Keeping Your Dog Happy and Safe on Independence Day

The 4th of July is a great day for fun picnics and gathering with family and friends to watch the “rockets’ red glare” in the evening sky. A fireworks show is a thrilling and beautiful thing to enjoy for most of our family members, but for those with four legs, Independence Day celebrations can be frightening and sometimes dangerous. On the 4th, Loving Pets suggests giving your dog a relaxing break from the party to enjoy the quiet and familiarity of his own home.

A dog’s sense of hearing is much more acute than that of a person. Loud noises accompanied with bright lights and a cheering crowd can be your dog’s nightmare. In an effort to escape the turmoil, dogs will often try run away.  There are more lost dogs turned into shelters on July 5th than any other day of the year.  
To avoid this risk and make the day a celebration for all, here are a few tips:
Start the day with a fun walk or jog.  Exercise is the best way for canines to release stress.  Enjoy some time at home with your dog before you leave for the festivities.

Treat your pet to a familiar and safe location.  The best place for your pet on this noisy evening is in a well-ventilated, den-like area of your home. A windowless room is preferable, as dogs have been known to jump through windows during fireworks displays.  Anxiety often triggers destructive chewing, so provide Fido with appropriate chew toys.  Remove anything your dog might confuse as an appropriate chew toy (like your remote control), and leave him with a treat that will keep him occupied during the evening.  For a low-calorie snack, Loving Pets’ Barksters give the dog a taste and crunch they’ll love, and Vita-Hide™ offers 100% pure chicken filet wrapped around all-natural rawhide to provide your dog with a long lasting and mentally stimulating chewing activity.  Turn on the television or play soft music to cover the sounds of the fireworks.  If your dog is crate trained, this is a good time to use the crate.  DO NOT crate your dog if your dog has not already been trained for a crate.  This is not the day to learn.
If it is impossible to leave your dog inside, put a blanket over the doghouse to muffle the noise and block out the bright lights. Make sure your dog’s i.d. tag is on in case he does hop over the fence that night.

When you and your dog take a walk the next day, watch for debris that may be left over from the day before.  With these few tips, Independence Day can be a fun day for everyone.  Happy 4th!