Keeping Your Dog Safe on July 4th

While humans love to celebrate the July 4th, it can be a very dangerous time for our pups. Almost 50% of dogs react fearfully to fireworks, and the July 4th is one of the most active times of year for pet recovery. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe and happy this holiday weekend!

• Keep your dog inside in a safe space! Set up a quiet area away from doors and windows, with a noise machine and their favorite blanket, toys, and treats! Most dogs feel the most safe and secure in their crate at home. A laundry room, finished basement, or large closet are great spaces to set up for your dog!
• Secure your doors and windows! A scared dog won’t hesitate to bolt through a screen, so make sure to lock up to reduce the likelihood of your dog getting out!
• For potty breaks, make sure to keep your dog leashed, even in your own backyard! This will prevent your dog from spooking at a firework or eating any debris they’re not supposed to!
• Keep curious dogs away from fire. While fun for us, fireworks, sparklers, and glow sticks can be scary and contain dangerous chemicals for our dogs. You don’t want your dog getting sick or burnt!
• Make sure your dog is easy to identify! If your dog happens to take off, you want to make sure your dog is microchipped and has a collar tag with up-to-date contact information!