The 4th of July is an exciting time of year for most of us, but for many dog owners and their furry friends, it can be stressful and dangerous. With the holiday quickly approaching, you may be wondering what you can do to keep your dogs feeling calm and safe during this year’s celebrations.
Fireworks are notorious for causing dogs to run away and go missing. If you are planning to watch a fireworks celebration away from home, it’s very important to leave your dogs behind and safely indoors. This will not only provide a familiar and safe place for them, but it will keep them protected if they become afraid and try to run away. Remember to keep ID tags on your dogs’ collars or have them micro-chipped in case of the unfortunate event that your dogs do ever go missing.
Understanding why your dogs are feeling stressed out can also be very helpful. Every year, around the same time, you are expecting the festivities of the holiday. Dogs, however, lacking this sense and understanding, will be caught off guard by the unfamiliar events. This can trigger a feeling of being unsafe and threatened.
For dog owners choosing to stay at home during the fireworks, the AKC tells us it’s important to know what your dogs love most and to be familiar with your dogs’ body languages. This will allow you to be aware of the first signs of distress and to present your dogs with what they love to distract them.
It’s also common for dogs to read their owners’ emotions to gauge a situation they do not understand, so it’s best not to overly console your dogs. This may be interpreted as a confirmation that something is in fact wrong. Instead, act confidently, use a positive tone of voice and offer some favorite treats.
Whether you decide to stay home or go out this 4th of July, always give your dogs plenty of exercise right before any stressful or unfamiliar event. This will allow them the opportunity to potty and help use up any extra energy they may have stored. The exercise and outdoor stimulation will offer a feeling of relaxation afterward that will hopefully carry over into the evening. Remember to always provide your dogs with fresh water.
What Can You Do To Drown Out The Noise Of Fireworks?
Keeping your dogs safely indoors during the fireworks show is the best option, however, it might not be enough. The loud explosions may still make their way inside. Drowning out the noise with an upbeat TV show or music may be just the thing to help. Be mindful of making the sound loud enough to cover the noise of the fireworks but not too loud that it disturbs your dogs.
There are several soundtracks online, like this Youtube Channel, ‘Relax My Dog’,that have been created specifically to help relax dogs. Trying them out ahead of time may offer the chance to see if your dogs have a favorite soundtrack.
Fireworks Aren’t The Only Threat To Your Dogs On The 4th Of July
In addition to loud explosions of fireworks on the 4th of July, there are other risk factors that you should stay aware of to keep your dogs safe and relaxed. Holidays often mean house guests, which can not only be loud and disorienting to your dogs but often guests aren’t familiar with your dogs’ diets or behaviors.
If you do decide to have your dogs out mingling, be sure to communicate with your guests to keep doors and gates closed, chemicals or other hazardous materials, such as matches and lighter fluid, out of reach and not to share any unsafe food with your dogs. The ASPCA provides a list of poisonous food for dogs, some that may be popular this summer are: Alcohol, avocado, chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, under-cooked meats, and meat bones.
Going Out Of Town For The Holiday?
We understand that leaving town and being unable to take your dogs along can be difficult, especially during a holiday with so many high-risk factors. So, it’s important to find a trusted and compassionate boarding company like All Star Pet Resort, that understands how to keep your dogs safe and happy.
With on-site dog grooming services like The Hair of the Dog Pet Spa, you can feel confident that your dogs are enjoying their holiday just as much as you. Follow us on Facebook for more great tips or call us at (310)320-8799 to easily book your next boarding service or (323)710-0472 for grooming services.
