Fourth of July Pet Safety & Summer Travel Tips
The Fourth of July is almost here! While we're all looking forward to time with family and friends, it can be a stressful weekend for many pets. Between fireworks, travel, and holiday celebrations, a little planning now can make the weekend much easier for everyone.
Fireworks & Pets
Not every pet is afraid of fireworks, but many are—and some dogs and cats that have never shown signs of anxiety before may react for the first time.
A few simple steps can help:
- Keep pets indoors during fireworks.
- Make sure collars, ID tags, and microchip information are current.
- Close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV, a fan, or some music to help cover outside noise.
- Give your pet a quiet room where they can settle in if they become anxious.
- If your pet has struggled with fireworks in the past, talk with your veterinarian before the holiday about medications or other options that can help.
The days around the Fourth of July are some of the busiest of the year for lost pets, so it's worth taking a few extra precautions.
Local Fourth of July Celebrations
If you're heading out to celebrate, your pet will probably be happiest staying home.
- July 3: Concert and Drone Show
- July 4: Fireworks
- July 3: Red, White & You Parade (9:00 AM–Noon)
Canton
Festivities include:
- ? Parade at 6:00 PM around the Riverstone Plaza block
- ? Concert at 7:30 PM in the Riverstone Plaza Shopping Center
- ? Fireworks at 9:30 PM, launched from Etowah River Park
Traveling with Your Pet?
Summer is a busy travel season, so it's a good time to make sure your pet is ready to go.
Before you leave, check:
- Rabies vaccination
- Vaccines required by your destination or boarding facility (such as Bordetella, DHP, canine influenza, or Leptospirosis)
- Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention
- Any medications your pet will need while you're away
If your pet needs vaccines, a health certificate, or prescription refills, try to schedule those before the last minute.
Traveling to Texas or New Mexico?
If your pet will be traveling to Texas or affected areas of New Mexico, there are currently additional inspection requirements before returning to Georgia because of the ongoing New World Screwworm response.
The list of affected areas may change, so it's a good idea to check the latest information before your trip. If you have questions, we're happy to help you understand the current requirements before you travel.
Read the latest Georgia travel requirements here.
One More Reason to Stay Current on Flea & Tick Prevention
There is some encouraging news.
Both Credelio Quattro® and NexGard PLUS® are now labeled for the treatment of New World Screwworm infestations. While research is still ongoing, we expect other isoxazoline products—including Credelio®, NexGard®, Simparica®, and Bravecto®—to provide varying degrees of protection by killing larvae after they begin feeding.
These products aren't a substitute for avoiding exposure or following travel requirements, but they're another good reason to keep your pet on year-round flea and tick prevention.
Questions?
Whether you need anxiety medication before the fireworks, vaccines for boarding, travel paperwork, or have questions about New World Screwworm requirements, we're happy to help.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July from everyone at Tamberly Animal Hospital!
Related reading:
Dog Safety Guide for North Atlanta Parks, Trails and Events