For the Love of Dogs

07/03/2026

4th of July tips for dogs & their owners 😉❤️🐾

~This is lengthy, but I am putting it out there in the hope that it brings a little comfort to those that struggle on & around the holiday. 🧨🎇

Did you know?

~The 4th is one of thee biggest nights for animal control. Panicked, freaked out dogs in survival mode will escape their yards and occasionally their homes. Sometimes by any means necessary, including breaking through & scaling high fences, even busting through glass windows.
Please, please keep them indoors on the 4th!

Take extra precaution and be sure your dog's collar WITH I.D. TAG is on. If they are microchipped, double check that their info is both registered & current.

As much as possible, add in some extra activity with your dog during the day to get them exercised & tired out. You don’t want pent up energy on top of loud fireworks adding to what is, for many dogs, an extremely stressful night!

Don’t wait!! Be sure to get your dog out to potty BEFORE sundown & before the fireworks begin. Keep in mind, there are those who are eager to start celebrating even before the sun goes down. So if there’s any chance your dog could be triggered and escape, you might consider bringing them in early from play, even leashing them up for that last potty break, just in case.

If you are going to be out watching fireworks and “think” your dog would feel safer with you, (in most cases) I would advise against it. Especially if they have any sound phobia. Safe and secure at home inside the house is typically your best option. This is not the case 100% of the time. You, “hopefully” know your dog best. Advocate for them, take extra precautions and use your best judgment to keep them safe and secure!

Here is a list of things that may help to lessen the impact of loud fireworks~

• Turn up the volume on your stereo, TV, sound system, etc.
• If you have portable fans, turn them on at high speed to create additional noise. This won’t completely eliminate the sound, but it will help to reduce its impact.
• Throw a few peanut butter, yogurt or pumpkin puree filled Kongs in the freezer a few days ahead of time, so they are ready for the evening. They will occupy your dog longer when frozen. Otherwise long lasting chews i.e. bully sticks would be good to have on hand.
• If you play seek/find it games with your dog, hide treats or kibble around the house long before the sun goes down. These and any other engagement games indoors may help keep their minds busy and their focus away from anticipating the next “boom“ or “impending doom”. ***Note~ at the onset of a loud explosion, fear will most likely override the allure of even the best treats. But give it a few minutes and as the dust starts to settle, try again. Food is typically calming and can help to bring them around. *** for some, however, those with extreme sound sensitivity or noise phobia, they may have no interest in food. Even a rib eye steak is out of the question. Speaking of food…
• Since most folks will be BBQ’g today anyhow, throw a couple of extra burgers or chicken on the grill (no seasonings), cut it up, remove any bones and you’re all set. Best treats ever!!
• If your dog is comfortable in his/her crate, this can be the safest place for them. Either where you typically crate them, (covered or not)or in some cases it may be appropriate to place it closest to the source of indoor noise (loud tv/radio) and away from windows & doors to help drown out the sound of fireworks. Mine will be crated in the living room near us while we watch movies, fans on, TV volume up! *******If your dog is not comfortable being crated, this would not be the time to start! They could potentially hurt themselves trying to escape the crate. Occasionally, a dog who loves & feels safe in their crate on any other day, may feel trapped as loud explosions are going off.
• In any case if you plan to go out, try to find a place they will be most comfortable. This could be under a bed, in the laundry room, bathroom or even a closet can feel like a safe haven! Every dog is different & hopefully you'll know what place is best inside for your dog.
• Consider sleeping in a downstairs bedroom with them if possible where some of the sound is absorbed.
• Avoid being highly emotional over a fearful, anxious dog, as it can actually increase their anxiety. Fight the urge to “soothe” your dog with excessive petting, coddling & baby talk (i.e. ”You’re okay, you’re okay, don’t worry I’m right here” etc., your good intentions can send them the wrong message, reinforcing their fear. Remain neutral and calm to help your dog do the same! Your best chance at helping them during this very stressful experience is to lead by example and provide stability.
• Lastly, if your dog’s fear and anxiety around fireworks are extreme, you could skip going out altogether..
• You might also consider other interventions such as the various calming devices available at most pet stores (head/ear wraps to minimize sound, compression vests etc), behavior modification training and/or medication. Consult with your vet to see if medication might be an option.

After the fireworks~
If the night’s experience was exceptionally scary for your dog, you may notice symptoms like shaking, panting, hiding. These should subside within a few hours/the next day. It can take up to 72 hours for elevated stress hormone levels to return to normal.
In a small percentage of dogs, acute anxiety/trauma or PTSD from a loud event can develop. If your dogs has symptoms that persist beyond a week or two you may want to reach out to a professional.

Paws crossed not only for our dogs, but for all who experience stress, & trauma triggered by fireworks and other explosives associated with the holiday. Including cats, birds, & other wildlife. Even butterflies! Not to mention war veterans. 😢

If there’s anything I missed that you’ve found to be helpful, please let me know. I can add it to my list for next year!

Please be responsible and be safe!

~ Deb Po***ck
For The Love Of Dogs~
✌🏼❤️🐾🐾