The 4th of July is an excellent time to celebrate the country’s independence, grill out with family and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display. National holidays are special events for Americans, but they often lead to anxiety and fear for your dog. Large crowds of strange partygoers and the booming cracks from fireworks can frighten your furry friend and send it running for cover. Your dog is accustomed to following a daily routine, and when the routine is disrupted, the animal’s world is thrown into turmoil. Every animal is different, and some do not experience problems on July 4th, but if your dog loses control during a thunderstorm, fireworks will likely scare it too. You can keep your pet safe during the celebrations by following a few simple guidelines.

Keep Your Dog Away from the Fireworks

Whether you plan on heading to a local fireworks event or want to light fireworks at home, keep your dog away from the noise. Public events can be particularly stressful for animals. Massive crowds, unleashed pets and loads of commotion create an unwelcome environment for your pet. Revelers are more amped up during the holidays, and with alcohol fueling the party, people are more likely to act out. Your pet may be anxious in large crowds, and when you add the sound of deafening explosions into the mix, its stress levels can reach a breaking point. If you are going to a public fireworks event, leave your pet in a safe place in your home. Setting off fireworks in your yard can also spook your dog, and your pet will be safer indoors.

Although the sound from fireworks irritates nearly every animal, you should also pay attention to sparks, smoke, and explosions. Sparklers, Roman candles, and fountains emit a barrage of sparks that can quickly set a furry coat ablaze. Keeping your pet indoors will prevent any accidental burns or smoke inhalation.

Secure Your Home

If your dog has a favorite blanket or pillow, use it to make the animal feel comfortable before you leave. Check your windows, screens, and doors to ensure the dog does not sneak out of the house when the celebration begins.

Although July 4th should be a time for patriotic pride and joy, some residents resort to vandalism and burglary when they know that people are away from their homes. Broken car windows and break-ins are a common occurrence on Independence Day, but you can minimize the chance of a disturbance on your property by making it appear that you are at home. Keep your interior and exterior lights on and remember to arm your security system before leaving. Your dog’s bark is your backup security, but you do not want the animal to break out of a damaged screen or basement window.

Check Your Locator Chip Information and ID Tags

In case your dog gets loose on July 4th, you should check the animal’s chip information to make sure it is current. The service that manages the device should contact you once a year for an update, but you can go to the website or call to confirm. If you have moved to a new address or changed a PO box number, the service should be updated with the latest data.

If your animal does not have a chip, you can attach an ID tag with your address, phone number and email address on the dog’s collar.

Take a Long Walk

Dogs need daily exercise to stay healthy, and the workout also helps stabilize the animal’s stress levels. Before the festivities begin, take your pet on an extended walk, and spend time playing catch or another activity to tire the animal out and balance its stress.

Try Anti-Anxiety Medication

Although most dogs will not require medication to weather the storm, you can give your pet a prescribed pill if the animal experiences excessive anxiety. Follow your vet’s recommendations closely and try to administer the drug an hour before the events begin, so the medication has time to take effect.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated and Cool

Independence Day comes at a blistering time of the year in most areas of the country. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are typical results of the celebration for humans, but animals can also be affected. If you are adamant about bringing your dog with you to a public event, be sure to pack water bottles and a water dish for your dog.

At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we treat your pets like family members and provide exceptional veterinary services and care. Contact us to schedule an appointment.