Fourth of July Fireworks Trigger Surge in Lost Pets; Best Friends Fur Ever Shares Safety Tips for Dog Owners

COCKEYSVILLE and JOPPA, MD – July 2, 2026 – Best Friends Fur Ever (BFFE), Maryland’s premier dog daycare, boarding and spa resort, is urging pet owners to keep a close watch on their dogs as Fourth of July fireworks cause even the most obedient pets to panic and flee.

Animal shelters report a significant increase in lost pets - 30% to 60% - between July 4 and July 6, with July 5 consistently ranking among the busiest intake days of the year. Loud fireworks can trigger panic in dogs, causing even well-trained pets to escape through open doors, jump fences or slip out of collars.

“While fireworks are a highlight of the holiday for people, they can be terrifying for dogs,” said Mary Steinebrunner, president of Best Friends Fur Ever. “Their instincts kick in and tell them something is wrong, and that fear can cause them to flee.”

Dogs can hear significantly higher frequencies than humans, making fireworks even louder and more distressing. Combined with flashing lights, vibrations, smoke, and unpredictable explosions, the experience can trigger a fight-or-flight response. Signs of anxiety may include, pacing, shaking, panting, excessive barking, hiding, or refusing to eat.

To help pets stay safe this Independence Day, Best Friends Fur Ever recommends:

• Keeping dogs indoors once fireworks begin.

• Creating a quiet, secure room with closed blinds and background noise such as a television, fan, or calming music.

• Exercising dogs earlier in the day to reduce excess energy.

• Ensuring collars, ID tags, and microchip information are current.

• Speaking out with a veterinarian if a dog has a history of severe noise anxiety.

For pet owners traveling for the holiday or attending evening celebrations, boarding facilities can also provide a calmer alternative for dogs that struggle with fireworks. Best Friends Fur Ever’s Maryland resorts feature indoor accommodations, calming background music, experienced staff, ThunderShirts, and calming supplements, with owner approval, to help reduce stress during fireworks season.

“Whether your dog stays home or spends the evening with us, the goal is the same,” Steinebrunner said. “A little prevention can help ensure the Fourth of July ends with happy memoires instead of a frantic search for a missing pet.”

About Best Friends Fur Ever
Best Friends Fur Ever (BFFE) is the Baltimore region’s premier dog daycare, boarding, and canine care resort. With locations in Joppa and Cockeysville, Maryland, BFFE provides a safe, enriching, and engaging experience for every dog. From high-energy social play to specialized, medically informed support through the ACC+ program, BFFE’s mission is to ensure every dog thrives both physically and emotionally.

Contact:

Bill Atkinson | 443-797-4150 | bill@atkinsonstrategic.com