The 4th of July can be a very stressful holiday for pets. In fact, according to Pet Amber Alert, there is a 30% increase in lost pets from July 4th through July 6th. Shelters believe the main contributors to this increase are fireworks and more outdoor, holiday-related events.
So, this 4th of July, enjoy your holiday, and follow some (or all) of these tips to keep your dog calm and safe:
1. Turn on the TV or radio before fireworks start:
One of my dogs was extremely afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks. He is now 16 and deaf, so we don’t have to worry about his anxiety overwhelming him anymore, but when he was younger if we could anticipate a storm or fireworks we would close all the blinds, shut the doggy door, and turn on the TV or radio louder than normal. He was used to the sound of a TV or radio, and those “normal” sounds helped mask the sounds that made him nervous.
2. If you’re going out to celebrate, leave your dog home shut in a room or better yet, a crate:
It is not uncommon for dogs who have been fine in the past, to suddenly be afraid of fireworks. Or, maybe your absence or louder than normal fireworks will set him on edge. Don’t leave your dog with access to the backyard (such as with an open doggy-door) and don’t leave your dog outside. Remember, 1 in 3 pets become lost at some point in their lifetime (according to the American Humane Association). Don’t let that 1 be yours.
3. Give your dog something to keep him entertained:
I like to give my dogs stuffed marrow bones such as the Redbarn Filled Bone
. I buy mine from the grocery store, and give the raw version, but if you are not comfortable with raw bones, the Redbarn bones are a great alternative. If you do not give bones to your dog, try a KONG Classic Dog Toy
. Like marrow bones, they are easy to stuff with various yummy things to give to your dog to keep him busy. Need ideas on what to stuff a marrow bone or Kong with? Check out my post on Creative Ways to Stuff a Bone or Kong Toy for more ideas on how to use a marrow bone.
. I buy mine from the grocery store, and give the raw version, but if you are not comfortable with raw bones, the Redbarn bones are a great alternative. If you do not give bones to your dog, try a KONG Classic Dog Toy. Like marrow bones, they are easy to stuff with various yummy things to give to your dog to keep him busy. Need ideas on what to stuff a marrow bone or Kong with? Check out my post on Creative Ways to Stuff a Bone or Kong Toy for more ideas on how to use a marrow bone.
4. Tire your dog out before fireworks start:
Take your dog for a walk. Play ball. Go swimming. This one is simple and fun for both of you and will help your dog be more relaxed before the festivities start. It is also an opportunity to get him to go potty before the noise starts so you can avoid being out during the main event.
5. If you are having guests over, set up an extra barricade for your dog’s safety:
Guests can forget to close doors and gates. Help everyone out by setting up an extra gate (such as an ex-pen) that keeps your dog from the front door or back gate. With a two-part entry-exit system, one gate is closed while the other is open thus minimizing the risk of your dog getting out while a guest is entering or exiting.
6. Leave your dog home if you are going to see fireworks:
I know it is tempting to take them with you. I will easily tell friends that my dogs don’t have separation anxiety, I do. BUT, between the loud fireworks, the unpredictable crowd, and even the temperatures this time of year, it is just not a good idea to take your dog to a firework display.
7. If you’re staying home, don’t set off your own fireworks with your dog around:
This one should go without explanation. Children and adults are injured from fireworks every year…and they know to stay away from them. Animal curiosity is a recipe for disaster around fireworks. Just don’t do it. Don’t believe me? Watch: Happy 4th of July From…A Wiener Dog posted by America’s Funniest Home Videos on Wednesday, June 29, 2011.
8. Consider trying natural calming aids:
I’ve heard a lot of people who have great success with Thundershirt Behavior Modification Shirt For Dogs
. You can also try supplements such as Vetri-Science Composure Bite Sized Chews
. I have tested this product myself, and you can find my review here.
. You can also try supplements such as Vetri-Science Composure Bite Sized Chews. I have tested this product myself, and you can find my review here.9. Consult your veterinarian:
Many will recommend against drugs such as Ace, but if you have a very fearful dog, you may want to consult your veterinarian prior to the 4th in order to get the best recommendation for your dog.
10. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with tags and/or that you’ve checked their microchip:
This is just an extra safety precaution. Sometimes, even if you do everything right, the outcome is still not great. Just be smart: make sure your dog has current identification in case they get out.
Bonus Tip:
What to do if you FIND a dog on the 4th of July
Don’t chase! Remember, this dog is probably very frightened right now. Bend down, use a calming voice, offer cookies if you have any. Sometimes simply opening a door (to a car or your home) can get a dog off the street as they are seeking shelter…just make sure your dogs/cats/other animals are put away since you do not know how a fearful dog may react.
Once the dog is secure, check for tags. If the dog has identification, call the owner now. Even if it is late, most owners will be worried about their missing dog and would rather hear from you now then continue worrying. If the dog does not have tags you will need to take them to a facility to scan for a microchip. Veterinarians, shelters, and most rescues offer this service free of charge. Since you will now be keeping the dog overnight, you may want to set up a room or crate for the dog to keep him safe the rest of the evening.
Great ideas. We’ll share with our dog friends.
Great article Kama. We will put some of your suggestions to work the 4th of July night. Its a tough night on my pups!
Thanks Mike! I’m supposed to be getting a shipment of Composure today, and I’d be glad to give you the correct amount for your dogs if you would like to try it…you just have to let me know if it makes a difference for them so that I can add that to my review 🙂
Great tips. We had our fireworks at a friend’s house on Wednesday night for July 1st. We left Kilo at home with toys and chews snoozing happily. Happy July 4th- be safe and have fun.
I didn’t know dressing your dog up as Elvis helped calm them down, but it makes sense! Happy ‘Merica Day!
Good tips! I am so tempted to take Shiner with me tomorrow to the lake, but it’s going to be so busy and there will be fireworks. I feel bad leaving her at home though 🙁 I know it will be for the best!
Such great tips! You have a great idea with wearing your dog out before the fireworks start. That would really reduce the amount of energy they have to go crazy or run away. It is really cute that your kitty is helping with the bone! Kitties know good treats when they see them. 🙂
Great tips. Charlie definitely becomes more alert with loud noises, but on our way to blogpaws was the first time that I noticed loud noises up close causing problems. While at a truck stop a semi-truck backfired. He freaked. It took all of my strength to hold him. I will certainly be taking extra precautions this year.
Wonderful tips – and we followed most of them last night and things went pretty smoothly. I’m curious to see how many lost dogs there will be today though 🙁 And a wonderful recommendation about checking with your vet to see which medication is right for your dog. I think we tend to assume a method that works for one dog will work on another, when it’s usually more complicated than that.
Great suggestions and perfect for any time of year!
Always a great thing to remind folks about how scary fireworks can be for pets. Great tips, especially what to do when finding a dog! Hope you all had a fun and safe Fourth!
Awesome tips, and we used VetriScience Composure this year as well. What did you think?
I really liked it, and actually just posted a review on the product! You can read it here.