PHOENIX — Fireworks, food, friends and family — for many, the Fourth of July is all fun and games. But for pets, the holiday can cause fear and anxiety. How can you help your four-legged friend through such a difficult day? We've got you covered.
Up to half of dogs react with fear when it comes to fireworks according to owner surveys done by the American Kennel Club. And since the Fourth of July is filled with fireworks, making a game plan for your pooch is essential.
Firework fear
The AKC recommends desensitizing your dog to loud sounds by playing recordings of fireworks or thunder and then using positive reinforcement.
When the fireworks are going off outside the recording, keep your pet in a room where they feel relaxed. Try blocking outside sights and sounds as much as possible. You can use blackout curtains or even turn on a television or radio.
Make sure you know your pet's stress signals, too, the AKC suggests. Does your dog whine or pant? Does your dog tremble or look for a place to hide? When you know how your pup reacts to stress, you can better manage those reactions.
But the biggest tip from the AKC has for pet owners? Make sure your dog has a legible tag, securely fitted collar and is microchipped. If your pet does run away during the Independence Day commotion, you want to make sure you have every chance of finding them.
What not to eat
Something you might not think of when it comes to furry friends and Fourth of July? All of the food your dog may or may not eat during a cookout.
Curious dogs may gravitate toward sparklers, glow sticks, matches or lighters — all of which are made of hazardous materials for dogs. If you're serving alcoholic drinks, make sure all beverages have covers and are not where pets can reach, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said.
Your guests may think they are being kind when they feed your pooch a scrap from the table, but any change on diet like that can upset your dog's stomach. Plus, there are a lot of grill favorites — like onions, avocado, grapes or chocolate — that can be toxic to pets.
Another no-no for dogs? Sunscreen or insect repellants. While great for humans to keep the outdoors at bay, the ingredients in sunscreen and bug spray can irritate a dog's lungs, stomach and central nervous system if ingested.
Post-holiday prep
In the days after Fourth of July, make sure you pay attention to your pets: if something happened on the day of the holiday itself, symptoms may take a day or two to surface.
If you are anywhere near firework shows, make sure to check your yard during and after the display: rouge pieces in your yard could look like a tasty treat to your pet, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation warns.
And finally, if your dog did have a hard time on the fourth, giving them some extra love after the holiday is "paws-itively" the best thing!
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