Oh, my, it is almost the Fourth of July. On Friday there will be Independence Day festivities all day long, all over Santa Barbara County, culminating with fireworks at West Beach.
Most dogs do not like fireworks, whether they are in a firework show or small bursts of illegal fireworks.
According to American Kennel Club statistics in 2024, more dogs run away and get lost on the Fourth of July than any other time of year.
Fireworks are loud and unpredictable, and many dogs hear them as a threat. Firecrackers and fireworks at a pyrotechnics show come without forewarning.
The loud noises and flashing lights sound and look different each time. They come at different intervals, so dogs cannot get used to them.
If you know your pet gets anxious during fireworks, call your veterinarian this week to discuss prescription medications that may help keep it calm.
Your veterinarian can also recommend over-the-counter medications and supplements, such as CBD for dogs, dog-calming treats, or supplements such as VetriScience Composure or Calm & Confident and Purina’s Calming Care supplements.
You can also try dog anti-anxiety shirts, such as ThunderShirts that are available at local pet stores, on Chewy or Amazon.
Be sure your dog has ID tags and is microchipped. A GPS collar is a good idea to help track your pal. If your dog is already microchipped, check that the contact information on the microchip is up to date.
It is a best to keep your pal inside in a quiet, secure room in its crate or dog bed. You can even cover the crate with a blanket and make sure to provide it with familiar toys and treats.
Close your windows and curtains to soften the fireworks’ sounds and lights. You can try leaving a fan, TV or sound machine (many found on Amazon) on to help mask the sounds of the fireworks.
Please be aware that the fireworks will be simulcast on local radio station KjEE (92.9 FM) and livestreamed on KEYT.com, so avoid using either of these to reduce the firework sounds and lights for your pal.
Local trainer/behaviorist Wency Elaine advises not to bring your dog to a fireworks show, especially a young dog. This may cause the dog to be sound- and light-sensitive for a long time.
If you plan to bring your dog to a Fourth of July barbecue there are a few things to keep in mind. Is the barbecue during the day, before the fireworks? Is the barbecue in your friend’s enclosed yard or in a public park?
Definitely keep your dog on a leash in a nonenclosed and/or public area. Even if the celebration takes place in a contained space, such as a back yard, it is best to keep your dog leashed and by your side.
At parties, people are continuously going in and out without realizing a door or gate has been left open.
In any new environment, it’s best to keep your dog on a leash. That way, you can control how any new encounter goes.
The friendliest, most socialized dog can also be afraid.
Alexandra Bassett, a dog trainer and behaviorist at Dog Savvy Los Angeles, says having your dog on a leash allows you to easily calm them if it feels uneasy.
Also, be sure the leash is firmly attached to your dog’s collar or harness, as your dog may want to investigate or run to get pet by a friendly guest and slip out of its collar or harness and escape.
In an uncontrolled environment like a Fourth of July party and barbecue, your dog might forget its manners and grab something off a plate or eat yummy scraps on the ground.
At a “summer cookout, you almost have to assume your dog is going to eat something he shouldn’t,” said Dr. Carly Fox, a senior veterinarian in emergency and urgent care at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center of New York City.
Corn on the cob when eaten on the cob can break into pieces and lead to an intestinal blockage.
Dogs love the smell of meat, such as meat on a kabob. They may eat the entire wooden skewer, causing gastrointestinal upset and potential GI puncture.
Cooked bones, such as ribs or chicken, can become lodged in your dog’s intestines or cause a choking hazard.
Barbecue tableware such as Styrofoam, paper dishes, plastic cups and plastic silverware can cause stomach upsets, as well as GI obstruction. These items typically all have the scent of food, so your dog figures more is better and eats the food remnants as well as the cutlery.
Chili dogs and spicy foods do not make your pet’s gastrointestinal system very happy. Too much mustard can cause vomiting in dogs. Try not to feed your dog the leftovers.
After considering the above questions, should you still bring your dog to a summer cookout? Would your dog be more comfortable at home? Only an owner can answer the question.
If your dog cannot be in a safe, enclosed area, it may be a better choice to just leave it at home.
While America celebrates the Fourth of July, remember that, for our dogs, it’s just another day — but a day that for them, has scary-crazy wild sounds and lights, as well as too many people.