DDPHE Blog: Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe this Fourth of July

DDPHE Blog: Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe this Fourth of July

Published on June 24, 2026

As the Fourth of July approaches, the Denver community looks forward to festivities, fireworks and food with friends and loved ones. While we make plans for summer celebrations, it's crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of our beloved pets. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) reminds residents a little preparation can go a long way in making sure that everyone enjoys a safe and memorable Independence Day, including Fido.

BBQ Foods Pets Should Avoid

Long, hot days and BBQs are a time to keep a close eye on your pet. Officers from Denver Animal Protection (DAP) remind Denver residents some of the human foods we love can make your pet sick and even lead to death, including Fourth of July favorites like alcohol, avocados, seasonings and high-fat foods like greasy burgers/hot dogs and more. If you believe your pet has ingested a poisonous substance and is ill, contact either your local veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

Keeping Dogs Cool in the Summer Sizzle

As the days get longer and hotter, we have to pay close attention to make sure dogs don't get overheated. Heat is harder on dogs than humans since they don't sweat like us-through the skin which evaporates and cools our bodies. Dogs release heat from their bodies primarily by panting and exchanging hot air for cool. But when the air inside is warm, they breathe in that heat and can't cool off. That causes their body temperature to rise quickly and dangerously. Puppies, elderly, long-haired, dark-haired, and flat-faced dogs are also more at risk for overheating. When walking your dog, keep walks during peak daytime hours to a minimum. Be mindful of hot pavement that can burn your pet's feet. If you can't hold your bare hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, then it's too hot for your dog to walk on. Also, being so close to the warm ground, your dog's body can heat up quickly.

As you're running your pre-party errands, never leave your dog in a hot car alone. Even on an 80-degree day, a car's temperature can soar to triple digits. The Centers for Disease Control says after just 20 minutes, the inside of the car can hit 109 degrees Fahrenheit, even with the windows cracked open. In that short time, a dog can suffer life-threatening heatstroke which can cause organ failure and death. If you see a dog in a hot car, please call DAP dispatch at 720-913-2080. While Denver's good Samaritan law provides legal immunity to people who break a car window to save an animal, it's important to exhaust all other measures before entering the vehicle.

We love how dog friendly Denver is, but sometimes the safest place for your dog is at home in the summer heat. Learn more about keeping your pet safe in the heat on the DDPHE website.

Pet Safety After the Sun Sets

As the sun sets and the party continues, it's important to remember a party may not always be a fun or safe place for your pet. Fireworks, sparklers and other items that cause loud sounds can be frightening for our furry friends. Keep pets indoors at home in a safe, quiet area, perhaps with a crate. Some animals can become destructive when scared, so be sure to put away fragile items.

Frightened animals are much more likely to run, hide or become destructive. Animal shelters, including Denver Animal Shelter, generally see more stray animals on July 5, than other times of the year. If your pet does escape, it's important they are wearing proper tags and microchipped. License and microchip your pet. If your pet escapes, having identification increases the likelihood your pet will be returned to you. Visit the Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave., to get your pet microchipped or licensed today. DAP has additional tips on how to prevent and find a lost pet. Animals found running at-large should be taken to your local animal shelter where they have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

More Dos and Don'ts of pet safety for Independence Day can be found in the DDPHE blog. For more information about DAP and DAS or to license your pet online, visit www.denveranimalshelter.org. Illegal fireworks can be reported online at Denvergov.org/311, through Sunny the Chatbot or by calling 720-913-2059.

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