The Fourth of July is full of fun for us—BBQs, parades, and dazzling fireworks—but for dogs, it can be a night of fear and anxiety. Loud booms, flashing lights, and unfamiliar smells can send even the calmest pups into a panic.
As a dog mom and Certified Canine Nutritionist, I’ve helped many families prepare for holidays like this. Here’s how you can protect your pup and enjoy a stress-free celebration with confidence.
🔥 Why Fireworks Are So Scary for Dogs
Dogs have incredibly sensitive hearing—up to four times more acute than humans. Combine that with the unpredictability of fireworks, and you’ve got a recipe for stress, fear, or even escape attempts.
Common signs your dog is anxious during fireworks:
- Panting, drooling, pacing
- Whining or barking
- Hiding or trying to escape
- Trembling or clingy behavior
✅ Fourth of July Dog Safety Checklist
Use this simple checklist to make the night safe and calm:
1. Secure Your Home and Yard
- Double-check gates, doors, and windows.
- Keep ID tags and microchip info up to date.
- Avoid outdoor time after dusk—many dogs run away during fireworks.
2. Create a Safe Space
- Use a crate, cozy room, or covered space your pup loves.
- Play calming music or white noise. (HERE is an inexpensive portable one that is nice b/c you can set it near the dogs area or if you have it you can use an Alexa or google device)
- Add favorite blankets or a worn shirt that smells like you.
3. Exercise Early
A long walk or play session during the day can help burn off extra energy and make it easier for your pup to rest later.
4. Feed a Comforting Meal
Some pups skip meals when stressed, so try offering dinner early. Include calming add-ins like:
- Turkey (natural tryptophan)
- Chamomile-infused treats (ask your vet first)
- A frozen KONG with peanut butter or plain yogurt and mashed banana: KONG makes a variety of freezable dog toys in different colors—each designed for specific chewing strengths. I always go for the black ones because they’re the toughest and most durable, perfect for powerful chewers or nervous pups who need serious distraction during fireworks.
Bonus Tip: Add a few calming herbs to dinner (like parsley or ginger) to help digestion and ease nerves.
5. Try Natural Calming Aids
- Calming chews (with ingredients like L-theanine or melatonin) such as THESE (be sire to pick a protein your pup can have)
- CBD oil for dogs (always ask your vet, use vet-approved, pet-safe brands)
❌ What Not to Do on the 4th of July
- Don’t bring your dog to the fireworks display.
- Don’t leave your dog alone outside.
- Don’t scold fearful behavior—comfort and support instead.
🐾 Bonus: Calming Treat Recipe
Try this easy Frozen Firework Treat to keep your dog cool and calm:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ banana, mashed
- 1 tsp peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
- Sprinkle of ground flaxseed
Mix and freeze in silicone molds or ice cube trays.
💬 Your dog doesn’t understand fireworks, but they do understand safety, routine, and you. With a little prep, your pup can feel secure even when the sky lights up.
Want more dog care tips like this? Explore my blog for natural calming options, nutrition hacks, and real-life tips for raising a happy, healthy pup.
And if you're new here—welcome! I help overwhelmed dog moms confidently nourish and care for their pups—one bowl and one bark at a time
🐾 As a dog walker and someone who works closely with pets every day, I know just how tough the summer heat can be—especially when the power goes out. Our dogs (and other furry friends) rely on us to help them stay safe, cool, and comfortable. With temperatures rising and heat waves becoming more common, I wanted to share a few tips I use myself to keep pets cool—whether I’m out on a walk with them or caring for them at home during a power outage.
1. Keep Pets Indoors & Limit Activity
When the temps are soaring, staying inside is often the safest bet. I adjust my walking schedule based on the forecast, and I always monitor the pavement temperature before heading out.
If you’re home during an outage:
- Keep your pets in the coolest room possible.
- Shut the blinds and use battery-powered fans if you have them.
- Let in a breeze during the early morning or evening hours.
2. Fresh, Cool Water is a Must
Hydration is key. At home, keep water bowls filled with fresh, cool (not ice-cold) water. I also like to toss in a few ice cubes or even frozen broth cubes when I’m caring for dogs in hot weather—it keeps them interested in drinking. There are even bowls like the Coldest Dog Bowl designed to keep your pups water colder longer.
