Many dogs think that fireworks aren’t cause for celebration. If fact, when the light show starts, they take cover! Here’s how to protect your dog during the Fourth of July long weekend.
The Fourth of July weekend can be a nightmare for dog owners.
Combine loud fireworks, an abundance of food and drinks that are not pet-friendly and the heat, it’s a holiday not everyone looks forward to.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, more pets go missing over the Fourth of July weekend than any other time of the year.
I’m lucky, because in the 8 years I have had Toby, he has never been afraid of fireworks. From when he was a little puppy, I started taking him to the weekly summer fireworks show in the town where I live. While he was slightly nervous the first time, as soon as people started making a fuss over him, he relaxed and associated the fireworks with a positive experience and it never fazed him again.
Related:The Science Behind Dogs & Loud Noise
Maddux, however, is another story. I did the same thing with him as I did with Toby as a puppy. However, Toby was five months old at his first fireworks show, and Maddux was a year old.
His reaction is mixed. Sometimes, they bother him when we are watching them, and other times they don’t. I pay close attention to his body language, and at the first sign of unrest, I remove him from the situation. As long as the fireworks are not right in front of him, however, he is unfazed.
Not everyone has dogs like that. Many times even if it’s in the distance, the fireworks are still a problem. My childhood dog was like that.
Related:How To Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks
But, there are some simple measures you can take to make sure your dog stays safe over the Fourth of July weekend.
Michelle Maskaly is a freelance journalist, content creator and business strategist, who lives in upstate New York with her two dogs, two birds, four tortoises and fish. She writes about their life on the pet lifestyle website, My Tail Hurts From Wagging So Much.
