04/07/2025
In rescue, we call the 4th of July the "Fill the Shelters Day." Dogs, terrified of the loud noises and exploding fireworks, can become stressed, anxious, pace, attempt to run and hide from the sounds, and injure themselves in the process. So many dogs get out of their yards or an open door or screen door and end up running through the street. Often they are lost or stolen, or hit by a car and injured or killed.
Please don't let your dogs be one of those statistics. If your dog doesn't normally wear a collar and tag, put one on him. Keep him inside, preferably with you, and turn on the AC, a fan, the TV or stereo...loud.
While it's very "human" to hug another frightened human, doing this to your dog as they shake produces the opposite result: it's reassuring them that they DO have something to worry about. Doing your best to be "normal" and keeping this day as normal as possible, despite the AC and loud TV, reassures your dog there is nothing to be worried about. If there is a particularly loud set of fireworks, a quick verbal "you're OK" and a pat on the head/body is all you need, then go back to keeping things "normal." Be safe, folks. We'll get through this.
