03/07/2024
With all the excitement and preparation that occurs as we celebrate our nation’s independence on the Fourth of July, our dogs are often not a part of the planning. While we’re busy enjoying food, drinks, summertime sun, and fireworks, our unattended pets may be not so happy with new places and noise.
The 4th of July celebration can be dangerous for dogs due to several reasons:
1. Fireworks: Dogs are often frightened by the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks. The sudden loud bangs can cause anxiety, stress, and fear in dogs, leading to behaviors like hiding, trembling, or trying to escape. Some dogs may even injure themselves in their attempts to get away from the noise.
WTAT TO DO:
• Create a Safe Space Indoors: Set up a safe and comfortable area inside your home where your dog can retreat to. This could be a quiet room or a crate covered with blankets to create a cozy den-like environment.
• Close Windows and Curtains: Reduce the noise and bright flashes by closing windows, doors, and curtains. This helps to muffle the sound of fireworks and reduces the visual stimulation that can scare your dog.
• Provide Distractions: Turn on calming music or white noise to help drown out the sounds of fireworks. Providing your dog with toys or treats that they enjoy can also help distract them from the noise.
• Stay Calm and Comforting: Dogs can pick up on your emotions, so it's important to remain calm and relaxed. Reassure your dog with gentle petting and soothing words, but avoid excessive coddling if it seems to make them more anxious.
• Exercise Early: Before the fireworks start, take your dog for a long walk or play session earlier in the day to tire them out. A tired dog may be more inclined to rest during the fireworks.
• Use Anxiety Aids: Consider using products designed to reduce anxiety in dogs, such as calming vests, pheromone diffusers, or anxiety wraps. These can provide a sense of security for your dog.
• Avoid Taking Them to Fireworks Displays: Even if your dog seems okay with loud noises, it's best to avoid taking them to fireworks displays. The noise and unpredictability can be overwhelming and potentially dangerous for them.
2. Crowds and Parties: Many 4th of July celebrations involve large crowds, parties, and gatherings. Dogs that are not used to crowds or strangers may become anxious or agitated in such environments.
WHAT TO DO: Leave Your Pet at Home - resist the urge to bring your pet with you to the party. Take a cue from your dog if they like to hide when they hear loud noises or experience unfamiliar things. An enclosed interior place can provide a quiet escape for your pet. If they take comfort in their crate, you can use a heavy quilt to throw over the top for an added sound barrier. Protect animals from children who may be unaware that sparklers and even “safe fireworks” may upset pets.
3. Food and Drinks: Parties often include food and drinks that are not safe for dogs. Dogs may ingest toxic foods like chocolate, alcohol, or foods with bones or skewers that can cause choking or intestinal blockages.
WHAT TO DO: Keep Food Away! With an abundance of grilling food and drinks readily accessible to humans at the party, dogs may take advantage and sn**ch a few bites for themselves. Chocolate, garlic, onions, grapes or raisins, and high-fat foods should be kept away from your pets. Pancreatitis, intestinal blockages, and diarrhea are common ailments treated at emergency clinics around the holidays. But it’s not just that – your dogs can get to a trash can and help themselves with steak or bib bones, corn cobs, etc.
4. Heat and Sun: Depending on where the celebration takes place, the 4th of July can be hot and sunny. Dogs can easily become overheated or suffer from heatstroke if they are exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight for too long. Here in Payson, it will be over 102F!
WHAT TO DO: Beware of Hot Temperatures! DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS IN A CAR!!! Because a dog can only release heat via panting and the few glands on their footpads, they are prone to heatstroke. Help your pet stay cool by keeping them in an air-conditioned space with water and shade.
5. Lost Pets: Because we are often distracted, our pets can take a backseat to party preparations, guests and the celebration, it’s common for dogs to try to sneak past an open door during a party. The noise and confusion of fireworks can cause dogs to panic and run away. This increases the risk of them getting lost or injured while trying to escape.
WHAT TO DO: At a minimum, make sure your pet has a microchip and current ID tags in case they breach security. If your dog has a habit of slipping past you, make sure that doors and gates are always securely closed.
6. After the celebration, there are several potential dangers for dogs that you should be aware of: leftover food and drinks that are unsafe for them; trash and fireworks debris, including food wrappers, bones, skewers, and other items that can be harmful if ingested by dogs; open doors and gates; overstimulation and stress - even after the celebration ends, dogs still will be stressed or anxious from the noise, activity, and unfamiliar people. Provide a calm environment for your dog to relax and recover.
WHAT TO DO: Check your Yard for Fireworks Debris. After the Fourth of July celebrations, make sure that gates are closed, explore the remains of your backyard party and search the space before you let your dog out. You may be surprised to find a still-warm grill, a cell phone, corn cob, fizzled sparklers and other debris littering the ground. All these things can be hazardous to your pet. Keep an eye on your dog's behavior and watch for any signs of distress, illness, or unusual behavior. Create a calm and quiet space indoors where your dog can relax and decompress.
Keep these Fourth of July pet safety tips in mind, and have a happy and safe Independence Day!
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