It’s that time of year again! We’re trading our sweaters for summer dresses, getting our hands dirty in the garden, and enjoying the late sunsets. Of course, this only means one thing: the Fourth of July is right around the corner. So break out your red, white, and blue, and don’t forget a star-spangled bandana for your furry family member. Let’s make sure everyone is festive and ready to celebrate!

Backyard barbeques and pool parties can be great fun for the whole family; however, many dogs might struggle with the crowds and noises that are associated with the Fourth of July holiday. Owners can lose track of their pets at a busy or rowdy party, not to mention scary fireworks causing dogs to panic. According to Forbes, there is a 30% increase in lost pets during the Fourth of July. This is largely due to noise sensitivity and the fear of fireworks triggering an instinct to run away and hide. In this article, we will discuss how to keep your canine best friend safe during Independence Day festivities!

The Barbeque

As a dedicated dog owner myself who tries to include them in every aspect of my life, I think twice about having them loose at my annual Fourth of July barbecue. I want to be able to host and visit with my guests stress-free, not worry about whether my dogs might get into the food, jump and bark at guests, or get out a door or gate left open by a forgetful party-goer.

​Furthermore, not every dog is socialized enough to enjoy Fourth of July celebrations. An unsocialized dog at a busy party can look like stress, fear, reactivity, or even being overly friendly, jumping on strangers that might not appreciate the canine attention.

​When alcohol is involved, like it often is at  Independence Day parties, a host might be more distracted than normal. A dog bothering guests, getting into the garbage, or making itself sick by getting into human food can go unnoticed. That is why I opt to keep my dogs in a safe space, such as a quiet bedroom or a crate.  If your dog lacks the socialization for a Fourth of July party, it will be less stressful for you, other guests, and your pup to leave safely at home!

Fireworks and Dogs

Most pet owners’ biggest concern for the pup during Independence Day festivities is fireworks. Parties and barbeques are manageable, but there is not much you can do about loud fireworks shows. The unpredictable nature of fireworks proves to be a terrifying experience for many dogs, who already have exceptional hearing. Understandably, with their heightened senses, dogs are experiencing a sensory overload during a firework show with the sound, vibrations, and bright lights. Quite simply, it wreaks havoc on their poor little nervous systems. Let’s take a look at some signs that fireworks are stressing or scaring your dog:

• Shaking and trembling
• Trying to hide (under the bed, furniture, or digging under the porch).
• Trying to escape
• Bathroom accidents
• Not listening to commands.
• Howling, whining, barking
• Panting, drooling, pacing

No dog parent likes to see their dog frantically terrified like this. In this next section, we will discuss how to keep your dog safe and calm during the Independence Day fireworks show.

Keeping Your Dog Safe– Preventing Escape

Responsible pet owners can start preparing their dogs before the celebration even begins. To begin with, if you are aware your dog is already prone to anxiety, especially around loud noises, talk to your veterinarian or trusted dog trainer about ways to ensure they are safe. This might look like frozen kongs, a long-lasting chew,  calming treats, or prescribed anti-anxiety meds.

​Some dogs find compression comforting. Try a tight-fitting jacket like a thunder shirt to help soothe your dog’s stress during loud parties and fireworks.

​Practically, it’s important for your dog to have up-to-date tags with your contact information on their collar as well as a current microchip. If your dog does escape, this precaution increases their chances of being reunited with their family. Collars can be slipped off, but most veterinarians and shelters will scan stray dogs for a microchip.

​The best thing you can do to help keep your dog safe and prevent them from escaping during Fourth of July celebrations is to leave them indoors. A dark, quiet room or a comfortable crate can provide a sense of security. You might also turn on calming music or the TV to help mask loud fireworks, creating a more soothing environment.

​Finally, exercise and mental enrichment can help release some of that pent-up energy that may manifest as anxiety, especially if your pup is already sensitive to crowds and noise. Take them for an extra-long hike or an enriching sniffari so they feel decompressed and are too tired to be scared of loud noises later in the day.

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My Dog Got Out: What Now?

Even the most well-trained dogs can be unpredictable when they are scared. One big firework boom, and they slipped their collar, climbed over the fence, or frantically ran out an open door left open by an oblivious party guest.

​First off, stay calm!  While your dog might be too panicked to actually acknowledge recall, you should still call them in a happy voice, crouching down so you look safe. If you cannot locate them right away, try leaving a scent trail of clothes or other items so they can find their way home. Leave gates and doors open if possible so they have an easy way back inside.

​Take advantage of social media and post pictures of your dog on lost pet forums on sites like Facebook and Next Door. In the morning, when they are open, call your local shelters to check to see if your pup was brought in. Once your dog is safely home, give them a good hug, food, water, and check them for any injuries they might have sustained on their unfortunate Fourth of July adventure. They might be stressed for several days, so take it easy!

Final Thoughts

The Fourth of July is a fun celebration for us, but it might be overwhelming and frightening for our dogs. Between busy gatherings and loud, unpredictable fireworks, there are many risks to be aware of. By planning ahead and keeping your dog indoors in a calm environment, while making sure their identification is up to date, you can greatly reduce the chances of stress or escape.

There are plenty of other opportunities to celebrate with your dog, so consider leaving them safely at home on Independence Day! Prioritizing your dog’s safety and comfort will help ensure they stay secure, calm, and protected throughout the holiday so everyone can enjoy the day with peace of mind.

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