Helpful tips for dog owners during July 4th celebrations!

July 4th celebrations are around the corner which means cookouts, barbecues and firework displays. For us humans this is an enjoyable time of year but for pets it can be scary and dangerous. Many dogs are very afraid of the loud sound of fireworks and for some when they are afraid, they “flight”, meaning they will run away if there is an open door or open window.

Summer Cookouts & Barbecues

Summer is the time for cookouts or barbecues, delicious for us and something which will definitely get your dog’s olfactory system working in overdrive but for safety reasons keep your dog away from grills, coals, matches and lighter fluids. Remember that certain foods that may be on skewers such as onions are toxic to dogs as well as avocados, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, xylitol found in a lot of sweets are also poisonous to dogs. Try to avoid giving them scraps from the barbecue which could cause stomach upsets.

As this time of year is usually hot if your dog is outside when cookouts are going on, make sure there are shady spots for them and have plenty of drinking water to keep them hydrated. Don’t keep them outside for extended periods of time and know the signs if your dog is overheating.

Evening Events - Fireworks!

The loud sound of fireworks can be very frightening to many dogs. As the fireworks are going on consider setting up a “safe zone” for your dog such as a crate or a room away from the noise. Have their bed, a favorite blanket and some toys available. Play some calming music for them ensuring the volume is up to hopefully drown out the sound of the fireworks. Alternatively, a white noise machine can be useful to drown out the sound of fireworks.

If your dog gets very traumatized by fireworks, consider using dog appeasing pheromones by Adaptil or a Thundershirt. These are natural remedies that work well for some dogs. But if your dog’s anxiety is severe, have a consultation with your veterinarian to discuss a prescriptive medication making sure that you give this to them in good time to help them relax as firework events are taking place.

Things To Do Before Fireworks Take Place

Walk your dog early so that they are exercised and tired. Maybe do some mental enrichment work with them with puzzle toys or practice some trick training or nose work so that they are both physically and mentally tired.

Avoid taking them to firework displays. Remember, not all things that humans find pleasurable are enjoyable to our canine members of the family.
If possible, have someone stay with your dog if you are going to a firework display so that they can comfort them during the noisy part of the evening.
Keep doors and windows secure to avoid a frightened pet from escaping.
Ensure that dog tags and microchip information are up to date just in case a frightened pet finds a way to escape.
Take a current photo of your dog just in case.
If you have had a celebration at your home, afterwards check your yard for any debris that may be on the ground that could be hazardous to your dog before letting her out.

Happy 4th, I hope these tips help to keep your canine family member(s) safe!