Red, White, & Woof! Keeping Your Dog Safe and Cool This Fourth of July

Written By Mekinsey Marie

As you prepare for a festive Fourth of July, it's important to remember that our dogs need some extra care and attention during these celebrations.

Here are some tips to help your dogs stay safe, calm, and cool while you enjoy the fun.

Safe Space: Fireworks can be stressful for dogs. Set up a cozy, quiet area in your home where your pup can retreat if they feel scared.

Hydration: With the summer heat in full swing, make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water. Keep reading for a refreshing pup-cicles recipe!

Be Mindful of Food: Gatherings often involve delicious food, but many human foods can be harmful to dogs. Keep an eye on what your dog is eating and avoid feeding them foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and anything that is new for them that could cause an upset stomach. Here is a list of toxic foods for dogs.

Fireworks Safety: Keep your dog indoors once the fireworks begin. Close windows and curtains to help muffle the noise, and turn on the TV or play soothing music to create a calming environment.

Avoid Hot Surfaces: Keep your dog off hot asphalt and concrete, which can burn their paw pads. Stick to grassy areas or walk early in the morning or late in the evening when surfaces are cooler.

ID Tags & Microchips: Make sure your dog's ID tags are up-to-date, and consider getting them micro-chipped if they aren't already. Loud noises can cause dogs to bolt, and proper identification can help ensure a safe return. Did you know that The NW Dog has a custom tag engraving machine? You can choose from a variety of tag designs and have it engraved in under 2 minutes!

Exercise Early: Take your dog for a long walk or play session in the morning to tire them out, making them more likely to relax later on.

Fruity pup-sicles are refreshing and packed with natural flavors and nutrients, perfect for cooling down your pup on a hot day.

Patriotic Pup-sicles

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup strawberries, chopped

  • 1/2 cup blueberries

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plain yogurt

  • 1/2 cup coconut water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Blend the strawberries and blueberries together until smooth.

  2. In a bowl, mix the blended fruit with yogurt and coconut water (or chicken broth).

  3. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.

  4. Insert a small dog biscuit or treat stick into each mold (optional for a handle).

  5. Freeze for about 3-4 hours until solid.

  6. Pop the pup-sicles out of the molds and serve chilled to your dog.

Feeding Instructions:

  • Monitor your dog when giving them pup-sicles, especially if they are new to frozen treats. These fruity pup-cicles are refreshing and packed with natural flavors and nutrients, perfect for cooling down your pup on a hot day.

I hope these tips help you and your pup have a fantastic and stress-free Fourth of July!

Please tell your dog I said HI!

LOVE & PAWS,
Mekinsey · The Dog Photographer


Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a veterinarian or animal behavior expert. I'm simply a fellow dog lover sharing some tips and advice based on personal experience and general knowledge to help keep your dogs calm during the Fourth of July celebrations. For professional advice, please consult your veterinarian.

Mekinsey Marie