How to Keep Your Pup Calm this 4th of July

One of the most notable and exciting days of every summer is 4^th of July. It’s a time to get together with friends and family, enjoy some great summer food, and celebrate with fireworks or other festivities. While all of these activities can be a blast for you and all of your human friends, they can sometimes be quite overwhelming for your four-legged buddies. Follow some of these tips to keep your dog feeling safe and calm this Fourth of July

1. Create a doggy safe space.

If your family is planning on attending a gathering or fireworks show of any kind, try to find a space in your home that is dedicated specifically to your furry best friend. While you might be inclined to want to bring your dog along for the fun, the stress of big crowds or loud fireworks can be fairly unnerving for your little furball. Great options for your pup’s hideaway could include a cozy doggy bed, their comfy crate, or even a quiet room in the house with their favorite toy.

2. Drown out the noise.

If the sound of fireworks makes your little guy or gal uneasy, consider throwing them their own, relaxed 4^th of July party inside. Once you have their dedicated doggy den chosen and set up for the night, add a little bit of white noise, such as calm music, a fan, or even a relaxing TV show. They will be sure to appreciate having another noise to focus on rather than the festivities outside!

3. Consider boarding!

If your family has plans for the night away from the home and your furry family member has a daycare/boarding center that they love, look into leaving them there with trained staff and other furry friends for the day. For more information, give AVC a call or visit our website to learn more about your options for doggy boarding.

4. Get outside during the day.

A tired pup makes for a restful evening. If you anticipate your doggo having some extra anxiety from the noise of fireworks or loud gatherings, make some extra time to get outdoors and exercise before the festivities. This will help them to sleep deeper and can reduce the amount of disturbance that can be caused by the noise from outside. (WARNING: Always be cautious of high temperatures and outdoor activity with your dog to avoid heat exhaustion and keep your little guy or gal safe.)

5. Ask AVC for more tips!

Still looking for a little more guidance? Consult the helpful and knowledgeable veterinary technicians at AVC for advice on other tips such as the use of thundershirts, medical treatments, and other methods to reduce doggy anxiety. From all of us here at AVC, we wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July!