Celebrating July 4th in Durham While Keeping Pets Safe

The Fourth of July is a highlight of summer in Durham, filled with fireworks, backyard barbecues, and festive gatherings. While these traditions bring joy to many, they can be a source of intense anxiety for our pets. Loud noises, bright flashes, and unfamiliar people can overwhelm dogs and cats, often leading to stress, escape attempts, and even injury. Here are my top tips for celebrating July 4th in Durham while keeping pets safe. With a bit of preparation and care, you can help your animal companions feel secure and comfortable throughout the holiday weekend!

Bring Pets Indoors Early

Start by bringing your pets inside well before dusk and keeping them indoors throughout the holiday weekend. Even outdoor cats should be kept indoors for the night to prevent panic-induced injuries.  Secure all windows and doors, and consider using blackout curtains to minimize the visual impact of fireworks. If you need to take your pet outside for a bathroom break, always use a leash and secure harness to prevent them from bolting if startled.

For dogs, walk them early in the day so that they can get their needed exercise before the crowds and noisy celebrations start.

Create a Safe Haven

Designate a quiet, cozy space in your home where your pet can retreat during the festivities. This area should be away from windows and as soundproof as possible. Equip it with their favorite bed, toys, and familiar items to help them feel secure. Some pets find comfort in being crated, while others may prefer a small room or closet. Adding an item of your clothing can provide additional reassurance through your scent.

When crating your dog, be sure you’re nearby in case the loud banging makes them want to get out. We’ve seen photos online of dogs that severely injured themselves when trying to get out of a closed crate during noisy events. We’d never want that to happen to your pet!

Use Soothing Sounds and Calming Tools

Mask the noise of fireworks by playing soft music, turning on the television, or using a white noise machine. There are even playlists and streaming channels on YouTube specifically designed to calm pets. In addition, calming treats or chews made with natural ingredients like melatonin and chamomile can help reduce anxiety, just be sure to give them as recommended, ideally before the fireworks begin. Similarly, pheromone sprays and plug-in diffusers can create a calming environment. 

Anxiety wraps, like the Thundershirt, provide gentle, consistent pressure that many pets find soothing. These are ideal if you’re staying home as they should not be used when the pet is unsupervised. A stressed pet may chew on the material, which may result in a choking or obstruction hazard.

Stay Home and Be Present

That said, while a night out sounds awesome, consider staying home with your pets during the peak of fireworks activity, especially if your pet suffers from noise phobia. Your presence can be the most comforting thing for them.

During the event, remain calm and act as normally as possible. Pets are sensitive to your mood and will pick up on your anxiety or, better year, your reassurance. Offer gentle petting, soothing words, and treats to distract and comfort them. For pets with severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian about prescription medications or additional strategies as soon as possible. Don’t wait until July 3rd.

Update Identification and Microchips

The days following July 4th are among the busiest for animal shelters due to pets fleeing in fear. Ensure your pets are wearing collars with up-to-date ID tags, and confirm that their microchip information includes your current phone number. This simple step greatly increases the chances of a safe reunion if your pet does manage to escape.

Prep Your Guests

If you’re having guests over during the festivities, ensure they follow these safety guidelines:

• Keep a close eye on their food and drink to prevent ingestion by your cats or dogs
• Discard of cooked bones and skewers in a covered trash bin to keep hungry mouths away
• Avoid sharing people food with the resident pets to prevent stomach upset
• Watch doors and windows to prevent pet loss
• Supervise children and pet interactions and give them breaks from each other to prevent bites and other incidents
• Approach nervous pets with caution as distressed dogs and cats may bite or scratch during experiences they perceive as frightening

Celebrating July 4th in Durham While Keeping Pets Safe

Celebrating Independence Day in Durham doesn’t have to be stressful for your pets. By preparing with calming treats, safe spaces, soothing music, and updated identification, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for the whole family!

Speaking of families, join the Bull City Pet Care family by contacting us via email or phone. We offer midday dog walking, vacation pet sitting, and specialty services, including trail walks, crate escapes, late-night potty breaks, nail trims, medical assistance, and canine massage services.

We proudly serve the following areas of Durham: Downtown, Lakewood, Tuscaloosa, Old West Durham, Old North Durham, Northgate Park, Watts-Hillandale, Trinity Park, Duke Park, Erwin/LaSalle, North Durham, Southside, Croasdaile, Walltown, Braggtown, Historic East Durham, Hope Valley, and Forest Hills.

If you are seeking pet care services outside of the above areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or Pet Sitters Associates to find a professional pet sitter near you.