Dog Safety Tips for the 4th of July

A dog sitting with an American flag in its mouth.

pet wellness

Dog Safety Tips for the 4th of July

written by Tori Holmes

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, barbecues, and, of course, fireworks. For many dogs, however, this holiday can be incredibly stressful. To help ensure your dog's safety during the 4th of July, we've compiled a list of tips to keep them calm and secure.

Create a safe space in your house

During fireworks displays, it's crucial to keep your dog indoors. One of the most effective ways to ensure dog safety on the 4th of July is to provide a safe and relaxing place inside your house for your pup to stay.

● Choose a quiet room: Select a basement or interior room far from the noise and activity outside. The further away your dog is from the fireworks, the less intense the sounds and vibrations will be.

● Add comfort items: Bring your dog's favorite toys, blankets, and bedding to the room. Familiar scents and items can provide comfort and a sense of security.

● Use ambient noise: Turn on a white noise machine, calming music, or the TV to help drown out the sound of fireworks. Classical music or specially designed pet relaxation tracks can be particularly soothing.

Avoid leaving your dog alone

If possible, try not to leave your dog alone during any 4th of July activities. Your presence can be a huge comfort to them, and you can more easily monitor their behavior and provide reassurance if they become anxious. If you notice your dog getting upset, offer gentle pets and speak to them in a soothing voice to reassure them that everything is okay.

If you must go out, consider having a trusted friend or family member stay with your dog. Your dog will be more comfortable being with someone they know, but if you need to get a new sitter try to set up a meet-and-greet before the 4th. This will give your pup the chance to meet them and start to develop a relationship on a less stressful day.

Secure all exits

The loud noises and flashing lights that come with fireworks can cause even the calmest dogs to panic and attempt to escape. Take a look around your house for any possible escape routes and double-check that they’re secured.

● Close windows and doors: Ensure all windows and doors are securely closed to prevent your dog from escaping and use heavy curtains to block out the flashing lights.

● Use barriers: If your dog is particularly anxious, you might want to use baby gates or other barriers to keep them from accessing any stairs that they could fall down or rooms that you’d prefer to keep them out of.

Once your house is secure, you can bring your pup to the safe space you set up for them to wait out the fireworks.

Try and keep your dog busy

To help keep your dog's mind off the fireworks, provide them with plenty of distractions while they’re bunkered down in their safe space.

● Puzzle toys: Offer your dog interactive toys that challenge their mind and keep them occupied. Puzzle toys, like the Kong, are great options as you can fill them with your pet’s regular Freshpet recipe so they can enjoy a late-night snack.

● Chew toys: Offer a selection of chew toys that you know your dog enjoys, because chewing can be a great way for dogs to relieve stress.

● Playtime and training: Engage in play or training sessions to divert their attention from the noise outside. This will keep their mind busy and tire them out, making them more likely to relax.

It’s also a good idea to ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day. A tired dog is often a calmer dog, so consider taking them for a long walk or having some play time before the festivities begin.

Maintain a calm demeanor

Dogs often take cues from their pawrents, so maintaining a calm and relaxed demeanor can help reassure them. If possible, avoid showing any reaction to the fireworks. If your dog sees that you are calm, they are more likely to feel that there is no real danger.

The good news is that the 4th of July doesn't have to be a traumatic experience for your dog. By following these tips, you and your pup can have a peaceful and enjoyable holiday!