The 4th of July is a fun celebration for humans, but for dogs, it often feels like it’s the end of the world. While we’re attending parties, our poor canines are left to hide under the bed alone. As if that isn’t sad enough, the 4th of July is also the time of year that most pets go missing. So, it’s time for us to make our furry friends a priority this holiday.
Here are nine tips to help you keep your canine calm and safe during the 4th of July.
#1 – Keep Your Dog Away From the Chaos
Dogs usually like to be a part of things, but the 4th of July is one holiday they won’t mind missing. Instead of bringing them to crowded, noisy celebrations, it’s better to leave them home. Not only will loud fireworks scare them off, but there could be a lot of unhealthy food and other substances falling on the ground. Unfamiliar objects could be hazardous for your dog if they consume them. So, it’s best to keep your dog in a quiet, comfortable space that’s far away from the chaos.
#2 – Stay with Them if Possible
You probably don’t want to miss out on the excitement of this holiday, but you staying home might be the best thing for your furry friend. Having someone familiar around to comfort them could ease their anxiety. If you act calm around your dog, they’re more likely to feel relaxed as a result. If you are unable to stay home that night, consider letting someone your dog trusts stay with them.
#3 – Make Sure Their ID is Up to Date
Even the best-behaved dogs could go missing on the 4th of July. If a dog gets spooked, they might keep running until they’re far away from the scary sound. So, it’s a good idea to prepare for the worst in this scenario. If your dog is wearing a collar with identification tags, along with an up-to-date microchip, it’ll be much easier for someone to bring them back to you if they’re found. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your loved one’s life.
#4 – Set Up a Quiet Space
If you usually leave your dog in the main room while you’re gone, you might need to switch it up. Find the quietest, most sound-proof room in your home and keep your dog there. Also, make sure the space you keep them in is secure, so they can’t sneak out. If your home is too close to local fireworks, consider having them stay at a friend’s house if it’s more peaceful. The quieter the fireworks are, the less likely your dog will try to escape.
#5 – Take Advantage of White Noise
Once you find a quiet space for your dog, you can use white noise to drown out the fireworks even further. Turn on a radio, TV, or fan near your dog. Certain music genres can even have calming effects for dogs. So, take advantage of some white noise to distract your pup from the unusual sounds outside.
#6 – Exercise Them Beforehand
While it’s still light outside, you should exercise your dog as much as possible. Take them for a long walk to tucker them out before the fireworks start. When you go outside, make sure your dog’s harness fits properly, and their leash is securely clipped in. Of course, if it’s hot out, you might need to take several shorter walks instead to avoid heatstroke. After a nice stroll, your dog will sleep better, hopefully distracting them from the fireworks.
#7 – Provide a Distraction
Sleep isn’t the only distraction you can provide for your pooch. Puzzle toys, such as toys filled with treats or smaller squeaky toys, are great for keeping your canine’s mind busy. Playing games with your dog or giving them something to chew on can also distract them. Just make sure that you’re keeping an eye on them while they play to avoid choking.
#8 – Desensitize Them to Fireworks
Some dogs will freak out every 4th of July, no matter how many times they’ve experienced it. If you want this annual anxiety to end, you might need to work on some training. Try playing sounds of fireworks while rewarding your dog with something they love, like their favorite treat. Your dog might learn that fireworks aren’t a threat. If you’re having trouble with this, consult a vet or dog trainer for professional advice.
#9 – Try CBD for Dogs
Even if you’ve tried everything, your dog might still be overly anxious on the 4th of July. So, many dog parents try CBD for dogs to help soothe that nervousness. Cannanine Organic Hemp CBD is a great option for canines. CBD products can calm your dog and help them feel more comfortable without causing the side effects of medications. Plus, there’s no THC in Cannanine, so you know it’s safe and will not make your dog feel “high.”
You might be excited for the 4th of July, but your dog probably isn’t. Keep that in mind before exposing them to loud, overwhelming situations. If your dog dreads this holiday more than the rest, then it can’t hurt to give these nine safety tips a try!
H/T: akc.org