3. Help Them Chill Out (Literally!)
If you’ve got tile or hardwood floors, that’s usually where your pup will head to cool down. You can also:
- Place a damp towel or cooling mat in their favorite spot.
- Let them rest on a wet towel or pop a chilled water bottle (wrapped in a towel) into their bed.
- Use cooling bandanas or vests if you have them—some dogs love them!
4. Use Light Mist or Damp Towels
If your dog seems too warm, try gently misting them with water or wiping them down with a cool, damp cloth. Focus on areas like the paws, belly, and ears—these help release body heat more quickly.
5. No Car Rides Without AC
Please never leave your dog in a parked car—even for a minute. On a 90° day, the inside of a car can hit over 120° in just 10 minutes. If you’re running errands during an outage or heatwave, it’s safest to leave pets at home in a cool spot.
6. Know the Warning Signs of Overheating
As a pet care provider, I watch for these signs on every hot walk or visit:
- Heavy panting
- Lethargy or wobbling
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Collapse
If you ever see these symptoms, act fast: move your dog to shade, offer water, wet their paws/belly, and call your vet ASAP.
7. Build a Pet-Friendly Emergency Kit
Power outages can last longer than we expect. A few things I recommend having ready for your pets:
- Bottled water
- Extra kibble or canned food
- Portable, battery-powered fan
- Extra leashes, towels, and a misting bottle
- Any medications and vet info
I hope these tips help you feel more confident keeping your pets safe during heatwaves and unexpected power outages. As someone who cares for pets daily, I know how much peace of mind it brings to feel prepared—and you’re not alone on this journey!
👉 Join our free Facebook group, Raising a Happy Healthy Puppy
🐾 Come be part of the pack—you and your pup are always welcome!
My free Facebook group for busy dog moms who want to confidently nourish their pups without second-guessing every bite. Inside, you’ll find simple nutrition tips, label-reading help, feeding strategies, and real support to raise a dog you truly love living with—starting at mealtime and lasting a lifetime.
💛Because every pup deserves a full bowl and a full heart.
Have you ever heard of a solar eclipse? It's a super cool event where the moon moves in front of the sun and makes it look like night time in the middle of the day! While you might be excited to see this rare event, you might also wonder how it affects your furever friend, your dog. 🐶
Don’t Worry About Doggie Sunglasses!
First off, you don't need to rush to the store for special doggie sunglasses. Dogs are smart and don't usually look directly at the sun, which is good because looking at the sun can hurt our eyes. Experts say that dogs naturally know not to stare at bright lights in the sky, so their eyes should be safe during the eclipse. (But if you want fun photos try these glasses)
What About Doggy Stress?
You might also be wondering if your dog will get stressed or scared when it suddenly gets dark. Well, while some animals might find it strange, most dogs will be just fine. They're more likely to react to how you're feeling, so if you're calm and having fun, your dog will likely feel the same way.
But, if your dog does seem a little worried, here are some easy tips to help them out:
- Stay Calm: Your dog can tell how you’re feeling. If you’re excited or anxious about the eclipse, your dog might feel the same way. Try to stay calm and relaxed, so your dog does too.
- Keep Them Inside: If there’s a lot of noise or too many people outside, it might be a good idea to keep your dog inside where it’s quiet and safe.
- Comfort Them: If your dog does seem nervous, you can try playing some gentle music or giving them their favorite toy or treat to make them feel better.
- Try a Doggy Anxiety Vest: If your dog gets really anxious, something like a this, which is a special vest that helps dogs feel secure, could be a big help.
Fun Fact!
Did you know that during a solar eclipse, some animals act a little funny? Chickens might go to bed thinking it's nighttime, and bees might rush back to their hive. But your dog? They'll probably just be curious about why you're acting so excited!
Remember!
Solar eclipses are super rare and special, and with a little preparation, you and your dog can enjoy the day without any worries. So, grab your eclipse glasses (for you, not your dog!), make a fun day of it, and remember to give your dog lots of love and maybe an extra treat or two for being such a good eclipse buddy.
