Quiet Fourth of July Activities with Your Dog

What would the Fourth of July be without bottle rockets, firecrackers and a brilliant fireworks display to cap off the day's celebrations? To us, all the things that go boom and bang are exciting and fun, but for pets, loud noises hurt their sensitive hearing, causing them to become anxious and even fearful. The days after Independence Day are busy for shelters when frightened pets who ran away from loud noises begin to find their way into shelters. Having your pet fitted with a microchip, tattoo or with a name tag on their collar with their name, your name and phone number can help shelters reunite lost pets with their owners. It's best to leave your pet at home away from all the noise when you attend a fireworks display, but you can still enjoy a relaxing day with your dog; as long as there's nothing around that goes boom. Independence Day celebrations usually start at least a week before the actual holiday. We can't control other people's fun, but we can help our dogs endure the Fourth of July in a stress free and quieter environment.

A day hike along a dog friendly trail is a great family outing where you can include your dog, as long as everyone is in good shape and conditioned for a day's walk. Independence Day is a celebration of America's freedom, but I think of it also as a day to celebrate the wonderful beauty of this great nation. No matter where you live, hiking a favorite trail reminds you of what's most important when you can enjoy nature with your family and pet.

Hiking stimulates your dog's mind and provides exercise that helps keep him healthy and happy. Most trails require dogs to stay on leash, but if you are allowed to let your dog off leash, make sure he'll return to you when called. Dogs can easily become lost if they take off after a rabbit that darted out from under a bush. The best part of a day hike is by the time you get back home, your dog is worn out and ready for a nap and you can enjoy watching the fireworks display with your dog safe, tired and contented at home.

Camping is an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend the Fourth of July. Depending on where you camp, you can find hiking trails, fishing, boating and swimming. Some people prefer quieter campgrounds where they can enjoy doing nothing special except spending time with their family. Whether you're a new camper or an old pro, there's something spiritual about being surrounded by nature that's good for the soul for you and your dog.

The old swimming hole may be more to your liking. OK, so you aren't the rugged, get out the hiking boots, walking stick and canteen type. Spend the Fourth of July at your favorite swimming hole. I love taking my dogs to a local swimming spot where dogs are allowed. There's plenty of room for a game of Frisbee or catch with your dog or anyone else who wants to get in on the action. Don't forget sunscreen made specifically for dogs because they can get sunburned, too, and never use sunscreen for humans on them. Ingredients in our sunscreen can be toxic for pets.

A Fourth of July BBQ , for some families, is the perfect way to celebrate our independence. Celebrating at home for some dogs is more to their liking. Not all dogs like riding in a car or spending the day outside on a trail or at a swimming hole and prefer their cozy bed in the air conditioned house. Hosting a BBQ means you can spend time with friends and all members of your family, including your pet. Please remember to make sure a non pet owning guest doesn't slip your pet a bone or human food that's toxic for dogs and cats. If someone is setting off fireworks in your neighborhood, watch opening doors to make sure your pet doesn't try to run away. Turning up the TV or radio can help soften outside noises for pets who are inside the house.

Essentials to take along and precautions when going on an outing with your dog. Leash, collar with current rabies tag, fresh water, food/treats, bowl for water and food, sunscreen made for pets, a favorite toy, a ball or Frisbee if he likes to play catch, extra towels, basic first aid kit with tweezers to remove ticks, a copy of his vaccination updates and a recent photo of your dog. Make sure he's protected with flea control and has had his heartworm medication.

Dogs can suffer from heat stroke, so it's important to make sure your pet drinks plenty of fresh water and spends some time in the shade for a break out of the sun. Knowing the signs of heat stroke can save your pet's life. Check your dog's feet between the paw pads and his fur for ticks after a day of hiking or swimming. Hot sand, cement, asphalt and metal can burn your dog's feet. If a surface is too hot for you to walk on barefooted, it's too hot for your dog.

The Fourth of July is a summer holiday the entire family can enjoy away from all the bangs and booms most pets would rather skip. A day at the beach or on a trail can help relieve their stress and anxiety and we can enjoy the evening's fireworks display knowing our pets are safely tucked away inside the house having sweet dreams of a fun and quiet day with their family.