Fireworks and Fido: A Complete Guide to Dog Safety on the Fourth of July

Did you know that more dogs run away on the Fourth of July than any other day? Dogs can easily be scared by fireworks even if you're not the one setting them off. Here's a complete guide (with products!) to help you keep your dog safe and calm this Fourth of July.

Have an Adventure

An active dog is a happy dog! Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day. Plan to tire them out before the main event and allow them to have a safe space (a crate or other small, enclosed area) to retreat to once the fireworks begin.

Create a Safe Space

A friend's home or doggie daycare is the perfect space to keep your pet out of harm's way if you won't be home or if you'll be setting off fireworks at your home. If your dog is unfamiliar with the location, bring them a few times beforehand to increase their comfort level. Knowing that they are secure is the first step to creating a plan that works for your family.

Give Them a Treat

Give your dog a frozen pupsicle or fill a Kong with frozen treats so that they have something to keep them occupied. You can also try out calming treats if your dog enjoys them.

Drown The Noise Out

Air conditioning can actually be a great way to deal with the fireworks -- especially if it is hot. Make sure you're monitoring the temperature where your dog is while you're away from home, which you can easily do in our app. If your dog really can't stand the noise, there are several products out there to help calm him AND reduce the noise he's hearing. Mutt Muffs are great for working dogs and dogs who may be in a particularly loud environment for an extended period of time. Thundershirts and jackets are also a great way to help ease your dog's anxiety. There are also Vet-approved CDs with music to help keep your pet calm, something to try out on dogs of all sizes!

Start Early

If you currently have a puppy at home, start getting them used to loud noises from an early age. Create a routine that can help them understand what's happening -- unlike thunderstorms, fireworks have no warning signs for dogs and a routine can help them cope.

The most important thing to do is to keep calm and act fast if your dog does get lost on the Fourth of July. Make sure everyone in your neighborhood knows and with our Link smart pet wearable, you can quickly track your pet from the moment you know they are missing.