Thrive Pet Healthcare shares tips to help pets enjoy America’s 250th birthday weekend in ways that fit their social style

AUSTIN, Texas (June 24, 2026) — With America’s 250th anniversary falling on a Saturday this year, many families are preparing for a festive July 4th weekend filled with cookouts, travel, backyard gatherings, parades and fireworks.

For pet owners, the holiday can be more enjoyable when dogs and cats are included in ways that match their personalities, routines and comfort levels.

Thrive Pet Healthcare is encouraging pet owners to think about their pet’s limits before the weekend begins. Some pets thrive around people and activity. Others prefer quiet spaces, familiar routines, or shorter periods of stimulation.

“July 4th can be fun for families and pets when the plan fits the pet,” said Dr. Tony Coronado, vice president of emergency medicine at Thrive Pet Healthcare. “A social dog may enjoy part of a cookout. A shy dog may need breaks. A cat may want nothing to do with guests and feel safest in a quiet room. Knowing those limits ahead of time helps everyone enjoy the weekend.”

Dogs vary widely in how they respond to July 4th activities.

The social dog: Some dogs enjoy guests, attention and backyard gatherings. For these dogs, bring water, shade, a leash or harness, waste bags and a familiar blanket or toy. Give them breaks before they become tired or overstimulated.

The shadow dog: Some dogs stay closely attached to one person and may ignore guests. These dogs may not want to mingle, even if they seem calm. Give them a designated spot near their person with a dog bed, blanket or mat. Let them move when their person changes rooms. This can help them feel included without forcing them into the center of the activity.

The sensitive dog: Some dogs struggle with crowds, travel or loud noises. These dogs may do better with shorter outings, a quiet room indoors, away from windows, or calming support recommended by a veterinarian.

Many dogs are curious around food and may try to grab items from plates, trash cans or grills. Keep them away from skewers, bones, corn cobs, alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and anything sweetened with xylitol. Ask guests not to feed them without permission.

If your dog needs medication, supplements, calming treats or another relaxation aid, talk with your veterinarian before the holiday weekend. Do not wait until the holiday weekend to decide what to use.

Cats often prefer routine, quiet and familiar surroundings. Even social cats may become stressed by guests, open doors, loud music and fireworks.

The social cat: Some cats like visitors but still need an escape route. Let them choose when to interact and where to retreat.

The cautious cat: Many cats prefer to stay away from guests. Set up a quiet room with food, water, a litter box, familiar bedding, toys and a hiding spot.

The door-dasher: Some cats may slip out when guests come and go. Before visitors arrive, secure windows, doors and patio access. Ask guests not to open the cat’s room.

“Cats often feel safest when they can control their environment,” Dr. Coronado said. “For many cats, the best holiday plan is simple: protect their space, keep their routine steady and let them decide whether they want to interact.”

Before fireworks begin, bring pets inside, close windows and curtains, and use a TV, fan, white noise machine or calming music to soften outside noise. Make sure pets have their favorite bed, blanket or toy nearby.

“Pet owners do not need to overcomplicate the holiday,” Dr. Coronado said. “Plan around your pet’s personality, keep comfort items nearby and know when they need a break. Those small choices can make the weekend easier for pets and people.”

Pet owners should also check that identification is current, including collar tags and microchip registration. Save the phone number for your veterinarian or nearby emergency veterinary hospital in case your pet eats something unsafe, shows signs of heat stress, has trouble breathing, vomits repeatedly, collapses or appears injured.

Thrive Plus members have access to the HereFurYou Helpline at no charge. The 24/7 resource connects pet owners with teleadvice and teletriage support from credentialed veterinary technicians by phone or chat, which can be helpful for non-emergency questions or guidance during the holiday weekend.

To find a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent and emergency veterinary care, visit thrivepetcare.com.