How to Stay Safe Around Fireworks

The Fourth of July is a great day to celebrate outside with family and friends, but a lot of the activities, especially fireworks, are a source of anxiety for our dogs. We want to give you a few tips to make sure that you and your pets have a fun and safe holiday, but, as always, if you feel like your dog is showing signs of panic or is acting out of character, please reach out to your vet! 

Get an early start

If your neighborhood is going to be lighting off fireworks at night, or you and your family are planning on hitting the pool during the day, it is important that you take your dog out early to get plenty of exercise and playtime in before things get noisy. Plus – make sure they drink plenty of water because any anxiety they may experience, along with the summer heat, can dehydrate them.

Create a safe space indoors

Once the fireworks start going off, you’re going to want to make sure your dog has a safe and comfortable area inside to try and relax. Basements or their kennel are great options as they help dampen the sound. If your dog is especially anxious, you can get them a thunder vest to wear during the fireworks to help keep them calm and lower their heart-rate. You can even put on a sound machine or the TV for your dog so they are distracted from the booms outside. 

Stay calm

Remember to give your dog a lot of cuddles and pets if they are hanging out with you outside. The rule of thumb is always: if you are stressing out, your dog will feel that stress as well. If leaving your dog at home is not an option and they have to join you outside, it is important that you remain calm so your dog knows that everything is okay. Keep your dog on their leash and well within sight because the fireworks can make them dart off–the Fourth of July is one of the biggest days of the year for lost or missing dogs because of fireworks displays. 

We hope these tips and tricks will help you and your pup have a stellar holiday weekend. Happy celebrating! And P.S. it’s a great time to stock up on our Chill Out Calming Chews.