It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The grills are firing up, the beers are flowing, and your neighbors are about to put on the most impressive amateur fireworks display this side of the Mississippi.
Oh, and let’s not forget the real stars of the show – our poor, unsuspecting canine companions who are about to lose what little remains of their minds.
According to dog shelters, most dogs run away more during the weeks leading up to and on the 4th of July than at any other time of the year.
Some shelters even report a 30-60% increase in lost pets during this joyous holiday. Yikes!
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not have to go searching for my furry friend amongst the sea of bottle rockets and Roman candles. I can’t even imagine the fear and pain my dog would be going through out on the mean, scary streets of Denver by themself with explosions going on all around them.
Watch my video to learn the top-secret tips and tricks for keeping your pup calm, cool, and collected – even when the fireworks make them ruff!
Spoiler alert: It involves treats, belly rubs, and a healthy dose of sarcasm
Tip 1: Desensitize Your Dog, aka Make Them Think Fireworks are Just a Bunch of Fart Sounds and Hot Air
Just head to YouTube, search for some fireworks sounds, and shower your dog with love and treats. Slowly increase the volume over time, and soon your pup will be begging you to let them join in on the pyrotechnic party.
Tip 2: Create a Safe Space or, The Doggy Panic Room
Next, create a “doggy panic room” – a quiet, secure space in your home where your four-legged friend can retreat during the festivities. Think of it as a furry fortress of solitude, complete with comfy pillows, soothing white noise, and absolutely no view of the sky – just in case your dog happens to have x-ray vision.
Tip 3: Tire Them Out, Exercise Your Dog into a Fireworks-Induced Coma
And let’s not forget the most important step: tire that pup out! Take them on the mother of all walkies or a full-body workout fit for a professional athlete. A tired dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is far less likely to freak out when the sky starts exploding
Tip 4: Stay Calm and Patient, or Just like my Ex, You Can Fake It
You’ve got to stay calm and patient like a therapist trying to talk a jumper off the ledge. Provide comfort and reassurance without reinforcing their fear. Just remember, you’re the pack leader here, so act like it (even if you’re secretly curled up under the bed with them).
So there you have it, folks – the Denver Dog Guru’s foolproof guide to keeping your pup safe and sane this 4th of July.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be the MVP of the neighborhood while your dog happily naps through the chaos. And who knows, you’ll even get a chance to show off your newfound dog whisperer skills to the cute neighbor down the street.
Just don’t forget the most important rule of all: if all else fails, hide under the bed together. After all, being together with your dog is all that truly matters… that and making sure they don’t end up as collateral damage in your neighbor’s homemade fireworks display.
