Get ready because the 4th of July is coming up faster than we think. And, while we begin to ponder about how we’d like to celebrate this year, we need to keep our dog’s needs in mind as much as our own. Whether you’re planning to attend the local fireworks display or throw an all-out bash, it’s critical that you do what you can to keep your dog both safe and calm amidst whatever it is that you may have in store for the holiday.
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe and Calm During Your 4th of July Festivities
When it comes to celebrating holidays with our loved ones, so often our pets are less enthusiastic than we are, given the various disruptions to their routines, unpredictable sounds and potential risks that come with hosting large groups of people. But, by following all of these tips below, you can rest easy knowing that your dog is both safe, and more at ease as you go about your festivities.
Tip #1: Avoid Fireworks as Much as Possible
It really is no secret that most dogs absolutely hate fireworks – the sudden, loud booming sounds can cause incredible distress, leaving your dog feeling helpless and vulnerable. While we can’t stop our municipality from throwing a fireworks display, what we can do is avoid using fireworks on our own property, which can be much more terrifying for your canine. If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, consider asking them if they’d be willing to do the same.
Tip #2: Create a Safe Hiding Place for Your Canine
In general, it’s always important to make sure that your dog has a place where they feel like they can hide if they’re scared. Dogs have an instinct to hide in enclosed spaces when they feel like they’re under threat, and even failing to reproduce this type of space in our own home can make them always feel exposed to danger. Consider an enclosed bed, or a small collapsible tent that your dog can feel safe in.
Tip #3: Be Aware of Your Guests’ Behavior
If you’re hosting a barbecue this 4th of July, then remember that not all of your guests are used to being around dogs, and while they mean well, they may stress out your furry companion. If you plan on having small children in your home, you may want to keep an eye on them since they’re less likely to have experience playing with a dog. Overall, you may want to keep your dog away from guests however you can if they get nervous around strangers or crowds.
Tip #4: Keep the Party Outdoors
If it’s possible, it may be best to keep your party as outdoors as possible. This way, your dog has a safe, quiet place to retreat to when they’re not up to socializing. Having their home crowded with people can make them feel like there’s nowhere to escape, should they start to feel overwhelmed by all of the people around them.
Tip #5: Watch the Door
One of the biggest concerns that we have when we host a party is our dog escaping outside because of a careless guest leaving the door open. This is why it’s very important to keep an eye on the door at all times. If you are hosting indoors, it may be best to keep the door locked and answer the door for each guest, to avoid them walking into your home and leaving the door open behind them.
Tip #6: Be Mindful of Open Flames
If you’re going to be having open flames, then you’ll want to really keep an eye on your dog when they’re outside. This includes a bonfire, citronella candles and a grill.
Tip #7: Watch for Broken Glass
If you’re serving bottled beverages, then you always want to keep a close eye out for broken glass. All that it takes is one step onto a piece of broken glass for you to end up in a situation where you may need to rush your dog to the emergency vet clinic for stitches.
Tip #8: Don’t Let Your Dog Overheat
Finally, if you’re hosting an outdoor party, make sure that your dog doesn’t overheat outside. Many dogs have a tendency to stay where their owners are, and if you’re spending the day outside in the sun, there’s a good chance your canine will be by your side. But, they may not realize that they’re starting to dehydrate, which is why you’ll need to make a point to force them inside from time to time, to cool down and get some water.
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