4th of July Pet Safety Tips from Veterinarians to Help Keep Your Dog Calm, Safe, and Happy

The 4th of July may be America’s favorite summer holiday—but for your dog, it can be one of the most stressful and dangerous days of the year. From booming fireworks to hot grills and unfamiliar guests, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your pup safe and calm.

Veterinarians across the country see far too many cases of dogs getting injured, lost, or sick due to preventable holiday hazards. Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ or heading to a fireworks show, here are some expert-approved 4th of July safety tips to help your dog stay safe and stress-free—and some fun ways to keep them engaged with safe, durable toys like the WUNDERBALL and calm/distracted on walks with our no-pull WUNDERleash.

🔊 1. Fireworks and Loud Noises? Create a Safe, Quiet Space

Loud sounds can send even the calmest dogs into a panic. Set up a quiet, escape-proof area inside your home, complete with your dog’s bed, favorite toys, and soothing music or white noise. A TV can also be a good distraction with appropriate calming programming.

Pro tip: Calm your dog with a WUNDERBALL to keep them engaged and distracted during the noise. Its unpredictable bounce and chew proof natural rubber texture are great for stress relief.

🏷️ 2. Make Sure Your Dog Has Proper ID

More dogs go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. Make sure your pup has a secure collar with an ID tag and that their microchip info is up to date. For extra security use a collar with something like an Apple AirTag that can be tracked just in case.

🔥 3. Keep Your Dog Away from Fireworks, Grills, and Sparklers

Fireworks, charcoal, lighter fluid, and hot grills are all dangerous to pets. Never let your dog roam freely near these hazards—even in your backyard.

Use a no-pull leash like the WUNDERleash or the even Shorter URBANwalk’r to safely guide your dog and maintain control during gatherings, walks, or while navigating crowds.

🌡️ 4. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke

Dogs can quickly overheat during hot summer events. Always provide plenty of fresh water and shade, and never leave your pet in a hot car—NOT even for a minute.

Know the signs of heatstroke:

• Excessive panting
• Lethargy
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Collapse

Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if symptoms appear. Be familiar with 24 hour emergency pet centers just in case you ever need to visit one.

🍗 5. Keep Human Foods Out of Reach

Holiday foods like grapes, chocolate, alcohol, and excessively fatty meats can be toxic to dogs. Politely remind guests not to feed your pup scraps—even if they beg (the pup or the guests ;-).

Instead, offer dog-safe treats or toys like the WUNDERBALL to keep their mouths busy and their bellies safe.

🐾 6. Exercise Early to Burn Off Energy

Take your dog for a long walk or play session before festivities begin. A tired dog is less likely to be anxious or destructive.

Pair your WUNDERBALL fetch toy with a WUNDERleash for a safe, controlled outing before the fireworks begin. A tired pup is a good pup.

🚪 7. Secure Doors, Gates, and Fences

Guests coming and going can lead to doggy escapes. Make sure all doors, gates, and fences are secure and consider posting signs to remind visitors to shut doors behind them.

🧘 8. Try Natural Calming Solutions

Talk to your vet about safe calming aids like pheromone diffusers, calming collars, supplements, or even CBD treats. Combine these with familiar toys and routines to create a calm environment that is soothing for your pup.

🐶 Celebrate Safely—The WACKY Way

At GoWacky.us, we believe that pets are family—and that holidays should be fun and safe for everyone. That’s why we’ve created durable, chew-proof toys like the WUNDERBALL, and smart problem-solving dog walking tools like the no-pull WUNDERleash that make your dog walks safer and more enjoyable for you and your pup.

Looking for the best 4th of July dog toys or a leash that gives you better control during chaotic celebrations and helps teach your dog not to pull on leash?

👉 Shop WUNDERBALL & WUNDERleash Now – and give your pup the calm, comfort, and joy they deserve this Independence Day. Have a wonderful holiday weekend but please remember to celebrate safely and responsibly.