The Fourth of July is one of the busiest nights of the year in our ER — and the good news is, most of it is preventable. Before you fire up the grill and get ready for the fireworks, take a few minutes to set your pet up for a safe, calm holiday.

Fireworks anxiety is real. More pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year, often after bolting from fear. Make sure your pet is wearing a properly fitted collar with up-to-date ID tags, and that microchip info is current, before the festivities start.

A golden retriever with a brown collar and blue bone-shaped tag sits outdoors, tongue out, with blurred autumn foliage in the background.

Medicate ahead of time — not after the panic starts. If your pet has anti-anxiety medication for loud noises or fireworks, give it on schedule. Most medications need to be on board before the noise starts to actually be effective, so don’t wait until your pet is already panicking to give it.

A black and tan dog and a tabby cat are lying together in a gray pet bed on a wooden floor, both looking toward the camera.

Create a cozy, quiet space. Set up a comfortable spot away from windows with their favorite blanket or bed. Playing calming pet music, white noise, or even leaving the TV on can help drown out the booms and ease their nerves. A covered crate works well too, if your pet is crate-trained.

Keep pets indoors during peak firework hours. Bring them in well before fireworks start, and keep doors, windows, and gates secure all evening.

Watch the table scraps. Corn cobs, bones, fatty foods, and alcohol are common ER visits around this holiday. Keep an eye on unattended plates and drinks, especially if you’ve got a curious dog working the party.

A patriotic plate with BBQ brisket in sauce, baked beans, and coleslaw on a star-patterned dish, set on a red, white, and blue tablecloth. Sides include corn on the cob, watermelon slices, iced drink, and macaroni and cheese.

Skip the sparklers and glow sticks around pets. Sparklers can cause burns, and glow sticks/glow jewelry contain chemicals that are toxic if chewed open.

Citronella isn’t pet-safe. Citronella candles, oils, and insect repellents can be toxic if ingested or applied directly to pets. Stick to pet-safe bug protection instead.

A brown and white dog with a pink collar lies on a white couch, panting and facing a spinning fan, with a fireplace and candles in the background.

Don’t forget the heat. Florida summer heat is no joke — pets left outside too long during a BBQ or party can overheat fast, especially flat-faced breeds. Make sure there’s shade, water, and a way to come inside if it gets too hot.

Mind the pool. With more people, food, and distractions around, drowning risk goes up for pets near pools or open water during gatherings.

We’re here if you need us. No matter what happens this holiday, EPIC is open 24/7 — for emergencies big and small.
From our EPIC family to yours, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!