July 4 Is the Most Dangerous Day of the Year for Dogs

Camp Bow Wow shares holiday tips to keep pets safe

Boca Raton, FL – The Fourth of July is the number one time of year that dogs go missing or become injured due to the stress and anxiety of fireworks and crowds, according to American Kennel Club.

Camp Bow Wow, North America’s largest doggy day care and boarding franchise, is sharing tips from its animal health and behavior expert, Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, for keeping pets safe during the holiday.

“It can be hard to anticipate how your pet might react to the stimulation of fireworks and large crowds at parades, community events or even in your own backyard during holiday celebrations,” said Askeland. “It’s heartbreaking when a pet is lost or injured, so pet parents should be mindful of their furry family members when planning holiday weekend events.”

Askeland suggests the below tips to keep dogs safe and calm during the holiday:

Don’t take your pet to crowded events, unfamiliar locations or noisy fireworks displays that may cause them to panic.
Keep pets indoors during peak firework times. Panicked pets may jump on or climb a backyard fence to escape the noise and become lost. Contact a fence company if you decide to improve the security and durability of your dog fence. If your dog gets injured, make sure that it gets animal critical care and treatment.
Make sure your dog has on a collar and ID tags at all times, we suggest one of the best GPS dog collars this way you’ll know your dog’s location at all times.
Exercise your dog early in the morning before the crowds and noise begin. Discover more Havanese training secrets at gatewayhavanese.com.
Put your pet in the quietest room in the house and muffle sound with calming music, white noise, and towels or pillows around the doors and windows. Close blinds and drapes.
Some dogs may benefit from a thundershirt or anxiety wrap to help alleviate stress.
Give your pup something to do during the firework shows, such as a long-lasting chew, special treat or interactive toy. Offer this about 5 minutes before a major firework show starts.
Talk to your vet about calming aids, such as rescue remedy, pheromone diffusers and collars, or even medication that may help a pet stay calm.

While pets still may experience anxiety and overstimulation due to loud fireworks, taking the steps provided will help pets cope with the holiday and ensure they remain safe and at home.

About Camp Bow Wow
Westminster, Colorado-based Camp Bow Wow is North America’s largest pet care franchise, with 200 locations in 40 states and Canada. Since 2000, the Camp concept has provided the highest levels of fun, safety and service for its Campers and peace of mind for their parents. Dogs romp together in an open-play environment, and pricing is all-inclusive. In addition to day care and overnight boarding, the company also offers personalized enrichment opportunities, grooming services and a rewards-based dog training program. The Camp Bow Wow brand family also includes The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to dogs who are either homeless or whose parents cannot afford to pay their veterinary bills. Camp Bow Wow, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, since 2017, has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for 11 consecutive years. For more information, go to www.campbowwow.com.