July 4th and dogs: Are you ready to keep your pup safe during the holiday season?
The 4th of July holiday is marked by barbecues, outdoor activities, and above all, fireworks. For us humans, fireworks are a real spectacle. However, they are extremely stressful and anxiety inducing for dogs.
You probably already know that dogs are noise sensitive animals. For this reason, the sound of fireworks can cause a variety of reactions in your pup, such as stress, anxiety, or fear. Some dogs can even run away and hide out of fear. Did you know that the 4th of July is the day of the year when the most dogs go missing?
To help you keep your dog safe and comfortable during the 4th of July, we’ve created a list of helpful tips. Check them out below!
Plan Ahead
If you have a dog, it’s important to plan ahead weeks before the 4th of July holiday. If you plan to travel, make sure where you’re staying has a comfortable space for your dog to stay during the fireworks. Ideally, you can leave him indoors safely in his crate. You should bring everything he needs, including his crate, favorite toys, blanket, food, and chewables. You want to make your dog feel as safe as possible, especially if he’s not in his own home.
Planning ahead is also important for those who are not going to travel. If you plan to have a lot of people come to your home for the holiday, we recommend preparing a quiet place indoors for your dog to stay during the fireworks. If your pup is comfortably crate trained, we recommend using his crate.
Read More: 5 Signs of Stress in Dogs
Desensitize Your Pup
Is your dog afraid of fireworks? Then you can help him become familiar with these noises through desensitization. Weeks, or even months, before the holiday, you should start playing recorded sounds of fireworks. We recommend playing these sounds at a low volume at first and gradually increasing both the volume and length of time played until your dog feels more comfortable. Exposing your pup is a great way to prevent him from developing severe anxiety to noises such as fireworks.
Read More: Noise Anxiety in Dogs: What Is It?
Identification is Essential
The reaction of many dogs to the sound of fireworks is, of course, to run. To prevent your pup from running away from home and getting lost, we recommend using collars, microchips, and AirTags that have a GPS.
In addition, it is essential to verify that your dog’s ID tags are up to date with your name and contact information.
This tip is especially imperative for anyone who is planning to travel to an unknown location.
Don’t Take Your Dog to the Fireworks
Are you thinking of going out to see the 4th of July fireworks? If so, we recommend leaving your dog at home. As we mentioned before, your pup can be very stressed by the noise and the crowd present. In addition to stress, the sound of the fireworks can also cause ear damage in dogs.
If your dog has a lot of energy, be sure to tire him out earlier in the day. Go for a long walk with him during the day. This way he will be tired and able to rest better at night.
Read More: Benefits of a Structured Walk
Create a Comfortable and Safe Environment
On the 4th of July, you must create a safe and comfortable environment for your dog. We recommend closing and covering the windows, repositioning your pup’s bed or crate to the quietest spot in the house, and putting on other sounds to draw his attention away from the fireworks.
If your dog has a history of anxiety, you may want to consider staying at home with him during the fireworks. Dogs who suffer from serious anxiety issues can injure themselves, damage items, or even escape during fireworks.
Remember that it is important that you stay calm around your pup, as dogs easily pick up and mirror our energy. You don’t want to make your dog more nervous. Instead, try to distract your pup with fun games, toys, or treats. Dogs tend to respond well to positive interaction when they are nervous or anxious.
July 4th and Dogs: Are you ready?
The 4th of July holiday is a time of celebration with friends and family. Despite all the fun, it’s also important to think about your dog’s well-being and safety. By planning ahead and following the instructions outlined above, your pup will be more likely to have a safe and comfortable 4th of July.
Astoria Dog Walker
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram!
