Texas ranks among states where fireworks injure pets during Fourth of July celebrations

HOUSTON – Fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations, but veterinarians say they can pose serious risks for pets.

New data from pet medical insurance provider Trupanion found that hundreds of cats and dogs have been injured by fireworks around the Independence Day holiday over the past several years. The company also reported a significant number of pets treated for severe anxiety and other health issues related to loud fireworks.

According to Trupanion, 542 pets covered by the insurer suffered fireworks-related injuries between July 1 and July 7 from 2020 through 2025. Because Trupanion insures about 1 million of the nation’s estimated 164 million cats and dogs, the company said the actual number of pets injured nationwide is likely much higher.

Texas among top 10 states for Fourth of July fireworks injuries

Texas ranked 10th among states with the most fireworks-related injury claims during the Fourth of July holiday, with nine claims filed between 2020 and 2025.

The states with the highest number of holiday-related fireworks injury claims were:

1. California: 54
2. Florida: 31
3. Massachusetts: 24
4. New York: 19
5. Washington: 19
6. New Jersey: 18
7. North Carolina: 10
8. Nevada: 10
9. Connecticut: 10
10. Texas: 9

Fireworks injuries happen year-round

While the Fourth of July accounts for many incidents, fireworks-related injuries aren’t limited to the holiday.

Trupanion recorded 932 fireworks-related claims nationwide between January 2020 and December 2025. Texas ranked seventh overall with 32 claims during that time.

California led the nation with 160 fireworks-related claims, followed by Washington with 102 and Florida with 71.

Fireworks can trigger anxiety in pets

The loud booms from fireworks can also cause severe stress for animals.

According to Trupanion, more than 30% of all noise phobia claims occur around the Fourth of July holiday. Between 2020 and 2025, the insurer processed 1,064 noise phobia-related claims, with Texas reporting 26.

Noise phobia can cause pets to panic, hide, attempt to escape, tremble, pace or injure themselves.

How to help keep pets safe during fireworks

Veterinarians recommend taking several precautions before fireworks begin:

• Keep pets indoors in a secure room.
• Close windows and curtains to reduce noise and flashes.
• Play music or turn on the television to help mask loud sounds.
• Make sure pets are wearing identification tags and that microchip information is current.
• Never bring pets to fireworks displays.
• Contact your veterinarian ahead of time if your pet has a history of severe anxiety during fireworks.

Trupanion analyzed fireworks-related insurance claims filed between January 2020 and December 2025. Fourth of July claims include incidents reported between July 1 and July 7 during each year of the study.