Keeping your dog safe this July 4th

Hi all, hoping you’re enjoying the summer so far! As I’m writing tonight, I can’t believe we’re preparing for the fourth of July already. It’s an exciting time of the year. Some of you will be traveling, hosting parties, heading to the beach, and some will be working (sending an extra cheers to you guys). As a mom to three fur babies which I’ve proudly shown in the pic below, it’s crucial that we not forget our dogs on this beautiful day of celebration, because what’s thrilling for us, is horrifying for them.

Speaking from experience, I admit that as much as I love July 4th, it’s difficult for me to see how scared my dogs become at the sound of fireworks going off down the block. For my family, we enjoy July 4th celebrations by hosting a nice backyard barbeque or visiting friends nearby, but before sunset we are home and able to be there for our dogs. Did you know that more pets go missing on July 4th than any other holiday of the year? It’s a heartbreaking fact. So, below I’ve listed several tips on how to keep your dog(s) safe this coming Fourth of July:

• Create a safe, comforting space for them – find their favorite room or area in the home and bring their toys, stuffed animals, cozy blankets and bed there. This space can be their safe and secure spot where they can hide and relax.      

• Keep the tv on – for some dogs, keeping the tv on can be helpful and soothing during stress.       

• Secure all of your doors, fences and windows ahead of time.       

• Keep them home – loud and crowded parties can be a dangerous situation for dogs, add loud fireworks to the mix and this is a great opportunity for them to take off running.       

• If possible, stay with your dog during the fireworks. They take so much comfort in our presence and it can really help them get through the night easier.       

• Always keep the dog’s microchip up to date – a microchip won’t work if it has an old phone number attached to the account. You can update all important information online! The microchip I use and recommend is from Petkey - visit website by clicking www.petkey.org       

• Talk with your veterinarian about the possibility of medication if your dog is extremely fearful/stressed from the sounds of fireworks.
  

As a dog mom, this is always a time of year that I need to prepare for. I couldn’t imagine the heartbreak of losing one of my fur babies because of how terrified they are from loud fireworks. It’s so important we keep our furry loved ones safe and as calm as possible during this holiday. With whatever safety plan you intend to use, from us to you, wishing you all a safe and happy fourth of July this Thursday!