4th of July Dog Safety Checklist

Summer holidays pose a few extra hazards to celebrating with your furry friends. As you prepare for Fourth of July weekend, use this checklist for some extra peace of mind as you ensure your dog keeps safe, happy, and healthy.

• A Place to Escape – Loud noises from fireworks, games, crowds, rides, etc. can cause dogs anxiety. If unaddressed, that anxiety can manifest in aggression or defensiveness. It is generally advised to let your dog relax at home and stay out of the chaos and noise of festivities.

• Calming Tools – Even at home, sounds from outside can frighten your dog. Try to keep them in a familiar, quiet area where they feel safe. You might consider investing in a thunder shirt or ask your veterinarian to recommend a calming sedative or other medication. Make sure they have comfort items like their favorite blanket and fresh water handy.

• Food Zones – Parties equal lots of yummy food! But that’s not necessarily good news for your dog. Make sure people-food remains inaccessible to your dog so they do not ingest a) an unhealthy amount or b) anything that poses a threat. Ensure your guests are asked not to feed your dog or leave their food and drinks where the dog could get into them. Couple anxiety from loud sounds and general commotion with unhealthy eating and you just might wind up dealing with vomiting, diarrhea, choking, or an emergency trip to the vet.

• Barriers – If you are hosting or attending a party, be sure your dog’s space stays secure. Make sure people keep appropriate gates and doors shut, and do not leave any escape routes open.

• Up to Date Info – Even with precautions, it is always a good idea to have your dog microchipped and tagged with your contact info in the event they manage to run off. If they are already chipped, make sure the info is up to date.

• Water – Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. This is especially important the hotter and busier it get as dogs pant more and become susceptible to dehydration.

• Contain the Flame – Fourth of July weekend is a popular time for cookouts and roasts. Keep your dog far away from any open flames or hot cooking areas like grill stations and fire pits. If possible, set up a fence or other barrier around these areas to keep them altogether inaccessible to furry friends.

• Check the Car – NEVER leave your dog alone in a vehicle. Even with air conditioning and water, there are still risks of their getting caught on things, stolen, etc. It is not worth the risk.

• Garbage Can – Keep trash in a closed receptacle so your dog can’t get into anything toxic or otherwise potentially harmful.

• Decorate Strategically – Be aware of any decorations that may pose a risk to your dog such as small items they could chew or swallow, get tangled in, or knock over, and place them carefully out of your dog’s reach.

• Check the Label – Do not use products like insect repellent, sunscreen, etc. intended for humans on your dog. These contain harmful chemicals. There are many alternatives made specifically for dog safety on the market. Opt for those instead. Make sure your human products are out of their way as well so they don’t accidentally ingest or expose themselves to it.

• Know the Signs – Know the signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration so you can be on the lookout for them.

• Swimming Areas – Keep your dog clear of the swimming pool, even if they’re a great swimmer, unless they are being carefully supervised. The more people, activity, and heat around, the higher the risk of accident. Make sure guests know not to let the dog in swimming areas too. Sprinkler systems are a great alternative for water fun that both people and pups can enjoy together.

• Harness – If you will be out and about with your dog, walking them on a harness instead of just a collar adds extra safety and sense of security. Harnesses distribute pressure more easily so they are easier to breathe in as opposed to just a collar. They are also much harder to slip out of, so reduce the chances of escape.