Help your furry friends stay safe and secure this Fourth of July

Help your furry friends stay safe and secure this Fourth of July

Published on July 01, 2026

While many of us celebrate the Fourth of July with joy and fireworks, pets often face a night filled with fear and confusion.

In Fort Worth, Animal Care & Control sees a significant increase in calls for lost pets on July Fourth, as frightened animals try to escape the loud, startling noises. From 2022 to 2024, stray animal calls on July 4 ranged from 101 to 111, significantly higher than the average 59 to 76 calls on non-holidays.

Fireworks don't just cause noise; they trigger real anxiety in dogs, making them shake, bark, hide or run away in fear. As caring pet owners, we can help by creating a calm, safe space indoors with familiar comforts, masking the noise with soothing music and offering gentle distractions like toys or treats. Staying calm ourselves reassures our pets that they are safe. For pets with ongoing fear, gradual training before fireworks season can ease their stress.

Please remember, having or using fireworks inside Fort Worth city limits is illegal. By choosing not to use fireworks, we can protect our furry friends from needless pain and help keep the community safe and peaceful.

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• Health & Lifestyle