Independence Day celebrations can be stressful, dangerous, or overwhelming for both humans and non-human animals.
Here's how to keep everyone safe and healthy:
🔵 Prepare
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Humans & Pets: Stay hydrated during outdoor activities. Heat exhaustion affects all animals, including humans.
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Pets: Walk dogs early before festivities begin. Set up a safe, quiet space indoors with familiar bedding, treats, and calming music.
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Humans: If you have PTSD, noise sensitivity, or are neurodivergent, plan your evening accordingly – noise-cancelling headphones or a safe indoor space can help.
🔴 During
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Pets: Keep them indoors during fireworks. Never bring them to shows. Comfort them without reinforcing panic (stay calm yourself).
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Humans: Use earplugs if needed. Keep young children close, protect ears, and supervise around sparklers, grills, or fireworks.
🟢 Afterwards
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Pets: Check yards for debris or stray fireworks before letting pets out in the morning. Monitor for signs of lingering stress (hiding, shaking, appetite changes).
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Humans: Clean up promptly to prevent injuries. If you or your pet have breathing issues, check air quality if heavy smoke lingers.
💙 One Health Reminder: Humans are animals too. Loud noises, heat, and overstimulation affect us all. Planning ahead creates a safer and calmer holiday for your whole family.
Whether you are planning or attending a July 4th celebration, it is important to take precautions to keep all family members, humans and non-humans, safe both during and after July 4th festivities. Other helpful resources:
Pets-
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/july-4-safety
People –
· Fire - https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/fourth-of-july-safety
· Summer Health and Safety Tips - https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/summer-safety-tips
· Trauma Reminders: Fireworks - https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/fireworks_ptsd.asp
How do you prepare your pets (and yourself) for July 4th? Share your tips below to help others in our community. 🌟
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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