Independence Day or July 4th, is a major holiday in the US. Its a great time where we celebrate the history of america with good food, fun, friends and family. The one thing we take for granted is that it can be a very stressful time for our 4 legged family members. Many don’t realize that the time period around July 4th is one of the biggest times for dogs to go missing and end up in shelters. This is easily due to the fact that fireworks while we find fun to watch scare the living daylights out of dogs.

While it might be hard to keep our dogs from ever hearing fire works there are a few things we as owners can do to make it easier on them or increase your chances of reuniting with them in the case they startle.

Some Helpful Tips for July 4th

1. Prepare- Before the holiday, please make sure that your dogs identification tags have the most up to date information. Also at this time double check if they do have a microchip that the information registered to the chip is up to date. If you don’t have a microchip its a great investment in the chance that your dog does get loose.
2. It also helps to have an up to date photo of how your dog currently looks. This photo can help others find your dog faster.
3. While it may seem like a great idea to take your pup to a party, It may be in the best interest to let them stay home. Couple new people, a strange place with lots of commotion going on and fireworks to top it off, its a collaboration just asking for trouble in most cases.
4. Tire your dog out prior to the start of the fireworks. A tired dog tends to be a more relaxed dog. when exhausted dogs tend to sleep more soundly and be less bothered by external stimuli.
5. Pump up the volume. By raising certain sounds such as the radio or television that your dog is already use to you can help drown out the sound.
6. Let them hide. Its best to let your dog hide somewhere comfortable whether that place is a crate or under the table. Just let them hide and feel comfortable.
7. Distractions help. If your dog has a favorite treat or toy, this would be the time to give it to them.
8. Last but not least. If your dog has a serious problem it is best to contact your Veterinarian or a behaviorist in order to come up with personal strategies suited for your dog.

Some other considerations

• If your hosting a party make sure to keep your dog safe from some common things. The hot grill can be a great place for the dog to sit and smell but they don’t always realize how hot it can be.
• Common Food such as Chicken wings and corn on the cob may seem great to a dog but are choking hazards and should not be given.
• Things such as sparklers, kebab skewers and glow sticks should be kept away from dogs at all times.
• If there is a pool keep an eye on the dog when near the pool. some dogs may love to swim but do not always have the easiest of time getting out of pools as often they are designed really only for humans to get out of.
• Even if you yourself aren’t having fireworks it is best to keep a lookout for debris from any neighbors shooting them off. The debris are usually toxic and can be hot when they land.
• July 4th tends to be a hot and humid day. Make sure to leave your animals plenty of water and cool places to relax.