Posted by Chair King Backyard Store

This 4th of July, prioritize safety. Between the backyard barbecues, pool parties, and firework displays—make this celebration fun for everyone, including your pets. Whether you're hosting a big party or just enjoying the show, here are some tips to help you prepare your patio and pets for a festive (and considerate) 4th of July celebration.

Loud noises, unfamiliar guests, and fireworks can be overwhelming for our furry friends, so before the festivities begin, create a safe space for pets to retreat to when they feel scared or overstimulated:

• Set up a pet retreat indoors: If possible, keep your pets inside in a quiet room where they can’t hear fireworks as loudly. Use calming music, or a white noise machine, or leave the TV on to help mask the booms.

• Provide familiar comforts: Include their kennel for crate-trained pets, their favorite bed, toys, or blanket for additional comfort. Some pets benefit from anxiety wraps, calming pheromone sprays, and even lavender-scented toys to help reduce anxiety.

• Use outdoor-safe crates or gates if needed: If you plan to keep your pet outdoors during the celebration, notify your guests and create coverage for your pets using patio umbrellas or outdoor kennels for shelter and shade. We also recommend asking your guests to lock gates and close doors behind them, especially as people come and go. An extra set of eyes can make all the difference when it comes to supervising and protecting our four-legged friends.

Fireworks, sparklers, and citronella torches are a part of many Independence Day celebrations, but they can leave behind burn marks, ash, or oily residue that damages your outdoor furniture. Here's how to protect your backyard furniture:

Cover Your Furniture

Outdoor Furniture Covers are great for keeping your patio sets clean during a party. Cover your outdoor sofas, patio sectionals, and dining tables when not in use to guard against sparks and stains. Our custom, UV-resistant furniture covers are waterproof and fit snugly over your patio furniture sets to prevent wind-blown debris from harming your fabric or finish.

Patio Furniture Maintenance Tip: Keep microfiber cloths or all-purpose cleaning wipes handy during your party for fast cleanup of spills or smudges from greasy foods and drinks.

Invest in Guardsman®

With a Guardsman Outdoor Furniture Protection Plan, you gain access to a network of over 4,000 professional furniture repair experts who can work with you to repair and even replace damaged furniture. Guardsman grants coverage for a range of potential accidents and product failures including, food and cosmetic stains, pet damage, fabric burns, and product failures such as fabric tears and cracked tables. It even covers pet damage! From chewing on the frame, clawing the cushions, and even accidents—a Guardsman Outdoor Furniture Protection Plan has you covered.

To learn more about Guardsman or to add it to your recent outdoor furniture purchase, call your local showroom or learn more here.

Grilling is a tradition for 4th of July celebrations, but some barbecue staples are harmful to pets. Enjoy your hot dog and a healthy dog by incorporating some of these hosting tips this year:

• Elevate your serving areas. Opt for bar-height patio tables or raised sideboards to keep food and drink away from hungry Doodles and mischievous Terriers. Food table tents also work wonders when it comes to protecting your food from pesky insects and pups for additional safety.

• Keep trash cans sealed. Use outdoor bins with locking lids to prevent pets from sneaking leftovers or bones, and be mindful of discarded alcohol, chocolate, onions, and corn cobs—all of which are toxic to dogs and cats.

Whether you’re using a fire pit or watching fireworks from your deck, safety should always come first:

• Keep fire pits and patio heaters supervised and never leave them burning unattended. Pets can accidentally bump into them or knock over low-standing models.

• Use flame guards or spark screens with your fire pit, especially if it’s near wicker, cushions, or pet bedding.

• Place citronella candles or torches away from furniture and pet paths. Ingesting citronella is toxic to pets, and knocking over candles can pose a fire hazard.

Need a safer patio lighting alternative? Try LED string lights, outdoor lanterns, or solar-powered path lighting for a festive glow without open flames.

Once the celebration ends, your outdoor space and your pets may need a little TLC.

Post-Celebration Tips:

• Check your yard for any leftover firework debris, food scraps, or trash that pets might sniff out.

• Brush or vacuum loose ash or debris off cushions and tabletops, and use a gentle cleaner designed for your furniture’s material—teak cleaner for wood, mild soap for resin wicker, polymer, and aluminum patio furniture. For more detailed cleaning instructions, visit our Fabric and Furniture Care page.

• If your pet seems especially distressed after the celebration, book an appointment with your vet. Your vet can walk you through a variety of options from behavior training, boarding solutions, and even medication so the next celebration is fun for the whole family.

At Chair King Backyard Store, we believe comfort outdoors is for everyone! So before you fire up the grill or light up the night sky, prioritize your pets' and guests' safety. A little preparation can go a long way to make this 4th of July celebration the best one yet.

Want more hosting tips and tricks for hosting a 4th of July event? Read How to Celebrate Independence Day on the Patio.