Many people look forward to the July 4th holiday. From picnics to fireworks, this holiday is a lot of fun for people, but the summer holiday also brings many dangers for our dogs. From BBQ-safe foods to fireworks, there’s lots to consider when it comes to your dog. Fireworks are a normal part of the holiday, but they are frightening to many dogs. Fear can make dogs act unpredictably, and as a result, they may dart outdoors, jump or dig under fences, and go missing. Here are tips for keeping your dog safe over the 4th of July holiday.
BBQ hazards
Though there are tons of delicious 4th of July foods, you’ll want to give your dog their own treats. Many human foods are harmful to dogs, so don’t share snacks from your plate. For example, corn on the cob can cause an obstruction for dogs, beer and other alcohol can be toxic, and rib and chicken bones can splinter if dogs chew them. In addition, snacks like potato chips are very high in salt, which can make dogs sick. Be prepared to give your pup their special dog-safe treats and chews during the holiday to avoid a trip to the emergency vet clinic.
Avoid Fireworks
Even if you love spending time with your dog, don’t bring them with you to 4th of July holiday events where fireworks will be located. Fireworks can be painfully loud and frightening to dogs. Even calm dogs can be spooked by the noise and behave unpredictably. Similarly, if your neighborhood involves a lot of amateur fireworks, avoid dog walks in your neighborhood during the 4th of July. Do what you can to reduce your dog’s exposure to fireworks. Not walking for a few days won’t hurt your dog and can help keep them safe and comfortable.
Supervise Your Dog
Try to have holiday plans at home with your dog during the fireworks to supervise them. This will help you support and comfort your dog if they become afraid. Even if your dog has been calm about fireworks in the past, spend time with them if you can. Just like people, dogs can develop fears and phobias at any time. Dogs who were calm around fireworks in the past doesn’t gurantee they will always be calm about fireworks.
Watch Doors
During the 4th of July holiday, remember to watch doors and fence gates. When panicked or spooked by the sound of fireworks, dogs may dart out of doors unexpectedly. If you know you’ll be in and out of your house a lot, keep your dog in a room that doesn’t have access to the front door. Alternatively, keep your dog leashed to you, especially when fireworks are scheduled. If you have friends or family over for a BBQ, keep your dog leashed to prevent them from slipping out a door or gate left ajar.
Use Leashes
Even if you have a fenced-in backyard, have your dog leashed while going outside during the 4th of July season. Dogs can act unpredictably when spooked by fireworks, which may involve them darting through a door or jumping a fence. To keep your dog safe, keep your dog leashed and supervised when going outside to potty as well. Even if your dog regularly has a good recall, avoid off-leash play during the July 4th season.
Muffle Sounds:
To help your dog stay calm during 4th of July, create a safe space in your house away from the sound of fireworks. Pick a quiet area, ideally in an interior area of your home, away from windows that will be more sheltered from the fireworks. Playing music or putting on a movie at a slightly higher volume can be useful to help your dog not focus on the sounds of fireworks. Your dog will still be able to hear fireworks, the familiar household sounds can help to muffle the fireworks and help dogs to be less distressed and agitated.
Provide Enrichment
To help your dog cope with 4th of July, stock up on treats your dog is excited about. Pro tip: purchase dog-safe chews and other long-lasting enrichment toys. For example, try a stuffed KONG which will take your dog’s focus off of the fireworks. Even if your dog isn’t fearful of fireworks, pair the sounds with high-value food to create positive associations with fireworks. For dogs who do struggle with fireworks, chewing is a naturally self-soothing activity that can help lower stress.
Comfort Your Dog
If your dog is stressed, worried, or upset about the sound of fireworks over the July 4th holiday, do whatever you can to comfort and support your dog. Some worry that comforting a panicked dog could end up rewarding the fearful behavior, but this isn’t the case. Our dogs trust us and look to us for safety and reassurance. If your dog is uncertain or worried about the fireworks, it’s perfectly ok to do whatever you can to keep your dog safe and support them during the fireworks.
Get Support
If you know that your dog struggles with anxiety around the 4th of July, talk with your dog’s vet as early as possible. Your veterinarian may prescribe some anti-anxiety medication which can help your dog relax as they cope with the upsetting sounds of fireworks. Panic and anxiety about fireworks are extremely common in dogs. For certain dogs, prescription medication can help them feel safer and calmer during the fireworks.
