Tips For Keeping Your Dogs Safe On The 4th of July

Tip #1

Make sure your dog is wearing a collar that is properly fitted and has tags on it. The information on the tags needs to be readable and current. Having a number that’s old or you can’t read doesn’t do anyone, especially your dog, any good. This way if a neighbor or someone finds your pet they can get back to you faster than if they are turned into the shelter. This is the shelters busiest time of year so we should do everything we can to keep our pets safe at home and avoid over crowding the shelters. It’s also a good time to make sure your pets microchip info is up to date.

Tip# 2

Have a plan! Are you staying at home with your dog? Or are you going out and leaving your dog at home? It’s important to plan either in advance.

Plan #1 You are staying at home with your dog. This is my preference always. If you have a new dog in the family and don’t know how they react to fireworks then I would plan to stay home with them.

• Plan an early walk to get some physical exercise as well as some time for exploring and sniffing to get some mental exercise. A swim in the pool, walk at the beach or in your neighborhood, etc.
• Before it gets dark take a last potty break of the night. Once it gets dark and the noise starts that is a less than ideal time to take the pups out to potty. They can get frightened by the fireworks and possibly jump a fence, run away, etc.
• Make sure all windows, doors, and doggie doors are closed and locked.
• Have fun activities planned. These can include food puzzles, stuffed kongs or bones, massages, working on tricks, Bully sticks - ONLY WHILE SUPERVISED, snuffle mats, etc. If you are going to use food options make sure to feed dinner appropriately, you don’t want to give them too much and have them need to go potty while fireworks are happening.
• Keep the tv, radio, fan, or other background noise on to help drown out the fireworks noises.
• If you do have to take your pup potty make sure they are leashed up. Bella wears a front attaching harness so if she needs to go out I will attach the leash to BOTH her collar and the front of the harness.

Plan #2 You are going to go out and leave your dog at home.

• DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG OUTSIDE! And do not allow free access to outside like with a dog door. Dogs that get spooked can easily jump very high walls or dig giant holes under fences fast and will then be in danger running in the streets.
• Keep your dog secured in their crate or in an escape proof area of your home. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked.
• Plan an early walk to get some physical exercise as well as some time for exploring and sniffing to get some mental exercise.
• Keep the tv, radio, fan, or other background noise on to help drown out the fireworks noises.

Tip #3

Take a chill pill. Some dogs need help relaxing on the 4th. Make sure to talk to your vet about the best options for your dog. There are dogs that need prescriptions from a vet to be calm and if thats the case contact your vet asap to set up an appt and get a prescription. Some dogs just need the edge taken off and there are many varieties of calming products to help them. Some people choose all natural calming remedies, CBD products, wraps like the Thunder Shirt, etc. In our house my pups have used Licks - pill free products with good results. Bella does really well using their Zen gel packs and this year I ordered the Zen Gummies to try. This last New Years Eve we used the Zen packets and Bella laid on the bed like a sack of potatoes even with fireworks noise. It was such a relief to not see her stressed and upset. I also used Little Licks Calming Zen packets for our super senior Dorothy who had dementia. It helped her rest at night, which let me sleep at night, and feel less anxious. I was so happy I found this for her.

Licks ZEN for Big Dogs

Licks ZEN for Little Dogs

Tip #4

Plan out worse case scenarios. What do you do if your pup does escape your house and runs away, or tried to bite through their crate, or jumped through the window and injured it self?

• Research the information for your local shelters and check the website to see what you do to get your dog back if it is brought to the shelter.
• Know your regular vets information as well as a emergency after hours vets office and keep the info handy incase you need to take your dog to the vet. This is especially important if you are going to be out of town with your dog during the holiday.
• Have current photos of your dog. Photos should be very clear ones of face, full side body and any distinguishing marks. This will help you if you need to make flyers or claim your pet at the shelter.

Tip #5

Training!!!!!! If your dog is in need of serious help regarding fireworks desensitizing training can help. It’s a process but it’s worth trying. It is too late to use this option this year but If your dog does need this level of help reach out to local positive reinforcement dog trainers in your area and get started now. A great resource to find a certified dog trainer or behaviorist in your area is the Certification Counsel for Pet Dog Trainers. We live in the San Fernando Valley portion of Los Angeles and we highly recommend Janine and all the trainers at J9’s K9’s. I have used them for years for many dogs and have had so much fun while training.

Hope these tips help you have a safe and happy 4th of July with your dog. Is there anything you think I missed? Let me know in the comments or send me an email, I’d love to hear about your experiences with your dog on 4th of July.

If you are having a party at your house I have another blog with food that is safe for your pup to eat at the party. 

***This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission which will help me test more pet products. I only share products I love and use myself!!

Always talk to your veterinarian before doing or trying anything new with your dog.