4th of July Dog Safety Tips & Tricks

On the 4th of July, dog safety should be a top priority for any Doodle owner. What’s usually a joyous celebration for us humans can be a triggering event for the pups. 4th of July fireworks, dogs… You see where we’re getting, right? Unfortunately, dogs and fireworks rarely mix. As the dreaded day is getting closer and closer, you might be wondering “how to keep my dog calm during fireworks?”. If you’d like to learn more about 4th of July dog safety, calming practices for dogs, and fireworks tips and tricks, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started! 

Table of Contents

• 4th of July Dog Safety: 6 Common Outdoor And Indoor Dangers
• 4th Of July Dog Safety: How To Keep My Dog Calm During Fireworks
• 4th of July Dog Safety FAQ

4th of July Dog Safety: 6 Common Outdoor And Indoor Dangers

Independence Day is undoubtedly one of the most popular holidays in America. But as we’re looking forward to celebrating this day with our friends, families, and loved ones, it poses a set of risks and health hazards for our four-legged companions. Let’s take a look at the most common indoor and outdoor dangers for dogs during the 4th of July. 

1. Grills

We all can probably agree on barbecues and grilling being one of the most exciting parts of 4th of July celebrations. There’s nothing better than spending the day with your friends and family, cooking food, grilling meat, and enjoying the food and company. 

However, always stay cautious when your dog is hanging out around a grill or an open fireplace. Curious dogs want to inspect anything and everything that seems interesting to them. Unfortunately, that can also lead to some painful accidents like getting burned. 

In addition, matches, lighters, and lighter fluid should be kept out of your dog’s reach. Matches and lighter fluids all contain toxic chemicals which can greatly harm your furry little friend. Besides the obvious danger of ingesting these chemicals, do not spill any of the chemicals onto your dog’s skin, or let them inhale them at a close distance. 

2. People Food

Although it might be tempting to let your pup join in on the 4th of July festivities, we recommend you don’t feed them any of your tasty barbecue meats, snacks, or sauces. Of course, your dog will be forever grateful that you’ve shared those precious table scraps. However, disrupting your dog’s diet can mess up their digestion, especially if you’re giving them fatty meats, salty snacks, or other processed foods.

In addition, most sausages, barbecue marinades, and even cakes contain plenty of ingredients that your dog should never eat. For example, human foods that are toxic to dogs include onions, garlic, yeast dough, and chocolate – pretty much anything that’s on your plate during the 4th of July party. Here you can learn more about what dogs can not eat.

3. Alcohol

This should go without saying, but never, ever, ever give your pets any alcohol. Not even a sip of light beer or any other drinks that contain alcohol. Alcohol is toxic to dogs, and in severe cases can cause organ failure or death. So, it’s better to keep alcoholic drinks out of your dog’s reach at all times. Also, never leave alcoholic beverages unattended. 

If you suspect your dog has ingested any alcoholic drinks, consult with your vet immediately, and look out for symptoms like:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Restlessness
• Disorientation
• High body temperature 

4. Heat & Sun

4th of July is all about spending time outside. However, as it is usually the warmest time of the year, please be mindful about the dangers of excess sun exposure or heat on your dog. 

Firstly, dogs can easily overheat in the sun, especially on a hot summer day like the 4th of July. Don’t force them to stay out in the sunshine for too long. If your dog is feeling uncomfortable, make sure to provide them a shaded area to relax and cool down. Having a cooling mat at hand can be a quick and easy relief when your pup runs hot. Of course, you should also make sure that your dog has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.

Secondly, sunburn is not just a danger for humans, but for dogs too. If your Doodle is prone to sunburn, you can apply sunscreen on their nose and ears. Only opt for pet-safe sunscreen, as human products can be extremely harmful for your dog!

5. Bugs

Another outdoor risk for dogs is, of course, bugs and insects. The most common ones your dog might encounter outside are ticks, mosquitoes, spiders, bees, wasps, and ants. Whenever your pup has spent time outside, make sure to thoroughly check their coat and skin. If you notice any ticks, carefully remove them. You might also want to call your vet if you should use any tick sprays or medication.

Just like with sunscreen, you should never apply any human bug repellent sprays or creams on your dog. Only opt for products that are 100% safe for dogs or specially formulated for pets. Additionally, if you have a backyard, you can grow lavender, basil, lemon balm, peppermint, or rosemary, since they act as natural insect-repellents. 

6. Fireworks

When it comes to 4th of July dog safety, we cannot forget the fireworks. Unfortunately, most dogs are triggered by the sound of fireworks. Do not bring your dog along to see the fireworks, and don’t keep them outside unattended on the 4th of July. If your dog lives in the backyard, bring them inside before the fireworks start. 

