Camp Bow Wow Shares Expert Tips to Keep Dogs Safe and Included During Fourth of July Celebrations

As July Fourth approaches, Camp Bow Wow, a leading dog daycare and boarding provider for 25 years, is helping pet parents navigate the holiday’s unique challenges with expert safety tips and creative ways to include furry family members in their celebrations.

According to Pet Amber Alert, there is a 30-60 percent increase in lost pets reported from July 4-6 each year and The Animal Rescue Site says July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters due to scared animals running away from home during holiday festivities.

“The combination of loud noises, crowds and summer heat creates a perfect storm of stress for many dogs during Independence Day celebrations,” said Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Camp Bow Wow’s animal health and behavior expert. “With some thoughtful planning, pet parents can keep their dogs safe while still including them in the fun.”

Askeland offers these top five tips for safely including dogs in popular Fourth of July activities:

• Parades:
  • Safety: If your dog is comfortable in crowds, secure a quieter viewing spot early, keep them leashed with ID tags and bring plenty of water.
  • Fun: Let confident dogs join the fun as a mini-marcher with a decorated harness and leash or other patriotic-themed accessories.
• Fireworks Shows:
  • Safety: For most dogs, it’s safest to leave them at home in a secure space with white noise or calming music playing. Provide comfort tools like anxiety vests, pheromone spray and a lick mat to help reduce stress during the show.
  • Fun: Get pups outside early in the day for a walk before any local shows begin. Allow dogs to enjoy a calm activity, such as a snuffle mat or frozen treat, in a quiet, secure space during the festivities.
• Backyard Barbecues:
  • Safety: Create a designated dog-safe area with shade and fresh water, keeping pups away from grills, hot surfaces and toxic foods like onions and grapes.
  • Fun: Set up a treat-foraging game in the yard away from the cooking area. Toss some of your pup’s favorite treats in the grass and let them sniff around to find them.
• Block Parties:
  • Safety: Keep dogs leashed, provide space from overwhelming crowds, bring fresh drinking water and check pavement temperatures to protect paw pads. Be ready to leave if they start to show signs of stress such as panting, yawning, lip-licking or avoidance.
  • Fun: Consider setting up a dog-friendly zone with a small bubble machine or pup pool.
• Water Activities:
  • Safety: If your dog isn’t a strong swimmer, use canine life vests for water play and always supervise water playtime. Ensure your dog doesn’t drink pool or lake water by providing fresh water and also check for hot sand or pool decking that could burn paw pads.
  • Fun: Bring floating toys to play fetch in shallow water and set up shaded rest areas with cooling mats.

For pet parents unable to stay home with anxious dogs or bring their pups along for the fun, Camp Bow Wow offers boarding services with indoor, climate-controlled play yards where dogs can socialize safely, as well as a safe and secure cabin to rest away from holiday stressors. New Campers can enjoy their first day of Camp free by signing up at Camp Bow Wow.

For more information about Camp Bow Wow’s services or to find a location near you, visit Camp Bow Wow.