Fireworks, BBQs, and red-white-and-booms! 🎆 While the 4th of July is a blast (literally) for a lot of humans, it’s often a full-blown anxiety fest for our pups.
At Cogs Dogs, we know a thing or two about keeping dogs calm, happy, and safe because we’ve lived it. From senior sweethearts to zoomie-loving fosters, we’ve weathered many noisy Independence Days with our crew. So, we’re sharing our best tips (plus a few fun distractions) to help you and your dog make it through the 4th with minimal stress and maximum snuggles.
1. Fireworks & Freakouts: How to Keep Dogs Calm
Let’s be real, most dogs don’t hear fireworks and think “ooh, pretty.” They think, “What in the f#ck is this?”
Here’s what has worked for us:
• Create a Safe Space: We like to set up a cozy corner with their favorite blankets, a crate if they’re crate-trained, and a white noise machine or calming music. We’ve even tossed a t-shirt that smells like us in there for good measure. (Bonus: a Cogs Dogs tee = stylish AND soothing.)
• Distract & Conquer: Long-lasting chews, enrichment toys, and puzzle feeders have been lifesavers for us. They keep the brain busy and the anxiety low. This year, we’re obsessed with our newest Meatball-approved toys and high-value treats.
• Exercise Earlier in the Day: A tired dog is a calm dog. We try to take walks in the morning and do playtime before the neighborhood firework chaos starts.
• Close It All Up: We shut windows, pull blinds, and turn on the TV or music. Dulling the sound and hiding the flashes helps a lot, especially for our more skittish and terrified pups.
• Stay Home & Cuddle: We personally don’t like going anywhere on 4th of July or the nights where we know the fireworks will be loudest. We choose to stay home to ensure our dogs stay safe and comfortable. Just another excuse to stay home and cuddle your dog instead. 😊
2. Backyard BBQ Warnings (Because Dogs Are Opportunists) 🌭
Grill season = temptation everywhere. Be mindful of:
• Bones & Corn Cobs: Just don’t. Too dangerous.
• Onions, Grapes, Alcohol: All toxic for dogs.
• Greasy Scraps: Cute begging face ≠ safe snack. Stick to dog-safe treats.
3. ID Tags, Microchips, & Leashes: Just in Case
More dogs go missing on the 4th of July than any other day. Make sure your pup is wearing a secure collar with up-to-date ID tags, and their microchip info is current. We keep our dogs inside well before sunset and no backyard potty breaks during peak firework time.
Always leash your dog and some dogs are safer being leashed even in a fenced-in backyard, which we’ve done with some of our dogs too. This keeps them from running around frantically and possibly injuring themselves.
Don’t Forget to Celebrate in Style
Just because your pup isn’t into fireworks doesn’t mean they can’t still be festive AF.
Check out our 4th of July Collection:
• Matching dog bandanas
• Patriotic tanks and tees for the humans
• Brand new treats and toys to keep those tails wagging
Shop the collection now and grab what you need before the booms begin. 🎆
From Our Pack to Yours
Every dog is different. Some will happily nap through fireworks while others need all the support we can give.
Whether you’re spending the 4th on the couch with calming chews and cozy blankets or out matching with your pup in full patriotic gear, we hope your holiday is safe, full of love, and maybe just a little quieter this year.
With love & pawsitivity,
Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom
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