Communities across the United States large and small celebrate Independence Day with festivals, parades and fireworks displays as well as gatherings of family and friends. Although most people greet the festivities gladly, the story isn't the same for pets. Some are frightened by the loud bang of pyrotechnics, and others are unsettled by large groups of people gathered at backyard barbecues.
Pets may accidentally eat holiday foods that aren't healthy for them. More likely, well-meaning guests will try to give your pets treats that they shouldn't have.
Pet may also pick up dangerous debris left behind from personal fireworks or holiday decorations. One dog ate a discarded marijuana joint that was on the ground in a public park — not an unusual occurrence according to the vet.
Whether you're planning your own July 4th celebration or planning to take pets with you to visit friends, you need to take precautions to keep your pets safe. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers the following specific recommendations for pet owners during the celebration to help minimize pet insurance claims.
If your pet is injured or becomes ill during your July 4th celebration, treatment could be expensive. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Insurance coverage issues
There are several types of insurance that may come into play if your pets are injured or become ill during your July 4th celebrations or if they injure one of your guests.
- Homeowners' insurance. Insurance companies can deny claims or limit coverage for dog owners who don't take precautions to prevent their animals from attacking. And frightened dogs can bite or attack even family members when they're stressed. Even though pets are considered property, most homeowners' insurance policies exclude any damage or injury to animals so you won't have coverage if your pet is injured during the celebrations.
- Auto insurance. If you're taking your pet with you in your car, be sure to include some kind of restraint or carrier. Some auto insurers are now including a pet clause that allows for a certain amount of coverage for expenses relating to your pet's injuries in the event that you're involved in an accident when your pet is in the vehicle. Remember that riding with your pet unrestrained in the car can be a major distraction.
- Pet insurance. Remember that most pet insurance plans cap the amount they pay out per year, and some include lifetime caps for certain conditions. If your pet is accidentally injured during your celebrations, treatment could be expensive and exceed the amount of your coverage.
Related: How to find the best pet insurance plan for your clients
If your pet isn't microchipped, be sure you have a current photo in case the pet is lost. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Advance preparations
- Make sure your pets — cats and dogs alike — have identification tags with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
- If your pets aren't already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
- If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
- Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs, birds and horses — just in case.
- If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems. Some pets may need medication. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
- Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Are pasture fences secure enough to keep horses or other livestock confined? Evaluate your options, choose the safest area for your animals, and make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.
Related: Homeowners' insurance, liability issues and 'dangerous' dogs
Keep pets confined and away from fireworks displays. (Photo: Shutterstock)
During July 4th celebrations
- Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be frightening to pets, and there's great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
- Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or in a crate covered with a blanket during parties and fireworks.
- Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
- If you're hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don't escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
- Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
- Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
- Don't let pets get near your barbecue grill while it's in use or still hot.
- Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from these common foods that are actually toxic.
- Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it's extremely hot or humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don't leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
- Never leave your pet in your car when it's warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
- If you're traveling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you can keep them safe.
Most pets, especially dogs, are scavengers and will eat anything they can find, whether it's good for them or not. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Food safety for pets
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips on keeping pets safe when food and drink might be within reach:
- Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become intoxicated and weak or severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
- Don't apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that's not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
- Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing — or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
- Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
- Don't put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. Although the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
- Keep citronella candles, insect coils and tiki torch oil products out of reach. Ingestion can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
- Never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, but even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
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