As one of the biggest party days of the year, it’s quite natural to want your dogs and July 4th to be a fun celebration. So long as you take a few precautions, there is no reason not too. We’ve listed 5 tips to help you avoid some of the more common accidents and problems that can endanger your pup’s safety during the holiday.

1. Avoid fireworks.
   Yes, we know. What fun is the 4th without fireworks? It’s no so much that your dog could get injured by an errant firecracker, but that the sounds and sensations that we find so exciting send most dogs into deep distress, and often scar them so badly that any future loud noises they encounter will make them fearful and uncomfortable as well. So if you are having or going to a fireworks display, leave you dog in a quiet area of the house until it’s over.
2. Watch the grill – but not for grease fires.
   Be sure that grease pans are emptied, and that excess grease scraped from the grill is far from your dogs reach. Grease smells like food to them, but when ingested can trigger digestive problems, even life-threatening issues such as pancreatitis.
3. Minimize the meat and treats.
   It is so tempting to toss a hotdog or chip their way, but unless you are prepared for the diarrhea and vomiting that commonly follows, we suggest you stay with the foods your dog is accustomed to – especially if this is your first holiday with your dog. Most dogs don’t take to radical diet changes, and usually get sick afterwards.
4. Leave lawn treatments for after the holidays.
   Goes without saying that a dogs nose and mouth are always close to the ground, especially when sniffing out human food droppings. Exposure to pesticides and chemicals in lawn treatments can have both temporary short term and permanent long-term effects, so avoid the treatments until after the holidays. Another no-no is using DEET products on your dog to ward off mosquitoes.
5. Make proper introductions if other dogs and children will be present.
   Unless your dog is like Caesars “Big Daddy,” s/he will need the proper introduction to other dogs and children. Assuming your dog is well socialized with both, it’s a formality that can ward off potential conflict later on. Make sure that any children present understand the proper way to engage with your dog, and give other dogs the opportunity to do their natural meet and greets. If you sense there will be any issues, the best thing to do for everyone is to remove your dog from the situation.

If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!