Fourth of July is just around the corner, and celebrating calls for fireworks, food and fun. While you are spending time with your family, it is inevitable that your dog will want to join in on the fun. Even pups can enjoy the Fourth, but the holiday can also bring about potential dangers for your four-legged friends. Keep these Fourth of July safety tips in mind when planning your holiday parties and help keep your dog out of harm’s way.
Fireworks
It is no secret that dogs are not big fans of loud noises. They are likely to become frightened by the bang of fireworks, and the noises may even scare them enough to run away. If you want your pup to participate in the festivities, it is best to bring him inside as the sun goes down. Keeping him in a familiar and somewhat quiet area will help keep him calm as fireworks light up the sky.
Heat
The Fourth of July is often the hottest holiday of the year. No matter where you are in the country, it is likely that the temperatures will be warmer than what your dog is used to. It is important to keep an eye on him at all times to ensure he is not overheating. Heat stroke can occur quickly, especially for dogs with thicker coats of fur. Keeping your dog hydrated and out of the heat is the best way to prevent heat stroke.
Food
As with any gathering, it is best to keep animals and humans separate at the dinner table. While it is tempting to slip your dog a chicken bone or chip, human food can pose a threat to dogs. Food allergies, choking hazards and even too much fat content can put your pet at risk. Keeping extra treats on hand will ensure your dog gets to enjoy the fun, without being put in danger. Check out Vita Bone Artisan Inspired Biscuits in BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potato flavor for a taste your dog will love.
Getting lost
While you might want to keep them inside during fireworks and extreme temperatures, there is nothing wrong with letting your dog interact with everyone outdoors. Some dogs love the attention, but others may use their time outside as an excuse to wander. New people and loud noises could scare your dog into wandering off, so it is a good idea to pay attention to where he is at all times. Make sure he has his collar on before you let him out and that he can be easily identified if he becomes lost, whether with a microchip or an address tag.
Staying home
If you are leaving the house and going to an unfamiliar place, it might be best to leave your dog at home. Wanting to celebrate with your entire family, tails included, is understandable, but sometimes it makes more sense to leave him at home. New places may frighten your dog and if he becomes lost, it could be much harder to track him down.
There are so many ways to incorporate your dog into the holiday festivities to make sure they feel like part of the family. However you and your pets decide to celebrate, we hope you have a safe and fun holiday.
