Pet injuries during the 4th of July and how to prevent them

(FOX40.COM) — As many people celebrate the Fourth of July with barbeques and fireworks, pets may be spending the day anxious, stressed and may even be injured.

Pet medical insurance, Trupanion, said more than 300 Trupanion-protected pets nationwide were injured in Fourth of July fireworks-related incidents since 2020. About 54 of those pets were in California, the insurance company said.

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“Fireworks can cause serious injuries. And the 4th of July can be a stressful time for pets, so pet owners should make sure their pet is safe inside the house and is surrounded by things that comfort them and calm them down,” said Trupanion Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Nold. 

Meanwhile, Nationwide said that more than 600,000 insured pets were sorted through to determine the most common Fourth of July-related pet injuries.

Most common injuries and their average treatment costs include:

• Heat stroke caused by hot weather: $695
• Toxicities caused by ingesting chocolate, table scraps or alcohol: $506
• Blunt trauma caused by an off-leash accident: $462
• Near drowning caused by falling into a pool: $409
• Cuts caused by breaking through a window or fence: $379
• Burns caused by fireworks: $165

“The Fourth of July is a fun-filled holiday, but it can be incredibly stressful and dangerous for pets,” said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for Nationwide. “Pet owners should pay close attention to their animals’ level of anxiety generated from the irregular activity. Providing pets with a comfortable place away from the chaos and noise of the celebration can help keep them relaxed and safe.”

Nationwide also gave tips on how to make sure pets are safe this holiday season:

• Set up comfortable, safe zones for pets that will help block out noise
• Leave out extra water bowls as a way to ensure pets remain hydrated throughout the day.
• Be cautious of what pets are consuming, as it can be toxic
• Do not assume pets can swim
• Do not leave pets unattended or tied up in the backyard
• Keep proper identification on them at all times

More information on the statistics of pet injuries can be found on the Trupanion website.

More details on how to keep pets safe can be found on the Nationwide website.