Overview

• Pet owners are urged to secure animals indoors in quiet, windowless spaces and to verify microchips and collar ID tags before July 4.
• Desensitization training now includes simulated pops using snapped spaghetti and bubble-wrap exercises to help pets acclimate to fireworks noises.
• Veterinarians recommend fast-acting anti-anxiety medications, anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers and background white noise to minimize stress.
• Shelters forecast a 30–60% surge in missing pets between July 4 and 6, prompting advice to use GPS trackers such as Apple AirTags for rapid reunification.
• High temperatures heighten heatstroke risks so owners should provide constant access to shade and fresh water and avoid leaving pets in parked cars.