July 4th Safety Tips
More dogs get lost on July 4th than any other day of the year. Fireworks can be very scary for dogs and may cause them to hide or even escape from the house or yard. Here are some July 4th safety tips to help your dog stay safe this year:
- Keep your dog indoors and create a quiet, cool place for him/her to retreat. If your dog likes the crate, then put it in a quiet place that he/she finds relaxing.
- If possible, your dog should not be left alone. Consider doggy daycare or hiring a pet sitter if staying home is not an option.
- Close all windows, doors, and curtains to keep your dog safe and to help reduce the distractions of people passing by and the sound of fireworks. It is not uncommon for dogs to escape through windows when they get spooked and scared.
- If you have a doggy door, keep it closed and take your dog out on leash for potty breaks.
- Turn on the radio or television to drown out the sound of fireworks. The CD, Through a Dog’s Ear, has been shown to help reduce anxiety in some dogs.
- Give your dog a special toy to play with, such as a Kong stuffed with treats, or a bone to chew on. Chewing and licking can help reduce stress and keep dogs calm.
- Provide access to fresh, cool water at all times. Dehydration can create more stress.
- Make sure your dog wears a collar and an up-to-date ID tag at all times. Also, please consider microchipping your dog, in case your dog’s collar and/or tags slip off.
- Ask your veterinarian and/or local pet store about calming products and anxiety wraps, such as the Thundershirt, that could help your dog feel more secure and less anxious.
- Here are some more 4th of July Safety tips from the ASPCA, http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fourth-july-safety-tips
Wishing you and your dog a very safe and happy July 4th!