Summer in Maine is about as magical as it gets; perfect temperatures, beautiful breezes, and ponds, lakes, and the ocean to relax near. It truly is the way life should be.

It’s also a short season, and we all want to make the most of it. The 4th of July offers a great opportunity to gather with family and friends, enjoy summer foods and drinks, and watch fireworks light up the sky.

But many of these favorite traditions come with risks for our pets. We’ve put together a quick list of common holiday hazards to help you plan ahead and keep your pets safe and comfortable, too.

Fireworks

Fireworks can be fun for people, but for dogs and cats, the loud noises and flashing lights can be overwhelming and scary. In many parts of Maine, private fireworks are legal, so it’s possible your neighborhood will see unexpected displays throughout the day or evening. Even pets who have never reacted to fireworks before can become fearful without warning. It’s safest to assume that fireworks may be stressful and prepare accordingly:

• Keep pets indoors with windows closed
• Close curtains and play soothing music or the TV
• Consider calming treats or, in severe cases, talk to your vet about medication
• Make sure your pets are secured before the fireworks begin

Open Gates and Doors

If you’re having guests over, the excitement and frequent movement can create lots of chances for pets to slip out. A door may not latch properly, or someone may not realize they’re the last one in. If your pets are nervous around people or easily spooked, the risk increases. It helps to have a plan:

• Keep pets in a secure room or crate while guests are arriving
• Add visual reminders for guests to shut doors and gates behind them
• Double-check latches before the festivities begin

Food and Drinks

With gatherings come snacks, grilling, drinks, and often overflowing trash. Pets might help themselves to counters, plates, or garbage, even if they don’t usually. Guests (especially kids) may also feed pets without realizing what’s safe.

Some foods, like cheese or meat scraps, may be fine, or just lead to an upset stomach. Others (like grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, and bread dough) can cause serious harm. To stay ahead of issues:

• Keep food and trash out of reach
• Ask guests not to feed pets
• Remind kids to keep snacks to themselves
• Know which foods are dangerous and watch for signs of distress

Peace and Quiet

Whether it’s from fireworks, loud guests, or overstimulation, pets often need a break. Set up a calm, quiet space in advance so your pet has somewhere safe to retreat to.

• Use a cozy bed, soft lighting, and familiar toys
• Add a fan or calming music to help muffle loud noises
• Give them a treat-dispensing toy to stay busy

Update ID Tags and Microchips

The 4th of July is one of the busiest days of the year for lost pet reports. Collars and ID tags should be secure and easy to read, and microchip info should be up to date just in case your pet slips out.

No one plans to lose a pet, but taking a few minutes to check your contact info now could make all the difference later.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Taking just a few minutes to think through your plans (and how they affect your pets!) can help prevent accidents, stress, and emergency vet visits.

From all of us at The Ark, we wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

📌 Reminder: The Ark will be CLOSED to the public on Friday, July 4th.