7 Fourth of July Safety Tips for Your Dog
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Fourth of July is the highlight of summer for many American’s. Grilling out with friends, enjoying drinks by the pool, and all of the events such as fireworks and parades can be so much fun! But, while you enjoy the Independence Day holiday, it’s important to remember the day may not be as much fun for your dog. The fireworks, crowds, and food can all be dangerous for your furry friend, so it’s important to make sure you’re taking precautions to keep them safe during the summer holiday. Today, I’m sharing 7 Fourth of July safety tips for your dog.
1. Keep Them Away from Food and Drinks
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a hamburger and a beer on a holiday! However, the food and drinks we tend to serve on the Fourth of July can be fatal for your pet should they get ahold of them. Be mindful to keep your dog away from the grill and any unattended alcoholic beverages.
If you do want to share some food with your dog, there a few that are okay in moderation:
- Watermelon
- Hard boiled eggs
- Plain hamburger or hotdogs
- Veggies
Note: Remember to never serve your dog corn cobs, onions, or grapes!
2. Avoid Crowded Events
While some dogs do well in crowded areas, many dogs are going to become overwhelmed and won’t have fun at all. If you’re unsure how your dog will behave in a large crowd, it’s best not to bring them along to any parades, firework viewings, or large parties.
3. Ensure All Identification is Up to Date
Did you know more dogs go missing on the Fourth of July every year than any other day? This is largely because loud noises, such as fireworks, scare dogs (and other animals) into running off in an attempt to get away from it. Before the festivities begin this year, make sure your dog has an up to date ID tag on them and that their microchip is registered with your current information.
For more firework safety tips, click here.
4. Do Not Apply Human Sunscreen or Bug Spray to Your Pet
If you’re spending the day outside in the sun, it’s important to apply sunscreen and bug spray throughout the day. However, this rule does not apply to our dogs! Never use human sunscreen or bug spray on your pets. If you do want to use an insect repellent on your dog, there are plenty of animal specific options on the market.
5. Be Mindful of the Water
A majority of American’s will be spending the holiday by some body of water whether it be the ocean, lake, or a pool. If you plan to bring your dog along with you, make sure to take the appropriate water safety measures. Don’t let them swim unaccompanied and consider a life jacket for less strong swimmers.
6. Remember too Much Heat is Not a Good Thing
As humans, we’re well aware of when we need a break from the heat. Unfortunately, our dogs can only communicate that to us with body language. If you have your dog outdoors to celebrate the holiday with you, keep a close eye on them to avoid heat exhaustion.
For tips on keeping your dog cool in the summer, click here.
7. Know Your Dog
Plenty of dogs would love to celebrate the holiday along with you, so you certainly don’t have to leave them home for all of the festivities. However, you know your dog best, so if you sense they’re becoming overwhelmed, too hot, or scared, do them a favor and bring them to a safe space. There’s nothing wrong with keeping your pup safely indoors because believe it or not they don’t know it’s a holiday 😉