How to Keep Your Dog Calm During 4th of July Fireworks

While the 4th of July should be a time of celebration and summer fun, for many owners, the it’s a holiday tainted with worry. Amidst the BBQs and games of beanbag toss, many of us find ourselves wondering: Will my dogs be OK tonight?

The majority of pets hate fireworks, terrified of the loud, booming noises exploding from the sky (and with a description like that, is it any wonder that they’re scared?).

I wish I could explain to my dogs, Ellie and Lucy, that there’s nothing to fear, and it breaks my heart to see them so distressed by something that brings me so much joy.

I’ll never forget the day my mother and I left our family dog Benzy at home while we went to the park to watch fireworks. When we came home, we discovered that he had gotten shut in a bedroom upstairs, when an open window blew in wind that must have closed the door behind him.

Sweet Benzy. (Photo courtesy Meg Marrs)

I opened the door and was shocked by what I saw. Benzy had never been a destructive dog, but you never would have known that from this bedroom in such disarray. Lamps lay knocked over, piles of papers were scattered across the floor, and the wooden door to the bedroom had huge, deep gouge marks – a true testament to my dog’s terror. Witnessing how absolutely terrified my poor pup must have been upset me immensely.

I knew after that day I didn’t ever want my dogs to experience that kind of fear ever again — at least not if I could help it.

That’s why we decided to create a new infographic this year at K9 of Mine that provides tips on how to keep your dog safe and calm during fireworks.

Lost pets increase as much as 30 percent during July 4 through 6, and July 5 is the busiest day of the year for many animal shelters as they work to unite lost pets with their frantic families.

Use these tips to prepare your pup for the 4th and make sure the holiday is a celebratory day for pets and humans alike!

Please download and share this infographic so we can keep more pets safe this year. Also, you can get more tips for keeping dogs calm during fireworks at K9 of Mine.

About the author: Meg Marrs is the Senior Editor at K9 of Mine, a website dedicated to helping owners better care for their canine companions. When she’s not cuddling with piles of puppies, Meg can be found lounging in a hammock with a good book by her side.

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