Tips for a Stress-free 4th of July for Dogs

9 Quick Tips for a Stress-free 4th of July

Keeping dogs and cats safe and calm in the summer, there's always something going on, whether it's holidays, vacations, out-of-town visitors or keeping dogs safe on the 4th of July.

Besides holidays, vacations and visitors from out of town, summer may not be the easiest time for dogs and cats to relax.

This summer, we wanted to ensure that summer is stress free and fun for everyone in the house, including our dogs.

That’s why we’ve come up with a few tips to keep summer stress-free for dogs and cats.

1. Keep Dogs and Cats in the House.

It is important for people to keep their pets inside during fireworks displays if they want to keep them safe. When taking them outside, keep them on a leash.

Stress and anxiety are normal reactions for dogs and cats to sudden changes in their environment. The sounds of social gatherings, unexpected loud noises, and bright lights, fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations are especially stressful for many cats and dogs. As a result, more lost and runaway animals arrive in shelters on this day than any other day of the year.

It's okay to let dogs and cats rest, drink, meow, or hide if they want to. When they are looking for comfort and safety, it is best not to disturb them.

The most effective method for dealing with distressed dogs or cats is to remain relaxed, act normally, and praise calm behavior.

Prepare for stressful situations by making sure the information on your dog or cats tag is up-to-date.

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2. Try Calming Treats

Calmatives are products that have calming effects and are available as powders, tablets, biscuits, chews, tinctures, sprays and plug-ins.

Some of our favorite Calming Treats for a stress-free 4th of July.

3. Keep Dogs and Cats Away from Stressful Noise and Activities

Dogs and cats have better hearing than people, so they are more sensitive to loud noises.

During parades and fireworks displays, owners who left their anxious dogs outside may have gone into the house or had a higher chance of escaping.

4. Never take Dogs or Cats to Firework Displays

Excessive panting, yawning, and other signs of anxiety and stress may be misinterpreted.

Ask your friends or a professional pet sitter to keep your pets company rather than leaving them alone.

5. Provide Something for Them to Focus On

If they are feeling anxious, play with them or give them one of their favorite toys.

When dogs and cats are focused on something they enjoy, they often tune out distracting noises and activities.

Additionally, some dog chews contain herbal calmatives, which may help keep them calm.

6. Exercise Before Fireworks Displays

It is best to play with or exercise your dogs or cats before a stressful event so they're less likely to become stressed later.

7. Buffer the Outside Noise

It is important to close windows and doors to help buffer the outside noise for pets with very sensitive ears.

Turn on the TV or radio if you often have them on to absorb outside noise.
Keep TV or radio volume at normal levels rather than blasting the volume to drown out other sounds.

8. Dogs may Benefit from Anxiety Reducing Clothing

Stretchy anxiety-reducing clothing for dogs provides gentle, even pressure on their backs, chests, and tummies to instantly calm them.

This clothing is a safe and surprisingly effective way to help calm down dogs while inside the house.

Some quality Thundershirts for a stress-free 4th of July for dogs.

9. Create Den Like Hiding Places

One of the best ways to have a stress-free 4th of July are crates, dens or cozy hiding places can be more comfortable for many dogs. Anxious cats like hiding places that are cozy and comfortable. Undisturbed, these reactions are normal when hiding.

Put a blanket over a chair, or place a paper grocery bag or cardboard box in the corner.

The smell of freshly laundered clothing or towels can be a comforting addition to these dens.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

Fireworks can stress some animals to the point that they harm themselves. You may need temporary medication from the veterinarian in order to have that stress-free 4th of July for your pup.