subject: Fourth of July Tips for Dog Owners [print this page] Fourth of July Tips for Dog Owners Fourth of July Tips for Dog Owners
The 4th of July is a fun summer holiday to celebrate the independence of our country, however many dogs dread this day due to the loud noises of the fireworks display. Dogs can fear nervous, frightened, and anxious when left alone during the fireworks, which can lead to destructive behavior. This can include chewing household objects, having accidents, or even trying to escape or run away from their owner to get away from the sounds. If your dog doesn't mind the fireworks and have watched them calmly with you before, then go ahead and bring them with! However, if you are unsure as to how your dog deals with the sounds or know they do not like it, leave your pup at home where it's quiet and they can feel safe and at ease. Pick a place where they feel the most comfortable i.e. their crate, your bedroom, kitchen etc and leave your dog there with the lights on and curtains closed to avoid them seeing the flashing lights. Also, remember to leave them fresh food and water, as well as a favorite toy or blanket. Leaving the TV or radio on can also be comforting to your pet. The extra sound can help drown out the fireworks, as well as giving your pup the feeling of people being around. Before all the fun begins, you can also do a few things to help calm your dog's fear of fireworks. Take your pet on a long walk during the day. This will help tire them out and make them less anxious when it comes time for the fireworks display. Also, remember to let your pup outside plenty of times beforehand to lessen the chance of having an accident while you are gone. While many dogs can be fearful of this fun holiday, some also love it! Whether your dog is a fan or not, you can help them feel part of the family by including your dog in picnics, barbeques, and more during the day. For more information, please refer to the Doggie Vogue Blog.
