The loud noises and bright fireworks on the 4th of July can terrify your dog so it’s up to you to provide them with safe shelter during your celebration. It could be the large crowds celebrating at a public park, your guests at the backyard BBQ, or the crowds at the fireworks show, your dog may not enjoy Independence Day. Dogs will try to find a safe place, which could take the form of hiding under the bed, disappearing from your yard and even running away from home. If you don’t now how your dog will react, pay attention to their reactions and take action to help ease their anxiety. Dogs won’t mind being crated (they feel secure) inside your house with some soft music playing to help mask the sounds from fireworks. It’s a fact that July 5th is the busiest day for animal shelters in the U.S.

Here are a few suggestions to help you enjoy the 4th with your dog -

•   Be sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date ID tag on its collar.
•   Take a current photo of your dog with your cell phone just in case.
•   Take your dog out for exercise early in the day. Nothing like a tired dog having a good nap to get them through the night.
•   At your BBQ, ask guests to play with your dog away from the grill and flames.
•   Keep fireworks, sparklers, glow sticks and charcoal far away from your curious 4-footed buddy.
•   Keep dog treats handy for your guest to give your dog instead of people food.
•   Keep your dog cool and hydrated. Dehydration amplifies their anxiety.
•   Leave your dog at home with a frozen stuffed treat, nice bone or special toy to chew on or play with during the fireworks. Chewing naturally helps relieve tension for dogs.
•   Their crate would be a good place for the evening.
•   Have soothing music playing to cover the noise of the fireworks.
•   Keep doors and windows closed to dampen the sounds.
•   Pull the drapes and curtains closed to cover the windows from the bright flashes of fireworks.
•   Make sure your family members know that your dog needs to be in their special, safe place for the evening so no one accidentally lets them out at night.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!