The grill is heating up, the decorations are ready, and your July 4th guest list is confirmed. But there's one VIP whose needs might not be on your party planning checklist yet…
Your pet.
This July 4th, it's time to challenge the idea that pets are just bystanders to our celebrations. They deserve to be part of the action, and with the proper preparation, your backyard BBQ can include incredible memories with every member of your pack.
Any great athlete knows that peak performance starts with preparation, and creating the perfect July 4th experience for your pet begins long before the first burger hits the grill. When it comes to July 4th and pets, a little planning goes a long way. From setting up safe spaces and managing grill safety to beating the heat and preparing for fireworks, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to help your pet not only get in on the fun, but also benefit from it. With the right game plan, this Fourth of July can be incredible for everyone.
Setting the Stage for Success
The foundation of any great celebration is preparation, and your pet's comfort zone deserves the same attention you'd give to setting up the perfect playlist or chilling the drinks.
Your first move?
Collect items needed for your pet’s backyard “safe space” where they can retreat, recharge, and stay cool while still being part of the festivities.
Those items include:
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A simple pop-up tent or umbrella
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Multiple water bowls
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Their favorite enrichment toys (puzzles, chews, etc.)
(And keep reading to learn how to use these items to build your pet’s “hydration station”!)
Secondly, do a safety check to ensure your yard is secure. July 4th brings unfamiliar sounds, smells, and energy that can trigger even the most well-behaved pet's flight response. In fact, “shelters and animal control facilities consistently see an increase of 30% to 60% in lost pets brought to them from July 4 to 6 every year.”
Before the festivities begin, perform a quick gate check and fence inspection to be sure the only sprinting your pet is doing is around the yard in good fun with your guests.
Lastly, just like you jotted down your grocery list to feed your guests, prep your pet’s party food shopping list. Include must-have items that will help your pet stay calm, engaged, and most importantly, included in the fun.
These small but crucial July 4th pet safety tips can make all the difference in ensuring your furry friend enjoys the celebration as much as everyone else.
Keep reading for our top picks to fuel your July 4th BBQ festivities!
Mastering Grill Safety For Your Pet
Your dog's nose is telling them that something incredible is happening near that hot, sizzling contraption, and their curiosity is in full force. Rather than constantly playing defense from the hot grill, you can get strategic about keeping their noses and paws safely away and distracted.
The secret?
Give them their own BBQ experience that rivals what's happening on the main grill.
While you're grilling burgers for the humans, set up a separate space where your dog can have their own "grilled" experience with Nulo Jerky Strips in either the more classic “grilled” beef flavor, or any of the others to satisfy their tastes – chicken, duck, salmon, or turkey.
While your dog might not understand why they can't join the party around the grill, they’ll absolutely appreciate their own special treats that make them feel like part of the celebration. Instead of constantly redirecting your pet away from where the action is, redirect them toward where their action is. Make their space the place to be, and you'll find that managing grill safety becomes less about enforcement and more about excitement.
Helping Your Pet Beat the Heat Like a Pro
July 4th celebrations and heat management go hand in hand, especially when your celebration companion is wearing a permanent fur coat. Just like elite athletes monitor their hydration and body temperature during training, your pet will need help managing their body temperature during the summer months, especially when they’ll be outside joining in on the BBQ fun.
Set up your pet’s “hydration station”.
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Assemble your pop-up tent or set up a strategically placed umbrella for access to shade and to keep their water bowl cool.
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Fill your pet’s multiple water bowls with cold water (never iced).
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Mix up some “Pup-tinis” to elevate your hydration game while treating your pup to a summer sip alongside your guests. Start with some chilled Nulo FreeStyle Bone Broth and garnish with Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw pieces!
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Gather frozen treat puzzles, damp towels for lying on, or even a kiddie pool for water-loving pets, and you can turn a potentially uncomfortable situation into an enriching experience.
Recognize the signs of an overheating pet.
You'll want to learn to recognize when your pet's need for a cooldown is crucial (because they won't always be the best judge).
Watch your pet for these warning signs (from PetMD.com):
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Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
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Excessive drooling
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Loss of energy or lethargy
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Loss of coordination or stumbling
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Bright red gums or tongue
Special consideration for flat-faced breeds.
Short-nosed dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus are especially prone to overheating due to their shortened airways. These breeds have a harder time cooling themselves through panting and need extra attention during hot weather celebrations. Consider keeping them indoors during peak heat hours and providing additional cooling options.
Preparing Your Pet for the Fireworks Finale
Here's where your pre-party prep really pays off! Fireworks represent the ultimate test of your pet's ability to handle stimulation, and the right nutrition and environment setup can make all the difference.
If you know your pet struggles with loud noises, this is where those Nulo Calming Chews become your MVP of the night. Administer the proper dose according to your dog’s body weight before the anticipated stress begins, allowing your pet's system time to absorb the calming ingredients and feel more relaxed when the fireworks start.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These are by far the most effective calming treats on the market. I have a 60 lb high-energy hunting dog. They're tiny miracles. I'm so happy with them!” -Minette, Louisiana
Creating a safe haven from the fireworks noise.
Setting up a quiet refuge inside your home isn't admitting defeat. It's strategic and smart planning that your pet will be grateful for.
Set up a quiet room with some chill-out essentials:
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Their favorite blanket or bed
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Some soft music or white noise
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A puzzle toy filled with Nulo dog treats to keep their mind occupied
Ask your guests in advance to give your pet this space to relax privately. With these tips combined, you’ll turn fireworks time into a calming enrichment time and redirect their focus with a rewarding experience!
Make This Fourth of July with Your Pet Incredible
This July 4th, challenge yourself to see the celebration through your pet's eyes. Create space for them to succeed, fuel them for the adventure ahead, and celebrate the incredible bond that makes them such an essential part of your family.
Your pet's inner athlete is ready to celebrate the Fourth of July alongside you. They're ready to be part of the excitement, the joy, and yes, even the chaos that makes family gatherings memorable.
What they need from you is the same thing any great athlete needs from their support team:
The right fuel, the right environment, and the confidence that someone has their back.
With those three things, any celebration becomes a chance to create something special together with your pet.
