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Tips for a Safe 4th of July for Dogs

Robert CabralIACP Hall of Fame trainer1 min readJuly 3, 2016

Many dogs are afraid of the sound of fireworks, explosions and such.  The 4th of July is an intense time for these dogs and it is also the busiest time for dogs to enter our nation’s shelters.  Please take care to secure your dog on the 4th of July.  Below are some tips to help you:

  1. If at all possible keep your dogs inside.
  2. Keep windows closed, dogs will break through screens and wedge out of cracked open doors.
  3. If your dog is spooked by fireworks keep a radio or TV on.
  4. Be sure your dog is wearing a collar with a tag (even if they normally don’t wear one), even if they are staying inside.
  5. Keeping the room cool and using aromatherapy can be a big help – Lavender is a good choice.
  6. If you take your dog with you, ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash and use a choke, martingale collar or a harness.
  7. Don’t leave your dog in your car with open windows – DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR PERIOD!
  8. If you’re traveling with your dog in the car be sure he is restrained with a seatbelt harness or a crate.
  9. Staying home with your dog during fireworks is a lifesaver if your dog is afraid of them. Make a night out of it, watch a movie together!

See: online dog training

Robert Cabral with a shelter dog
About the author

Robert Cabral

Robert Cabral has been training dogs professionally for over 20 years. He started in shelters, working with dogs nobody else wanted, and was inducted into the IACP International Hall of Fame for his work in shelter advocacy and canine rehabilitation.

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