There are a lot of things I love about the 4th of July; the parades, BBQs, getting together with good friends. But the things I don’t love about the holiday definitely outweigh the others. I have never loved fireworks. From a distance, sure. Watching them high in the sky with all their pretty colors, I do find that enjoyable. But the ones that are just purely for a loud bang noise have never been something I like.

The thing I dislike most about it stems from safety. As a mom, it terrifies me that my kids are going to be burned or worse. I honestly don’t even like sparklers because one wrong move and they could absolutely cause damage. As a dog mom, I dread that my pets will be confused and freak out.

Here are things to keep in mind this 4th of July for both people and pets.

People Safety:

Keep safe distances. Seems obvious but remind your kids to keep a distance as a bystander. Sometimes those fireworks are unpredictable!

Watch instead of participate. Many cities have banned fireworks and I am all for that! Though people still manage to get their hands on them regardless. Think about attending a fireworks show instead of a cul-de-sac show.

Bring other activities. I load up on glow sticks at the dollar store each 4th of July. My pre-teen and teenager actually still like putting those on when it gets dark outside.

Sparklers are not toys. I remember absolutely freaking out on my husband when our kids were young and he would have them hold a sparkler. They are so dangerous. Use only under adult supervision and avoid running with them!

Be water prepared. Have a bucket of water, a hose and fire extinguisher on the ready.

Never relight. Never attempt to re-light a firework that has not fully ignited. It could go off as you are attempting to re-light causing injury.

Pick up after. Accidental fires can occur so be sure to soak used sparklers and fireworks in water afterwards. Pick up after yourself! It is the worst coming home to a street full of firework casings that you had nothing to do with.

Talk to your spouse ahead of time. My husband likes fireworks while I do not. His comfort level is way beyond mine so I remind him each year that when it comes to our kids, I am not ok with them lighting anything themselves or even standing with him while he does. It causes me way too much worry. Talking to him ahead of time and reminding him of this means less bickering in the moment and me looking like the fun police to our kids.

Talk to your kids ahead of time. Particularly with my teenage son, I have talked to him about our expectations and most importantly, the use of common sense.

Pet Safety:

Walk them early in the day. We always get the dogs out for a good walk early in the day before too much noise has started. I find getting them a bit worn out helps ease anxiety.

Check that tags are attached. On the off chance your dog freaks out and somehow bolts, you want to ensure they have their tags well attached and their microchip up to date on registration.

Get a new treat or toy. This can help distract pets throughout the evening

Never leave fireworks near pets. This seems obvious, but remind your kids to not accidentally leave pop its or anything near where pets could possibly access them.

Refill anti-anxiety medication ahead of time, if applicable. This way you avoid the last minute lines for others who also forgot. Get it ahead of time and help put yourself at ease.

Consider anti calming products. There are several things out in the market like the anxiety wraps or calming chews. Both products work for one of our dogs but not at all for the other. Try them out ahead of time to see what might work for your pet.

Keep pets indoors with familiar sounds like the tv or white noise. Create a comfortable environment for them. If you are going to be away, think about putting them in a part of the house that is as away from the noise as possible, if that is even do-able.

Check on your pet. We go to a BBQ at a neighbors each year so one of us typically checks on our dogs at least once throughout the evening.

Happy Independence Day!