4th Of July Dog Safety: How To Keep My Dog Calm During Fireworks

Now that we’ve covered the most common outdoor and indoor dangers, let’s have a look at the best ways to keep a dog safe and calm during the 4th of July fireworks. 

1. Familiar Spaces For Comfort

Dogs consider their home the safest place. Of course, indoors they’ll also be shielded from crowds and loud noises. If your dog gets anxious in crowded places, it’s better you leave them home in a safe and comfortable space. If your dog lives outside in the backyard, bring them in for the night. 

We recommend you prepare a comfy, escape-proof place for your dog where they have a few toys, plenty of clean drinking water, and a cushy place to rest. Additionally, close all windows and shut the curtains so there’s minimal noise and no flashing lights. 

2. CBD Treats

For anxious pups, CBD and hemp treats can be a great way to naturally calm them down during the 4th of July fireworks. If your dog is prone to stress-related behaviors like excess barking or pacing, a CBD treat can be an effective and safe way to reduce anxiety and stress. Moreover, yummy treats can be a great distraction from the loud festivities happening outside. 

In fact, we’ve created a guide on the best calming treats for dogs. Along with the list of the best calming treats on the market, we’ve reviewed each product with pros and cons so you can choose the best option for your Doodle. Additionally, you can consult with your vet about the different calming sprays and treats that can help in stressful situations. 

3. Calming Products

Alternatively, you can try calming products like the following to reduce the stress related to July 4th celebrations.

4. Distractions

Distracting your dog with toys and treats is a simple way to get their mind off the fireworks. If you’re planning to leave your dog home while going out for the night, make sure your pup has plenty of interesting toys to play with and chew on. Even better, if you’re planning to stay home with your dog during the fireworks, you can play together and keep them company. 

Another great tip is to get plenty of exercise and playtime with your pup during the day to tire them out for the evening. A hyper dog who’s afraid of the fireworks can do a lot more damage than a tired pup who has burned through most of their daily energy.  

5. White Noise

To muffle the loud noises of the fireworks, you can turn on the TV or play some music in the background. Naturally, you shouldn’t turn the volume too high, as it can cause additional stress for a sensitive pup. Opt for calming tunes and TV programs that help your dog de-stress and relax. You can also turn on a fan or AC for some extra white noise. 

6. Keep Dog Leash, Collars And Tags Close

The 4th of July day-time festivities can already be stressful and tiring for dogs, and fireworks tip many of them over the edge. Before the big day, be prepared for the worst in case your pup goes missing. If you’re planning to bring your dog along during the day, always use a leash so they won’t get lost in crowded places. 

In addition, make sure their collar is properly fitted and the tag includes your current contact information. If possible, have your pup microchipped and register it with a national pet recovery database, which includes all of your contact details for quick and easy recovery. 

4th of July Dog Safety FAQ

How Can I Keep My Dog Safe During the 4th Of July?

Above all, your dog should feel safe and secure throughout the whole day and night. Be mindful about what you feed them, and consider if you should take your dog with you to certain environments and people. We recommend that you leave your dog home at least during the fireworks. If your pup lives outside, bring them in, and make sure your dog stays in a safe place where they cannot escape when feeling anxious. Close all the doors and windows, and shut the curtains to minimize the view.

Additionally, if you’re hosting a 4th of July party, make sure to let your guests know about the house rules – not feeding the pets any table scraps, keeping an eye on their drinks and plates, closing the doors and fences, and not letting the pets outside. You can also leave notes on doors to remind your guests about the safety measures. 

How Should I Comfort My Dog During Fireworks?

If your dog is especially scared of the fireworks, it would be best to stay home with them. This way you can distract and comfort your dog so they won’t pay as much attention to the noise coming from outside. If it helps your pup relax, pet them and talk to them with a calm and soothing tone. Also, as dogs can pick up moods very easily, make sure to stay calm and reassuring at all times. 

What Can I Give My Dog During 4th Of July?

In addition to providing your dog a safe and comfortable environment during the 4th of July fireworks and celebrations, you can give them some CBD or hemp treats. These calming treats help reduce stress and anxiety, and your pup will have an easier time handling loud noises like the fireworks. For extra sensitive Doodles, you can also try calming CBD oils, which have a higher concentration of active ingredients. 

Should I Hold My Dog During Fireworks?

If you’ve decided to stay home with your dog during the 4th of July fireworks, you can absolutely comfort them and hold them if it helps them to relax better. You should not take your pup outside to watch the fireworks with you. If for some reason that’s the only possible option, holding your dog while they’re also leashed can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, and prevent them from escaping. 

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In conclusion, summer is right behind the corner and not far behind is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. We hope you learned some interesting tips and tricks on 4th of July dog safety, and can provide both yourself and your pup a peaceful evening with loved ones.