Fireworks and pets: keeping dogs and cats safe on New Year's Eve and July 4

Before the night: a checklist

• Your pet's ID tag has your current phone number (AVMA).
• Your pet is microchipped, and your details in the microchip registry are up to date (AVMA).
• You have a clear, current photo of each pet, in case one gets out (AVMA).
• The yard and fences are secure, in case neighbors set fireworks off early (AVMA).
• If fireworks have frightened your pet before, you've talked to your vet well ahead. The AVMA says some pets do better with training, and some may need medicine from a vet. The ASPCA adds: never share one animalnever give a pet medicine meant for another animal or a person.apos;s medicine with another.
• A quiet room is ready: inside, away from windows, with soft music, water and a favorite chew or stuffed toy (ASPCA).

During the fireworks

• Leave pets at home when you go to a fireworks show, a parade or a party. Crowds, noise and strange places frighten them (AVMA).
• Keep them inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks, in a safe, escape-proof room or crate (AVMA).
• Check on cats. Cats are frightened by fireworks too, and they tend to hide (ASPCA).
• A snug wrap may help. The ASPCA suggests an anxiety vest, or a snug-fitting T-shirt if you don't have one.
• Guard the doors. Ask guests to help, and put a note on each door and gate (AVMA). The sign below is made for that.
• Keep fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks away from pets, and charcoal and skewers too (AVMA). Pets may try to eat fireworks (ASPCA).

On New Year's Eve

Loud music, party poppers and noisemakers frighten pets as well as fireworks do, so the quiet room matters all evening. Watch the confetti: the ASPCA says it can lodge in a cat's gut and may need surgery if swallowed. Keep drinks with alcohol out of reach (ASPCA).

On the Fourth of July

• Heat is a danger too. Keep pets inside when it's very hot or humid, give them shade and plenty of water outdoors, and never leave a pet in a car (AVMA).
• Keep pets away from the grill while it's on or still hot (AVMA).
• Fatty drippings and greasy leftovers can cause pancreatitis. Rubs and sauces can hold garlic, onion, cocoa powder or coffee, which can make pets sick (ASPCA).
• Corn cobs, bones, skewers and charcoal can cause blockages that often need surgery. Keep the trash lid closed (ASPCA).

After the fireworks

Walk the yard before your pet goes out. Fireworks debris lands in yards even if you didn't set any off (AVMA), and the ASPCA notes that fireworks contain chemicals and heavy metals, so pick up every piece. Check the house for dropped food and skewers too.

Jobs for the children

• Sign maker: print the door sign below and tape it up.
• Pet counter: before the fireworks start, count every pet and tell a grown-up where each one is.
• Quiet-room helper: bring a blanket, a toy and water to the quiet room, then leave the pet in peace.

A line to say to the children: "Fireworks are very loud for pets, and scared pets can run. Our pet stays inside with the door shut until it's quiet again."