Many people look forward to the Fourth of July as a holiday to relax, cook out, watch fireworks, and spend time with friends and family! 🇺🇸🌭☀️ While it may be exciting for you, your dog may feel differently. For your pup, a long day spent with strangers in the summer heat capped off with loud noises may be his worst nightmare! It’s important to think about what’s best for your dog this Fourth of July as you’re enjoying the festivities. Read on for Fourth of July dog safety tips that can help your pet enjoy the holiday weekend as much as you do!
Fourth of July Dog Safety Tips to Consider
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Make sure any guests are aware of what your dog can and can’t eat
At barbecues, people can feel inclined to slip your begging dog a piece of hot dog or a chip! While this is okay in moderation, it can lead to a stomachache or worse for your dog. Be sure that people know the common foods that are poisonous to dogs, including but not limited to avocado, chocolate, grapes, nuts, and undercooked meat.
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Provide a safe spot for your dog away from the noise
Even before the fireworks hit, a loud party may not be where your dog wants to be all day long. Make sure they have a break from the commotion in a comfortable, quiet space where they can relax. This spot can be good for when the fireworks begin in the evening, if your dog isn’t a fan of the loud noises!
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Make your dog extra visible when it’s dark
If your dog is running around in an unfenced area or hanging out close to a driveway or road, you want to be sure they’re very visible when it’s dark. This will help you keep an eye on them, and helps drivers be sure your dog is out of harm’s way. An LED dog collar is a great way to ensure they are seen no matter where they are! Bonus points: you can get one in red, white or blue to make them look festive!
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Ensure your pet is properly identified
Just in case your dog happens to run off, having their identification tag will be important when it comes to getting them home safely to you! This should be on them at all times, but especially during holidays where they could get spooked.
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Don’t let your pet get close to any sort of fire
Whether it’s a grill, a fire pit, or fireworks, you need to ensure that your dog stays far away from any fire or especially hot objects. They don’t know to stay away from heat, and they can get hurt if they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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Keep their water bowl filled at all times if they’re spending time outdoors
Dogs get hot and need to rehydrate just like you do! Make sure they’re getting enough water throughout the day and get plenty of breaks from direct sunlight if the day is especially hot.
While many of these tips may seem obvious, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Taking a few extra minutes to make an atmosphere that’s safe for your dog will help you enjoy the day even more. We hope that this list of Fourth of July dog safety tips aids in making this year’s Independence Day celebrations the best yet!
What are your plans for the Fourth of July?