Happy 4th of July!
It’s hard to believe that it is already time to celebrate our nation’s birthday again! But, while we humans love to cook out, be on the lake, watch the big, loud fireworks, and even shoot some off of our own – our canine companions aren’t always as excited as we are. Don’t get me wrong; I know they love the smell of all those yummy things on the grill, but those big booms and flashing lights in the sky at night can cause some real anxieties in some dogs. Here are 5 tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July.
Tips for your dog during 4th of July celebrations
- So let’s start with that good food you’re grilling. Around any open flame, be sure to monitor your dog. That nose of his is leading him to some really good smells and he can’t help but to follow. While it might be easier for your dog to realize a fire in a fire-pit is hot, a grill can be a different story. Make sure your dog is supervised while things are grilling so he doesn’t jump up to grab a goodie, resulting in burnt paws. Nobody wants to spend their afternoon in the emergency vet getting their dog’s burns treated instead of being at the party!
- While we’re on the topic of food, please remember that not all people food is good dog food. Some of our fruits and vegetables are actually quite harmful to a dog’s digestive system. This can range from an upset stomach to liver failure, to even death. For a list of foods your dog should avoid, please check out this list at the ASPCA.
- Now let’s talk about fireworks, sparklers, etc. While we think they are pretty and fun, your dog is looking at it from a totally different perspective. Their senses are way more intense then ours – especially their hearing. They can hear ten times better than we can, so what is loud to you is very loud to them. You can prepare them for fireworks and thunder before hand by playing these sounds on a CD/iPod/Speaker at low levels for periods of time. Then gradually increase the volume over several days. Make the noises fun! Play a game during that time, give them treats, pet them (but only if they are calm!). Your dog will feed off your anxiety! So if you are upset during thunderstorms and fireworks, then your dog will be too.
- If you are in a crowded area watching the fireworks, keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to watch for signs of stress. Dogs that aren’t used to being in large crowds can get overwhelmed quickly. All the different noises, lights, activity to watch, smells to follow – there is a lot going on! If they start showing signs of stress, give them a break by putting them back in the car, or take them to the outskirts of the activity so they can calm down.
- When the fireworks do start going off, make sure they are safe! Have a good hold on the leash if they are out with you. Even if it is a dog that has been around fireworks before, you just never know. Safety is the name of the game! If you’re home, put your dog in a crate if you know they will try to escape the yard. Make sure they have “safe” place to go if they just want to go get away from it all. Or, put them in the car or just indoors if they don’t want to be around the crowds or loud noise.
Other tips that can help:
Training can also help your dog in these social situations. While the training can give your dog confidence in themselves, it also gives them confidence in you as the handler to keep them safe.
There are also plenty of anxiety products on the market now that can help. From calming pheromones to anxiety wraps, there are a lot to choose from! Do your research, check product reviews thoroughly, but remember every dog is different. What works for one dog’s anxieties might not work for your dog’s. But the proper training and behavior modification can always help!
If you need any help with training for thunder, firework, or any other anxieties, call us today!
Related: 5 Tips to Ease Anxiety Traveling With Your Dog
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