This pup is happy and ready for the 4th of July!
Fourth of July is a fun holiday for most humans - enjoying the sun, BBQs, water sports, and fireworks - but for dogs this hot, summer holiday can be traumatic. These 5 tips should help make you and your dog happier this Independence Day!
Go Easy on the Heat
BBQs, fireworks, and hot weather usually mark The Forth of July holiday. Remember that your dog can overheat easily. Too much sun or heat can be harmful to your dog. Never leave a dog in a hot car, or home, and if exercising your pup in the heat, take it easy so your dog doesn’t get heat-stroke. Dogs can get sunburned, so make sure your dog has some shade to enjoy if outside for a long time.
Indulge in Water
Seems like common knowledge, but it can be easy to forget to leave enough water for your dog to drink when you are enjoying the holiday festivities.
Dogs that just can’t get enough water in a bowl often enjoy water sports or activities with their humans. Be it on the beach or boat, make sure your dog is safe by using a dog life vest. This should be a must for young or old dogs that aren’t especially good at swimming.
Enjoy Some Quiet Time
With all the hustle and bustle of 4th of July swim parties, fireworks, and BBQs, dog’s can get - and stay – wound-up. Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest and quiet time. This is especially important when it comes to fireworks. Keep dogs inside, in a safe a quiet place. Help drown out the often-fearful noise of the bangs and booms, by closing windows and doors, or maybe leaving the TV on.
Tag Your Pup
No, this doesn’t mean making your dog the hunter-of-the-hunted in a game of lawn tag. It is a reminder to make sure your dog wears his or her ID tags. Think fun party, lots of people in and out of the backyard…meaning lots of potential opportunities for your dog to get out.
It is especially important to wear tags when the fireworks start flying. Dog’s reactions are pretty unpredictable when it comes to fireworks. Yes, some dogs aren’t phased much, but other have a flight response when they hear the loud noises. If your dog gets scared, it might run away. Keeping his tags on can help keep your dog safe – just in case.
Be an Example
If you live in my neighborhood (or probably any neighborhood for that matter), you know that people don’t wait until July 4 to start playing with fireworks. Use this time as an example to your dog. Your dog reads your emotions and reactions, so show your dog that you aren’t afraid of the loud noises. Hopefully this can show them that the loud and abrupt noises aren’t something to fear. When the 4th of July rolls around, and the fireworks get louder, still take proper precautions – like keeping your dog inside, in a quiet place – but let your dog see that fear isn’t the right reaction. This can help make the holiday better for both of you.
For some more tips on keeping your dog safe and happy on the Fourth of July, check out these helpful resources:
