Whether your July 4th plans include hosting friends and family, watching fireworks or just enjoying the weekend, we want to help you make sure your pets stay safe during the celebrations and all summer long!

Frightening Noises

Your favorite part about July 4th might the the fireworks, but your pet might not say the same!  Dogs and cats have sensitive ears, and scheduled fireworks celebrations and impromptu displays from neighbors can frighten your pets who don’t understand that these noises are a celebration, not danger. During this holiday season, make sure your pet is wearing his or her identification at all times in case they do get outside unsupervised, and make sure safe, quiet places (like a bathroom or under a bed) are available to them so they can feel safe and secure during noisy times.  If you know when fireworks are scheduled, it is best to keep your pets inside, so they hide in your home rather than outside.

Foods Fido Shouldn’t Eat

If your pets like to join the party, don’t forget to remind guests about common cook-out favorites that can be harmful to your pets.  Avoid chocolate, garlic, onions, under-cooked or raw meat, grapes and salty snacks.  The best way to avoid giving Fido, Frisky or any pet an upset stomach or potentially more severe illnesses is to have animal-specific treats at the ready for guests to share with your pet so they aren’t tempted to pass along people food instead.  Find a full list of common people foods that are harmful to pets HERE.

Warm Weather

This July 4th will be a hot one, so make sure you are helping your pet stay cool!  If your pet is outside, make sure shade and cool, fresh water are always available to them.  It is a good idea to get your pet’s exercise in early in the day before the temperature starts to climb.  If you are heading out with your pet, make sure to bring water for them; you can even buy bottles that come with a bowl attached at your local pet store.  Take frequent stops and watch for signs of over heating such a excessive panting.  If you think your pet is suffering a heat stroke, bring them to a veterinarian immediately.  And of course, give your pet plenty of inside time to chill out between any outdoor adventures.

Plants

Whether you’re sprucing up your yard or receiving gifts, watch out for plants that can be harmful to pets.  Aloe, Sago palms, tulips, azaleas and lilies are plants common to Northern Virginia that can be toxic to your pet, but the best way to be sure is to check out the ASCPA’s database of plants, which you can find HERE.  If you’re not sure what a plant is, it is best to keep it out of reach of your pets.

If Your Pet is Missing

Make sure your pet is wearing their collar and identification tags at all times. If your pet becomes lost, or if you find a lost pet, visit our Missing Pet and Found Animals pages for more information. Keep your pet’s microchip registered and contact information up to date in case they become lost, and have their microchip checked at their annual vet checkups to make sure it is still in place.  If a pet becomes lost, they usually do not go far from their home, so try calling them in your neighborhood, enticing them with treats and food and alerting your neighbors with signs or via social media neighborhood groups. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will be closed on July 4th, so if you have an animal emergency, please call the Animal Services hotline at 703-746-4444.

From all of Alexandria’s Animals, we hope you have a fun, celebratory and safe Independence Day!