Ziiiiiing! POP POP POP! BAM!
Hopefully, there is only one day (or weekend) you’ll hear explosives in your neighborhood – we’re talking about the 4th of July!
People celebrate the 4th of July to commemorate the country's independence from Great Britain in 1776 by signing the Declaration of Independence. The day is marked with various festivities, including parades, fireworks, barbecues, and community gatherings, fostering a sense of unity, patriotism, and pride among Americans.
However, you can’t forget your puppy when you’re planning your barbeques, pool parties, and most dangerous of all – your fireworks display. Loud fireworks and crowded gatherings can be stressful and dangerous for our four-legged friends.
It's essential to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of your puppy during this festive time. Here are 14 practical tips and strategies to keep your puppy safe and calm during the July 4th holiday.
14 Tips To Keep Your Puppy Safe During July 4 Festivities
If you’re wondering about July 4 safety tips for puppies, we have some suggestions you might not have thought about for what to do before, during, and after your celebrations. Paying attention to our 14 tips will help you and your puppy have a festive July 4th.
1. Have a plan
When you’re making 4th of July plans to celebrate, don’t forget your puppy. Remember, you are a responsible dog owner now, which means you will need to put your puppy’s needs first. Do you need a sitter? Do you need to build in plenty of exercise time for your puppy before your cookout? Will one family member need to be the designated puppy minder during the party? Build your plans to celebrate around your puppy’s needs.
2. Find a knowledgeable dog sitter
If you are going out of town, you’ll need to find a responsible dog sitter that is also good with high-stress situations for puppies. Some puppies may not react the same way they do at home when there are startling noises or routine changes, so selecting an experienced pet sitter who knows techniques and methods to calm down animals is paramount. Start looking for a sitter as soon as you get plans because the good ones always book up quickly.
3. Create a safe, calm space
You may already have a space in your home where your puppy can go when overwhelmed, excited, or tired. If you don’t, consider a cozy corner away from the hustle and bustle where your puppy can regroup and retreat. Close windows and doors to reduce distractions, and consider playing calm music. Make sure this area is secured and monitored, and don’t forget your puppy is there!
4. Get the zoomies out before the party
Prior to the festivities, make sure to provide your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is likely to be more relaxed and less prone to anxiety. Engage in activities such as long walks, play sessions, or puzzle toys that challenge their minds. By expending their energy in a positive way, they will be more likely to remain calm during the fireworks.
5. Have emergency numbers ready
While you may take every precaution you can, there are still emergencies, accidents, and lost pets. Have your nearby emergency veterinarian offices written down and saved in your phone. Know the holiday hours of operation and what the process is for bringing in a sick or injured animal before your first guest walks in the door with that delicious patriotic strawberry, blueberry, and Cool Whip cake!
6. Use proper identification
July 4-6 is historically the absolute worst time of year for runaway pets and packed shelters. It’s estimated that animal control officials across the nation report a 30%-60% increase in lost pets during July 4th compared to other regular days and holidays. It only takes one sound to spook a pet that otherwise wouldn’t roam from home. Likewise, festivities mean someone isn’t always watching your puppy, and it could slip out the door easily and bolt.
Know what the process is in your area for how to report a lost puppy and where to look for it (nearby shelters, rescues, social media sites, etc.) In addition, provide a microchip with current information so shelters can reunite you easily. Use a sturdy collar with tags stating your puppy’s name and contact information. Keep your puppy bill of sale, contracts, vet records, and pictures of your puppy to prove ownership as well.
7. Designate a puppy minder
As we mentioned before, choose someone to be the designated puppy minder, especially if you are the primary host of the party. You want to avoid having to focus on both your guests and your puppy at the same time since it’s really a job for at least 2 people. This person keeps their eyes on your puppy at all times. If the puppy goes outside, use a leash if there is not a secured, fenced area to prevent your puppy from running off. The puppy minder can also check floors to see if any forbidden foods or potentially harmful decorations have fallen. Lastly, the puppy minder can recognize when a puppy would benefit from retreating to their calm space and anticipate the time during fireworks to be your puppy’s rock.
We do want to note that an adult with a license will need to refrain from alcohol or taking anything else that would impair a person from driving in case there is an emergency that must be dealt with when time is of the essence.
8. Puppy-proof your home and decorations
Your home should technically already be puppy-proofed when you learned how to prepare your home for a new puppy. However, there may be areas you haven’t gotten to yet, such as lawn and garden safety for puppies. Make sure your yard and garage are free from any harmful chemicals that may be in reach. Many decorations you may want to use to show your patriotic spirit may actually be harmful to puppies if ingested. Keep tinsel, string, blow-up yard decorations, banners, and flags up where puppies can’t reach them. Don't forget to keep your puppy far away from hot grills and bonfires as well.
9. Avoid harmful foods and substances
Certain foods commonly consumed during July 4th celebrations can be toxic to dogs. Keep chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, alcohol, and any other hazardous substances out of your dog's reach. Additionally, remind well-meaning guests to refrain from offering these foods to your dog. If ingestion occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
10. Get your guests involved
Don’t assume all your guests will know what to do with a puppy. Watch your puppy for signs of overexcitement since a puppy is always a point of focus. Explain to guests that you’d appreciate it if they helped keep an eye on your puppy and ask they do not feed your puppy table scraps. We hope you wouldn’t have to say this, but emphasize that alcohol should never be served to a puppy. Most guests are happy to comply and do whatever it takes to keep your puppy safe.
11. Avoid direct firework exposure
We hope you know this already, but it doesn’t hurt to read it in print: Fireworks can be extremely frightening for dogs due to their heightened hearing and sensitivity to loud noises. Keep your dog indoors during fireworks displays, and never bring them to fireworks shows. Do not have your dog outside near any fireworks when they’re being set off because that rocket can rip through spaces where it wasn’t intended to go.
Experienced dog owners will tell you there's no way a dog will gaze into the night sky calmly during fireworks. Avoid this scenario!
12. Distract and comfort during fireworks
Take steps to reduce the stress from fireworks. If possible, try to drown out the noise by playing calming music, white noise, or turning on the television. Consider using noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs specifically designed for dogs to minimize sound exposure. Offer them interactive toys, treat puzzles, or long-lasting chews to keep their minds occupied. Consider using a thundershirt or anxiety wrap that provides gentle pressure and can help reduce anxiety in some dogs. Ask your vet about calming treats and sprays available on the market to see if they’re right for your puppy.
13. Keep calm and carry on
Dogs are highly intuitive and can sense our emotions. It is crucial to remain calm and composed during the holiday commotion. Your puppy will look to you for reassurance, so project a sense of calmness and provide positive reinforcement when they display relaxed behavior. Engage in familiar activities and routines to maintain a sense of normalcy.
14. Clean up quickly
Your house may have been picture perfect July 4 and look like a tornado hit it July 5! First, make sure you keep your puppy on the same routine, as they are creatures of habit and need to rely on you for consistency. But before you let your puppy in the backyard to use the grass facilities, you’ll need to clean up your yard from any debris, trash, or other signs of the festivities that could cause harm.
Celebrate July 4th With a Pawrade Puppy
The July 4th holiday can be an enjoyable time for both humans and their furry companions, but it's important to prioritize the safety and well-being of our puppies. The dog days of summer are here, but first, you need a puppy to celebrate with!
At Pawrade, we put the health and safety first of every puppy thanks to our network of trustworthy breeders that have the same high standards we do. We’re hoping to find you the perfect furry companion among our puppies for sale. Go out with a bang this year with a Pawrade puppy!
