The 4th of July is coming. Yay for America's independence and woo hoo for celebrating it. Some celebrations include parades, revolutionary war reenactments, fairs and the ever popular fireworks displays. All wonderful fun for you, but how does your dog feel about all this?
Bring a Puppy
Puppies and babies have a lot in common. Sure, some parts of their temperaments are hard-wired before birth, but much of their personalities can be shaped by their environments. Strangers fawn over puppies and babies so by all means, if you can swing it, get your puppy out there for some of that positive attention. Keep him leashed, of course, and bring along plenty of treats and water to keep him full and properly hydrated. If your puppy is skittish, the treats may override his jumpiness when an oompah band goes by or a cannon is lit. This is critical to providing reassurance to your dog that all is well.
Adult Dogs and Crowds
Adult dogs are less cutesy than puppies, and most people are more apprehensive about larger dogs than smaller dogs when in public. Adult dogs have more of their own ideas and are less tolerant than puppies. You can hang onto a Bichon if he gets testy, but good luck controlling that Newfoundland. A newfie may be a big lug, but if he lunges out of shock or fear, he can really hurt somebody.
Ami Moore, a Chicago Dog Trainer, coaches her clients to be wary about bringing adult dogs to these kinds of events. “I've heard heartbreaking stories from people, shocked their dogs took off when the bagpipers started when their pets are normally laid back. They are safer at home - no hot concrete to sear their paws or concerns of overheating.” Ami further cautions about rehomed dogs. “Don't take a dog into a crowd unless you've had him since he was a puppy. You don't know that dog's entire history and it can put both of you at risk.”
Fireworks and Dogs
Fireworks are another matter. Even puppies should be left home when possible. Ami Moore points out dogs' ears are more sensitive than ours and those cracks and booms we love may be downright painful for our dogs. Displays of fireworks are not pleasant for dogs in general and unless yours happens to be deaf, the safest place for your dog is at home. If your home is close to a fireworks display, considering watching them from home to keep an eye on your dog. Ami points out the perks of avoiding heavy traffic, crowds and the ability to soothe their dog if the fireworks are sensory overload for him.
Safety First
In the event your dog gets away from you and you can't keep up, one person should wait near the car or at home if you walked. Fido just may show up at one of those locations. Another person should stay put - when the crowd dissipates or the event is over, he may just have been hiding close by and waiting to feel safe before returning to you. Always have a collar on your pet identifying his name, your name and how to contact you. Mobile phones are often better than land lines to list, and use the address where you are most often. Some people list the dog's veterinarian as a contact point. The news is full of stories of pets being returned to their owners after hundreds of miles of trekking since they were microchipped. It is a good idea to chip your pet since it makes it more likely you will be reunited with your pet if he does escape.
