The Only Locally-Owned Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Minnesota

Fireworks and Pets

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If your pet is burned or wounded by fireworks and explosives or is experiencing seizures or tremors after ingesting explosive materials or debris, these are considered a ā€œREDā€ – or true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!

If your pet ingests explosive materials and debris and is experiencing vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea, this is considered an ā€œORANGEā€ – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. Your pet should be seen by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within 12 hours. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! If your pet ingested fireworks or explosives and is not experiencing symptoms, we recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next.


Since 1777, Americans have celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks. This big, colorful, and loud tradition can be fun and for a lot of people, especially for some kids, it’s an exciting and magical experience. But for our pets? Well, fireworks do a lot more harm than good. The truth is that many pet owners absolutely dread the Fourth of July holiday. For a variety of reasons, fireworks + pets = big trouble. We’ll launch into the top three dangers in 3…2…1…BOOM!

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Reason #3: BurnsĀ 

Play with fire and someone will get burned. Unfortunately, our curious pets are often the victims while their humans are distracted.Ā This may be obvious,Ā but when pets get too close to lit explosives, theyĀ canĀ beĀ seriously injured. Many pets experience burns to the face, inside the mouth, and on theirĀ paws, as well as eye irritationĀ from the smoke. If you choose to do any activities that involveĀ fireworks or anything that involves fire, do not let your pets join. Instead, keep them safelyĀ inside.Ā Ā 

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Reason #2: ToxicĀ IngredientsĀ 

FireworksĀ containĀ hazardous chemicals and heavy metals that are toxic to pets.Ā Symptoms vary if your pet eats any part of a firework,Ā whether used or unused,Ā andĀ canĀ include vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and kidney failure. If you suspect your pet ate any amount of anyĀ fireworks,Ā seek immediate veterinary care.Ā AndĀ if youĀ plan toĀ light anyĀ type ofĀ fireworks, keep your pets inside andĀ thoroughlyĀ clean up the area before letting your petsĀ backĀ outside.Ā 

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Reason #1: Noise AnxietyĀ 

The most common danger of fireworks isĀ neither burns norĀ toxicities.Ā It’sĀ how our pets react!Ā As humans, weĀ know whatĀ those loud noises and bright flashes are. To our petsĀ though, fireworksĀ can be terrifying!Ā More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year because they get scared and flee – whetherĀ theyreĀ at a fireworks display, in the backyard, orĀ inside a house andĀ break outĀ (this happensĀ more often than you may think!)Ā Ā 

If your pet hasĀ noise anxiety, here are a few tips for a *fingers crossed* less stressful Fourth of July:

  • If there isĀ aĀ municipalĀ fireworksĀ display near your home,Ā know whenĀ it’sĀ happeningĀ so you canĀ be prepared.
  • Make sure your pet has updated ID tags and a microchip.Ā It’sĀ important to register the microchip and ensure your contact information isĀ up-to-date. If youĀ haven’tĀ done this yet, now is the time!Ā We strongly encourage allĀ pet parents toĀ haveĀ petsĀ wear a collar and ID tags.
  • Take your dog for a walk orĀ pottyĀ breaks earlier in the evening before the fireworks begin. Avoid letting any pets go outside during fireworks.Ā If your dog absolutelyĀ mustĀ go outside, keep them on a leash and be as quick as possible. You may want to useĀ canine-specific headphones (ā€œMutt Muffsā€) to reduce the noise while outside. Just don’t go out during the grand finale!
  • Whether your city or neighbors are setting off fireworks, it’s important to have a ā€œsafe havenā€ set up for your pet to quickly go to. ThisĀ roomĀ should make your pet feel comfortable and secure. Include your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, and anything else your petĀ mayĀ need. Often, this will include you or another family member!
  • In theĀ safe haven,Ā use background noise to drown out the fireworks or other loud noises. Use a white noise machine, TV, or radio. Again, canine headphones may also help.
  • Provide treats and distractions for your pet! A few examples include a KONG, enrichment activities and puzzles, or a special treat. This is also a great time to work on training skills!
  • Invest in aĀ Thundershirt, which is a vest that applies gentle and constant pressure. This is often very soothing for our pets!
  • If possible, we highly recommend staying home with your pet or having someone pet sit while you are away. This is the best way to ensure your pet is safe!
  • Talk to your family veterinarian about pheromones, supplements, and prescription medications. Your family veterinarian can help determine the best options and proper dosages for your pet. DO NOTĀ giveĀ any human medications to your pet – many human medications are toxic to pets and can be very dangerous – even fatal.Ā 

Learn more information about how to help your pet with noise anxietyĀ here.Ā Ā Ā 

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Public Service AnnouncementĀ 

It’sĀ not just pets who are bothered by the crash, bang, and boom of fireworks.Ā People withĀ noise sensitivities,Ā trauma survivors,Ā and even wildlifeĀ can findĀ the loud noisesĀ and flashes of lightĀ very distressing.Ā WeĀ inviteĀ youĀ toĀ considerĀ extinguishingĀ personal fireworksĀ fromĀ your holiday plans.Ā 

IfĀ fireworks are essential to your enjoyment of the holiday, considerĀ usingĀ a friend or family member’s more remote location orĀ warnĀ neighbors beforehand.Ā Ā 

Please remember that, in Minnesota,Ā only sparklers, cones and tubes that emitĀ sparks,Ā and items like snakes and party poppers are legal. Cherry bombs, firecrackers, andĀ other fireworksĀ that flyĀ or explode are illegal.Ā Learn more about Minnesota’s fireworks lawsĀ here.Ā 

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We hopeĀ you and your pets have a safe Fourth of July! Remember, the best way to keep ourĀ petsĀ safe is to keep them inside and away from fireworks.Ā If your pet does go missing after being startled by fireworks (or for any other reason),Ā click hereĀ for a few tips and resources to help you find your pet. If your pet is injured by fireworks or you believeĀ a petĀ ate any part of a firework, seek immediate veterinary care. Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota’s Oakdale facility is open 24/7 for emergencies,Ā and our St. Paul facility is open 8 AM – 8 PM.

Find more Fourth of July pet safety tipsĀ here!

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