The Fourth of July is a wonderful time to celebrate our country’s independence. Like many Coloradoans, you may be planning to have a festive Fourth of July. Along with backyard barbeques and local festivities, no July celebration would be complete without enjoying fireworks to remember the birth of our nation.
As you’re making preparations for a special occasion, take a moment to consider your dog.
Dogs are terrified of the noise, flashes and burning smell of pyrotechnics, and often panic at the loud whizzes and bangs of a fireworks display. Every year, thousands of dogs run away, terrified by the fireworks, where they could be injured or killed in traffic, picked up by animal control or simply never seen again.
Here are 10 basic steps you can take to protect your dog on the Fourth of July so he or she doesn’t become another sad statistic.
-
ID your dog
Make sure your dog has proper identification at all times. This may include a collar and ID tag, microchip, tattoo or a combination of these. Consider registering your dog with one of the many lost pet recovery services available. Just type “Lost Dog Recovery Services” into your search bar.
-
Keep your dog away from toxic substances
There are many foods and substances that can be toxic for your dog, such as:
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Coffee & Caffeine
- Citrus
- Coconut and coconut oil
- Grapes and raisins
- Nuts
- Milk and dairy
- Onions, garlic & chives
- Raw or undercooked meat, eggs and bones
- Salt and salty snacks
- Xylitol
- Yeast dough
To learn more about toxic substances to dogs, click here.
-
Keep your dog away from fireworks
Most dogs are terrified of fireworks. The noise of the crowd and loud bursts of light and loud noise of the explosions are terrifying to them. Turn on a radio, TV or stereo to distract your dog and keep them away from the outside celebrations. Here at Canine Campus, we make sure the classical music is up loud, especially the night of July 4th, to drown out any outside noises. My dog loves DogTV – what about yours?
-
Keep your dog cool in the heat
The Fourth of July has been known to get pretty hot. Dogs are particularly susceptible to heat stroke, which can be lethal. Make sure your dog has plenty of shade and cool water if it is a hot day. To learn more about how to protect your dog in the heat click here. Wondering if it’s too hot to leave your dog in the car? Check out this article.
-
Know where your dog is at all times
Your dog is an important member of your family and they want to be right where you are at all times, no matter what. However, it’s best to alternate your dog’s outdoor/social time with some indoor/quiet time. While indoors, keep your pet occupied with a project or chew toy.
-
Prevent your dog from running away
No matter where your dog is, double check your yard gate and doors to make sure your dog cannot get out. Be extra vigilant when people are coming and going so your dog doesn’t escape.
-
Consider asking your vet for calming medication
If you know from past experiences that your dog is likely to have anxiety over the Fourth of July holiday, consider asking your vet for a tranquilizer to help him or her make it through the stressful time. Composure for Dogs is a calming aid that supports calmer behavior and relaxation without any harmful chemicals. Check with your vet to see if Composure or a similar calming aid is right for your pup.
-
Keep your dog away from flames, matches and lighter fluid
Every year, dogs are burned during outdoor cookouts and backyard barbeques due to exposure to flames, matches and lighter fluid. The flicker of the flame can be intriguing to curious pups and they may not gauge how close they get to the fire if they want to check it out. Just be careful and watch your dog!
-
Avoid exposure to insect repellent or sunscreen
Insect repellent and sunscreen that is designed for human use is toxic to your pets. These products can be very irritating to your dog’s stomach, lungs and central nervous system. If you are in an area with a lot of insects, consider purchasing an insect repellent formula that is DEET-free and made of natural ingredients and is specifically formulated for dogs.
-
Keep your dog away from glow jewelry
It might look cute, but dogs might chew on glow sticks, necklaces, bracelets, etc. According to the ASPCA, ingestion of the substance in glow jewelry can cause excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation. Intestinal blockages have been known to occur when a dog ingests a piece of the plastic container.
What do you do to help your dog stay calm during Independence Day celebrations? Share your helpful tips with other Canine Campus readers in the comments below.
Planning a trip over the Fourth of July holiday? Contact us today to see if we still have any openings. We’d love to provide your dog with the loving care he or she needs over this anxiety-producing holiday. Give us a call at 719-448-9600.
Leave a Reply