The summertime is a wonderful time to be a dog owner: the weather is nice and there are so many great activities for you and your canine friend to enjoy. However, the 4th of July can be a difficult time for many dogs, especially those prone to anxiety. The loud fireworks and general chaos can spell danger for a pup, so we wanted to give you these tips to keep your dog safe.
4th of July For Dog Owners Tip #1: Exercise!
Do you remember when your dog was a puppy and you spent the day trying to avoid the dreaded night-time zoomies? Well, this tip works the same way. There is no better method for calming your dog at night than a day that is jam-packed with exercise. A morning run, a trip to the dog park, or even a light walk… all of these will help your pup rest easy even with all the 4th of July chaos going on outside.
Want more tips on how to keep your pup fit with exercise? The American Kennel Club has a great article here.
4th of July Tip #2: Create a Safe, Calm Environment
One thing I’m sure we all know about our dogs is that special spot they go to relax! Maybe it’s their crate, their bed, or even a sunny spot by a window. The potential for 4th of July anxiety is high, so setting them up comfortably in this spot with their favorite toy before the fireworks and festivities begin is a great way to ensure they go into this experience calm and collected.
Have a puppy or want more information on how to create this sort of space for your dog? Check out this great article from Preventive Vet: How to Set Up a Safe Space for Your Dog.
4th of July Tip #3: Make Sure Your Dog’s Tags and Photos Are Up To Date
It’s important that your dog’s tags contain accurate contact information for you, their owner, and it would also be wise to take some pictures or be sure you have some recent ones. This is especially true if you can’t keep your dog at home during the events: fireworks can shock even a well-trained dog and send them scurrying.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your furry best friend. This is obviously a worst-case scenario approach (ideally, your dog will be calmly nestled at home), but it will definitely help in the event your dog gets spooked and bolts.
Not sure what to put on your dog’s tags? We’ve got you covered: What Should I Put On My Dog’s Tag?
Tip #4: Trust Your Instincts and Your Knowledge of Your Dog
At the end of the day, no one knows your pup better than you, their owner and their best friend! So trust your instincts when it comes to these things: you more than likely know the best course of action for keeping them safe and calm on this not-so-dog-friendly holiday.
Maybe it’s a favorite toy, a special blanket, or a nice treat for dinner, no matter the method, trust your instincts and do what’s best for your dog.