And there you have it! A simple guide to enjoying a solar eclipse with your dog. Keep these tips in mind, and both you and your furever friend will have a great time. 🌒🐕
Desire to responsibly raise happy, healthy, and well-behaved pups that effortlessly blend into your family, becoming more than JUST a pet -even if you lead a busy life?
Then I invite you to join my free group...
My free Facebook group for busy dog moms who want to confidently nourish their pups without second-guessing every bite. Inside, you’ll find simple nutrition tips, label-reading help, feeding strategies, and real support to raise a dog you truly love living with—starting at mealtime and lasting a lifetime. 💛Because every pup deserves a full bowl and a full heart.
Training your puppy is one of the best ways to help them grow into a happy, well-behaved dog. When your puppy knows the right commands, they can stay safe, listen better, and you will build a stronger bond with them. That's why I always say, a trained dog is a happy dog. Here are the 5 essential commands that every puppy should learn and why they are so important.
1. Sit
Teaching your puppy to sit is one of the first things you should do. This command helps them stay calm and focused. When your puppy is sitting, they aren’t jumping on people or running around. This makes it easier to handle them in different situations, like when guests come over or before feeding time. It’s also a great way to help them stay patient and well-behaved.
Why it matters: Teaching "sit" helps your puppy learn to listen and follow instructions. It’s the foundation for more advanced training and helps build trust between you and your puppy.
2. Stay
The “stay” command is super important for keeping your puppy safe. It teaches them to stay in one place even when they want to run or explore. This is especially helpful when you’re opening doors, crossing the street, or if there are other dogs around. "Stay" helps your puppy control their impulses and learn patience.
Why it matters: Keeping your puppy safe is the biggest reason to teach “stay.” It can prevent accidents, like running into traffic, and helps them be calm in busy situations.
3. Come
The “come” command is all about safety. When your puppy knows how to come when called, you can keep them from getting lost or running into danger. Whether they’re playing outside or off-leash at the park, “come” brings them back to you safely. This command also builds trust between you and your puppy because they learn that coming to you is a good thing.
Why it matters: “Come” keeps your puppy out of harm’s way and is one of the best ways to make sure they stay close when it matters most.
4. Down
The “down” command helps your puppy relax. Sometimes puppies get too excited, and "down" can calm them down. This command is great for when you’re out in public, like at the vet’s office, or when you have guests over. A puppy that knows how to lie down on command is easier to manage and less likely to cause trouble.
Why it matters: It helps your puppy learn self-control, which makes them easier to handle in different environments. This command is also a sign of respect from your puppy, showing they are willing to listen.
5. Leave It
“Leave it” is a life-saving command. It teaches your puppy to ignore things they shouldn’t touch, like dangerous objects, food, or even harmful substances. Puppies are curious, and this command helps keep them out of trouble by teaching them to focus on you instead of whatever is on the ground.
Why it matters: “Leave it” can stop your puppy from picking up something harmful, like chocolate or sharp objects. It’s a powerful way to keep your puppy safe and show them that listening to you is important.
Training your puppy with these 5 essential commands will keep them safe and help you build a strong, happy bond. A trained dog is a happy dog, and these commands are the key to making sure your puppy grows into a well-behaved, confident companion. Start training today and watch your puppy become the best friend you’ve always wanted!
To make training even easier, I’ve created a Puppy Training Cheat Sheets & Trackers Bundle! This bundle gives you step-by-step instructions for teaching each of these essential commands, plus trackers to help you monitor your puppy’s progress and keep the whole family on the same page.
These tools are designed to help you stay consistent and make training a fun experience for both you and your puppy!
If you desire to raise happy healthy dogs I invite you to join my free community where you will find my
FREE Preparing for a Puppy 5 Day Challenge!
My free Facebook group for busy dog moms who want to confidently nourish their pups without second-guessing every bite. Inside, you’ll find simple nutrition tips, label-reading help, feeding strategies, and real support to raise a dog you truly love living with—starting at mealtime and lasting a lifetime.
💛Because every pup deserves a full bowl and a full heart.
