the festivities
• After the celebration, check your yard for firework debris and pick up any trash to prevent accidental ingestion by pets or community cats

Seek Professional Help

If your pet typically shows signs of severe anxiety, such as shaking, drooling, or hiding for extended periods, consult your veterinarian about medications to help them cope. Remember, our pets don’t understand what’s going on; therefore, supporting them with pharmaceuticals can be the most humane way to support them during fireworks and storms.

Preparing Dallas Homes and Pets for Fireworks on the 4th of July

By taking these proactive steps, you can help your cats and dogs feel safe and secure, turning the 4th of July into a celebration for the whole family, not just the humans. At PCPSI, we kindly request that you inform us if your pets are sensitive to the noises from fireworks and storms. Please enter this information in your pet’s profile and discuss their usual behaviors with us so that we can better support them during our visits.

To learn more about our services, please visit our FAQs and contact us at 214-828-0192 and pets@pcpsi.com.  Alternatively, you can register via our client portal, available here. Existing clients, please submit reservations via this link.

To join our team as a pet care provider, please click here.