Did you know that over 16,000 firework displays are held each Fourth of July? Summer’s presence is often landmarked by the display of colorful lights overhead, enjoyed alongside hotdogs and hamburgers for a festive celebration of our nation’s freedom. While this is a fun and exciting time for most of us, there is one part of the American population that doesn’t enjoy celebrating the same way we do.
Dog owners understand the struggle: Fourth of July brings fireworks, which bring loud, unexpected sounds that can frighten Fido. Dogs often cope with the anxiety of unsourced sound by barking, shaking, hiding, whining, or even having little accidents on the living room carpet.
A much more dangerous side-effect of your pooch’s fear is its potential to run away. Dogs can become confused, disoriented, or just plain scared, and they will often leave the most loving homes in their emotional state. Each Fourth of July, there is a spike of more than 30% in lost dog reports.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can keep you and your pup safe, happy, and at home!
- Delegate someone to stay at home and watch your dog while you’re out celebrating. Whether it’s in the backyard or a parking lot, you should always have a ‘dog watcher’ on duty during the holiday. This is ultimately the safest and most effective way to keep your dog happy and at home.
- Purchase your pup a weighted vest. Many brands exist to wrap around your dog like a harness and give them comforting weight, making them feel safe and cozy amidst the chaos.
- Give your dog a safe, comfortable place to hide. Some dogs are just going to be scared no matter what. Make sure there is a quiet and peaceful spot for them to retreat to. Many dogs love to burrow or hide under blankets, pillows, and in crates.
- Play with your best friend! Tiring your dog out before all the fun starts (and before nightfall even if you’re not doing much for the holiday, as others will inevitably be celebrating in ways that frighten him or her) can really help them snooze through the festivities. They’ll be too tired to be afraid!
Finally, always keep your dog’s identification information up to date. If your dog is microchipped, make sure the address and phone number are correct. If your dog wears a tag, make sure not to take his collar or vest off that day, even for a little while. In the worst-case scenario, your dog will have the best chance of coming home to you as long as someone can figure out where they belong.
Have fun and don’t forget about your fur baby!
