From the grilling to the fireworks, the Fourth of July offers fun for people of all ages. However, as a pet owner, you know that this festive holiday can be stressful for your furry family members. Not only are many dogs frightened by the loud noises—they also have reason to be scared. To prevent your companion from falling victim to any safety hazards, adopt the following pet care do’s and don’ts this Fourth of July.

Do:

Keep candles out of reach.

As your relatives and friends hang out in your backyard, you might light some citronella candles to keep bugs at bay. Unfortunately, the unique smell and captivating flame of this insect-repelling tool may attract your pet’s attention. To prevent your dog from suffering a burn injury, keep these candles off the ground and in the center of high tables—or anywhere their wet noses can’t reach.

Make sure their information is up to date.

When dogs and cats get frightened, they can act a lot different than normal—even a loyal, loving pet may run off in search of peace of quiet. While you don’t want to expect the worst, it’s best to make sure your pet’s information is up to date in case they get lost during the festivities. If they have a microchip, check with the vet that the phone number on file is correct, and make sure their collar tag features your current number and address.

Don’t:

Use fireworks around pets.

With so many people celebrating, your dog is bound to hear fireworks set off in the distance or even across the street by neighborhood kids. Still, do what you can to keep them away from these frightening fire hazards. Keep your pet inside if you’re doing sparklers in the backyard, and don’t take them to a public fireworks show. 

Leave alcohol, food, or harmful chemicals lying around.

Although you’ll want to take advantage of the holiday and relax with friends and family, you’ll have to keep an eye out for messes that could harm your pet. If your pet is outside with the party, make sure food and alcohol are out of their reach. Also, as soon as people are done applying insect repellant or sunscreen, ask them to put the bottles away or on a shelf out of reach. If your pet ingests these harmful chemicals, you could spend the evening in the animal hospital.

If you’re going away for the Fourth of July or throwing a large get-together, consider pet boarding at Shar-Jo's Pet Styling & In-Home Pet Sitting. This pet care provider will be happy to watch over your companion while you relax, so you don’t have to worry about them getting hurt or being frightened by the festivities. Run by a certified obedience instructor, this Milford, OH, business offers everything from grooming to pet sitting services. For more information on their pet care expertise, visit the website, or call (513) 831-9457 to inquire about boarding.