The Fourth of July is upon us, meaning hot dogs, bonfires, and unfortunately for our furry friends, fireworks. Since dogs’ hearing is significantly more sensitive than humans', the loud bangs and pops we hear on the Fourth of July are extremely overwhelming for them. To prepare your pup for this night, we’ve put together a guide that you might find helpful.
First, set up a safe space for your pup. Find a room with minimal to no windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or basement. Make this room comfortable for your pet. Place a crate in there with a blanket, as your pup might feel safe in a confined, warm space. It’s also a good idea to play some white noise for your pup. Use a TV, radio, or fan to help mask the noise of fireworks.
Before nighttime rolls around, get your pup tired out. Treat them to a long walk, a day at the park, or a game of catch. When your dog is tired, they are more likely to sleep through all the loud noise.
If you find your pup needs extra protection against the loud noise, it might be a good idea to invest in a dog anxiety vest or calming treats.
Importantly, in the case your dog bolts from fright, make sure their ID tags are current and their microchip information is up to date. More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other time in the United States, so keeping your information updated helps your chances of reuniting.
We hope you have a lovely Fourth of July. Make sure to celebrate responsibly, and keep your furry friends safe! If you have any other tips for parents, share them with us in the comment below.