Many people look forward to the July 4th holiday. From picnics to fireworks, this holiday is a lot of fun for people, however the summer holiday also brings many dangers for our dogs.
Fireworks are a normal part of the holiday, but they are frightening to many dogs. Some dogs are merely uncomfortable with the sounds of fireworks, while others are terrified and unable to calm down or relax. Fear can make dogs act unpredictably, and as a result, they may dart outdoors, jump or dig under fences, and go missing. As scary as this season can be for our dogs, there are things that dog owners can do to support their dogs. Here are tips for keeping your dog safe over the 4th of July holiday.
BBQ hazards:
While enjoying your favorite 4th of July foods, you’ll want to give your dog their own treats. Many of our favorite treats enjoyed during the holiday are harmful to dogs so you don’t want to share snacks from your plate. For example, corn on the cob can cause an obstruction for dogs if eaten, beer and other alcohol can be toxic, and rib and chicken bones can splinter and be very dangerous for dogs to chew or consume. In addition, other holiday favorites like potato chips are very high in salt, which can make dogs sick. Instead of sharing treats from your plate, 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 very frightening to dogs. Even calm dogs can become spooked and frightened by fireworks and behave unpredictably. Similarly, if you know that your neighborhood involves a lot of amateur fireworks, avoid taking your dog out walking in your neighborhood during the 4th of July to reduce the exposure your dog will have to fireworks. Not walking for a few days won’t hurt your dog and can help keep them safe and comfortable.
Supervise your dog:
Make sure that your holiday plans allow you to be home with your dog during the fireworks to engage and supervise your dog. This will enable you to provide support and comfort to your dog if they become afraid. Even if your dog has been calm about fireworks in the past, it’s best to be with them during fireworks because, just like people, dogs can develop fears and phobias at any time. Being previously calm around fireworks in the past doesn’t mean they will continue to be calm about fireworks in the future.
Watch doors:
During the 4th of July holiday, it’s important to diligently 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 or yard a lot or getting food delivered, it’s a good idea to keep your dog in a room in your house that doesn’t have access to the front door or to keep your dog leashed to you when it’s possible fireworks will be going off. Similarly, if you have friends or family over for a BBQ, keep your dog leashed to prevent them from accidentally slipping out a door or gate left ajar.
Use leashes
Even if you have a fenced-in backyard, having your dog leashed while going outside during the 4th of July season is important. 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. Similarly, even if your dog regularly has a good recall, avoid off-leash play and instead keep your dog connected to you with a leash or long line 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. It’s especially helpful to ensure you have dog-safe chews and other long-lasting enrichment treats like stuffed KONGS prepped and ready for your dog. Even if your dog doesn’t have big feelings about fireworks, pairing the sounds of the season with high-value treats like chews can support your dog in maintaining positive associations with the sounds of fireworks. For dogs who do struggle with fireworks, chewing is a naturally self-soothing activity that can help lower stress during the July 4th holiday. Pairing the sound of fireworks with something pleasurable can help your dog develop more positive feelings and associations with the sound of fireworks.
Comfort your dog
If your dog is stressed, worried, or upset about the sound of fireworks over the July 4th holiday, it’s ok to do whatever you can to comfort and support your dog. Some people worry that if they comfort their dog who is panicked about fireworks, they 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 and fears around the 4th of July talk with your dog’s vet as early as possible about these symptoms. Your veterinarian may be able to prescribe your dog some anti-anxiety medication which can be given during the 4th of July fireworks season to help your dog to relax and be more comfortable as they cope with the upsetting sounds of fireworks. Panic and anxiety about fireworks are both extremely common in dogs. For dogs who are truly panicked, prescription medication can make a big difference in helping your dog feel safer and calmer during the fireworks.
