7 Essential Tips to Keep Your Dog Calm and Safe During 4th of July Fireworks

As much as I love backyard barbecues, parades, and parties, there's one part of the 4th of July I don't look forward to - the fireworks. The noise doesn't terrify me, but it makes me very angry, just like when a skateboard zooms by or the delivery guy rings the doorbell. If you're not familiar with schnauzers, we constantly bark our heads off. We're loud and can bark all day, which can drive our humans crazy sometimes.

Unfortunately, many of my furry friends panic and run away during fireworks. Did you know more dogs run away during the 4th of July than any other time of the year?

We can't avoid the loud noises and fireworks, but as a responsible owner, I know you'll do your best to keep us safe and lessen our stress and anxiety. Here are some things my human does and hopefully will keep your dog stay calm and safe during the 4th of July.

1. Prepare a Safe Space

Creating a comfortable and secure environment for your dog is vital in helping them feel at ease during the 4th of July festivities. As an owner, you have the power to control the environment and make it less stressful for us. In our case, we close all windows to lessen the noise, keep the TV on a little louder, and set up my bed in the living room with my blanket, toys, and treats to distract me. My human is there to give me pets when I start to growl and toss my squeaky ball to distract me.

2. Provide Identification

As I mentioned earlier, many dogs panic and run away during this time, so make sure your dog is wearing a tag with your contact information. If your dog is microchipped, ensure that information is up to date. Consider investing in pet trackers and GPS dog collars.

Check out this article for The Best Pet Trackers and GPS Dog Collars for 2024 by PCMag.

3. Avoid Firework Displays

Unless it's a pet-friendly silent fireworks, we do not want to be a part of that. The loud sounds and bright lights can be very overwhelming and frightening. In case you need clarification about what a pet-friendly silent fireworks is, it's essentially hundreds of drones flying in the sky in different formations similar to fireworks. Last year, Stella and Chewy had a special fireworks display for us at the Santa Monica Pier, and it was such an extraordinary experience.

4. Keep Them Calm with Dog Calming Aids

If your dog is particularly sensitive to loud noises, consider using calming aids such as anxiety vests, noise-protecting earmuffs, and calming chews like CBD-infused treats. These products can help soothe your pet's nerves and reduce anxiety during fireworks or other noisy celebrations. I usually take a CBD treat 30 minutes to an hour before the fireworks start and get busy with my yak chew puffs. It has worked wonders for me.

5. Take Care of Business Early

One mistake my human made when I was a puppy was taking me out for my usual night walk on the 4th of July. To her defense, it was her first year celebrating the 4th in LA, and she didn't know there would be so many illegal fireworks. I was minding my business when a firework that sounded and felt like a bomb exploded. I was so terrified that I had diarrhea for two days. So, get your steps in and business done early so you can spend a more relaxing night at home cuddling with your human, preferably chewing on a treat.

6. Exercise Before the Celebrations

In addition to taking care of business early, I usually go on a hike or spend a couple of hours at the beach to burn off extra energy. When I'm tired, I tend to be more calm and less affected by noises. I'm also getting a new set of snuffle mats this year, which is a great way to stimulate our minds.

7. Consult Your Vet

If you know your dog struggles with fear or anxiety during fireworks, speak to your vet ahead of time. The tips I mentioned above work for me, but I'm not a "dogtor" who can give you professional advice or prescribe suitable calming aids and medication for your dog.

You can enjoy the holiday with peace of mind by taking proactive steps to ensure your dog's safety and well-being during the 4th of July celebrations. Remember, we rely on you to keep us safe and secure throughout the festivities. With some preparation and care, you can make the holiday enjoyable for you and your dog.

Here's to a happy, safe, and stress-free 4th of July for you and your best friend!