4th of July & Our Furry Friends
Safety Tips
The 4th of July may be a wonderful celebration for us humans but knowing that it causes dogs to suffer kind of takes the fun out of the day see some tips below on how to make this day a bit less stressful for your canine.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “the July 4th holiday brings multiple threats to our dogs’ health and happiness” and “warns that fireworks, picnics, cookouts and other Fourth of July traditions can be frightening and even dangerous for pets. Up to half of dogs react fearfully to fireworks”
Preparation – Desensitize your dog to log sounds
- Use positive reinforcement – using yummy treats is typically a great tool.
- Play recordings of fireworks and thunder, movies with loud sounds and while you’re relaxed and your dog is next to you, feed him.
The desired goal is to associate these sounds aren’t so scary the represent yummy treats!
Know your dogs stress signals
Dogs may do one or more of the following during times of stress, be on the look for these:
- Whine
- Pant
- Drool
- Pace
- Tremble
- Stick to your side like glue
- Flight – hide
- Constant licking
These signs will indicate to you that your dog is suffering/frightened, and you need to comfort him or her.
This holiday has the one of the most reported run-aways – when dogs are frightened one of the defensive mechanisms is to flight.
(On July 4th, more pets are lost thank any other day
Trying to put a reflective collar, vest, tee shirt something to him your pooch stick out in case you need to go a search mission.
- With a permanent marker write your phone number on the inside of your dogs collar.
Have a recent photo of your pet.
Make sure the gates, windows and doors are secure they will look for any escape roiute if they are frightened badly enough.
The best and safest place for your dog on the 4th of July is to be indoors, preferably an environment that the dog is most comfortable in.
- Have the air conditioning on/fan blowing, it will keep them cool and helps by creating white noise
- Put the TV on
- Put the radio on
- Close the windows and blind/drapes
- If you have a secure basement and the dog is acclimated to that location set him/her down there, food, water, AC, TV some toys and a blanket may help make this holiday to be a bit less scary!
If you have a dog that has historically shown severe signs of fright, make an appointment with your vet. Perhaps the vet can guide you and prescribe a anti-anxiety medication for that day.
I hope these tips are helpful for safe and happy 4th of July for you and your fur-baby!