Pet Checklist: 10 Tips to Help Your Dog Around the 4th of July

Are you planning to celebrate this Fourth of July? When enjoying the festivities, be mindful of your dog and make sure they are not feeling too stressed or anxious. Look at this article for ten tips to help your dog around the Fourth of July.

Tips to Help Your Canine During the 4th of July

We will soon be observing the Fourth of July, and it is time to celebrate our independence with our friends and family (human or furry). It is a time for barbecues, fireworks, and picnics. However, many dogs fear the festivities and become frightened of fireworks and other occurrences on the Fourth of July that are fun for humans but maybe not so much for our pets. This list contains some recommendations on how to help your canine around July Fourth:

Take Your Pup for a Stroll After the Fireworks

You know how the saying goes, “A tired dog is a happy dog,” meaning that if your pup is tuckered out from exercise, they will be less likely to have anxiety over the loud booming noises. Dogs who have been adequately exercised are often calmer and sleep more deeply. Your dog will rest comfortably in their doggie bed as the fireworks go off.

Create a Safe Space for Your Dog

If your pup loves being in their crate, make it a secure and comfortable choice. Throw a cozy blanket in their crate,  and give them a Kong food puzzle toy. Please provide them with a water bowl to keep them cool and hydrated. Toss in a few of their preferred toys, and you have paradise for your pup. Your pup will thank you for it!

Keep Toxic Food from Your Pup

Fourth of July is when many people have picnics and plenty of party food is often available. Plates of food can be left unattended, as people tend to leave their food and drinks lying around during a picnic. Unfortunately, if it gets into the wrong paws, it can be toxic for your pup. Some of these foods:

• Alcohol
• Avocado
• Chocolate
• Corn on the cob
• Anything with onions or garlic
• Barbecue chicken or chicken bones
• Anything with grapes or raisins (fruit salad)
• Anything with artificial sweetener (xylitol)

Fatty foods like fried chicken can trigger a bad case of pancreatitis in your dog. Keep these foods away from your pup, and if you see your pup is showing signs of food poisoning, like vomiting and diarrhea, lack of appetite, low energy, and dehydration, call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at (888) 426-4435. If you see your dog has an obstruction, take them to the emergency vet immediately.

Watch for Heat Exhaustion

Your dog can quickly become overheated, and you do not want to take your pup out when it is scorching hot outside. Put your hand on the ground for ten seconds to find out if it is too hot for them to walk on the pavement. If it is too sweltering for humans, it is too hot for your dog. Also, you can walk your canine during cooler times, such as early morning and early evening.

Indicators of heat exhaustion:

• Rapid heart rate
• Difficulty walking
• Muscle tremors
• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Abnormal gum color (red, gray, blue, or purple)

Ensure your pup is hydrated if you go out in the heat. Try to stay in the shade so your dog has a place to rest and get cool. The number one rule to adhere to is never, ever, for any reason, leave your dog in the hot car alone.

Have Your Dog Microchipped

Many statistics and studies have revealed that more pups get lost on July fourth than at any time of the year, and it is also the busiest day for animal shelters. Fireworks, loud music, and parades often make dogs nervous and afraid. Pups run away from all the noise and commotion.

Microchipping your dog is a smart way to ensure the shelter can safely return your pup if your beloved companion gets lost. Ensure the data is current and correct. Your dog should also have a properly fitting collar with ID tags so they immediately know the dog belongs to someone.

Do Not Put Glow Necklaces on Your Pup

While it may be tempting to dress your dog in a show of fun and patriotism, resist the urge and do not put any glow jewelry on your dog. They may get curious and start chewing on them, leading to excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested, resulting in an obstruction. Be careful with the glow necklaces and bracelets around your dog.

Apply a Sunscreen for Dogs

You know how painful and irritating a sunburn feels. Your pup can experience this as well. Apply sunscreen to your furry friend so they do not get sunburned. Dogs typically get sunburned in specific areas:

• Belly
• Ears
• Mouth
• Nose
• Paws

Just make certain you are applying sunscreen that is made specifically for canines. Human sunscreen contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Zinc oxide can cause anemia, which can be fatal.

Try a Thundershirt

Some pet parents have claimed that the ThunderShirt has helped their dogs immensely. The idea behind the Thundershirt is that it applies gentle pressure around your pup’s torso, making them feel relaxed and secure. It can help relieve anxiety from fireworks or thunder. It can also be used to help with separation anxiety. The effect is comparable to swaddling an infant.

Try a Calming Supplement

Calming supplements contain natural ingredients safe for dogs and can help ease their stress. ThunderWunders are calming chews made by the same company responsible for the ThunderShirt. They contain melatonin, which can help with sleep, and several other natural ingredients that promote relaxation. Talk with your vet prior to adding supplements to your pup’s diet.

Give Your Dog Pets and Treats

If all else fails, give your dog many pets and treats to help calm them down. Reassure your pup with long soft strokes and a soothing voice that there is nothing to be afraid of, and give them a couple of treats. The treats will be a welcome distraction from what is going on outside. Most dogs get very happy as soon as they see the treat bag!

Follow the Tips Above To Help Your Dog on the Fourth of July

July Fourth is a day for picnics, parades, and celebrations. However, many dogs find it difficult to enjoy the festivities, especially when it comes to fireworks. You can use certain approaches to help your pup on this holiday and support them to be calm. Remember the tips in this article to give your canine companion peace of mind this Fourth of July. For more information, contact The Village Vets in Georgia by calling one of our locations.