While the 4th of July is a time for celebration, it’s also one of the most stressful days of the year for our best furiends. Here are some tips to help your dog stay calm and safe during the festivities.

Create a Safe Space

Provide your dog with a quiet, secure area in your home where they can retreat if they feel scared. This could be a crate, a bedroom, or any place where they feel comfortable. Make sure this area is as far away from the noise as possible and stocked with their favorite toys and bedding.

Provide Distractions

Give your dog something to do during the fireworks. Puzzle toys, chew toys, or treat-dispensing toys can keep them occupied and distracted from the noise outside. Try stuffing a Kong or toy stuffer with high value treats like our Wild-Caught Jerky. We like to use our Dehydrated Daily Food as a peanut butter replacement to seal shut.

Pro Tip: Freeze a day advance for a long lasting distraction.

Exercise Early in the Day

Give your dog plenty of exercise earlier in the day. A tired dog is generally less anxious. Take them for a long walk, play fetch, or engage in their favorite activities to help expend some of their energy.

Stay Indoors During Fireworks

In the United States, there are more car accidents and runaway dogs during the 4th of July than any other time of year. To protect your dog, keep them indoors when fireworks are being set off. Close windows and curtains to help muffle the sound and block out the flashes of light. You can also play calming music or turn on the TV to provide some background noise.

Stay Calm and Reassuring

Dogs often take cues from their owners. If you remain calm and act normally, it can help reassure your dog. Avoid giving excessive attention to their anxious behavior, as this might reinforce their fear.

Identification is Key

Since more pets run away during July 4-5 than any other time of the year in the U.S., be sure their identification tags and microchip information are up to date. If you haven’t yet, consider getting your dog microchipped.

Maintain a Routine

Try to keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible on the 4th of July. Regular feeding, walking, and playtimes can provide a sense of stability amidst the chaos.

As we celebrate the 4th of July let’s keep our pets happy and safe by offering plenty of fun distractions, creating a safe environment, and ensuring they’re properly tagged during the holiday 🐾