Fireworks and Dogs: How To Keep Our Awesome Animal Friends Safe During The 4th of July
I think we can all agree on the fact that fireworks on the Fourth of July are awesome, no matter where you see them.
Whether that be down the shore, on the Parkway by the Art Museum, somewhere by Penn’s Landing on the water, or just your local show, fireworks go perfectly with this holiday.
At the same time, I think we can all agree with the fact that dogs are awesome, too.
I know I saw a lot of you at the MGK-9 Dog Fest this year, so I know you agree!
So now that we are on the same page, sometimes two things that are awesome don’t combine to be something awesome.
In fact, most times fireworks and dogs don’t go together well at all.
Keep The Dogs Safe From Fireworks…
So here is my yearly public service announcement and fireworks and dogs — but this can apply to other animals as well!
Yes, our beloved four-legged friends don’t like fireworks for the most part.
Actually, most dogs take them as a threat, and in most cases, their first response to hearing and seeing them is to run away.
So the first piece of advice I would give you would be to keep your dogs inside and to make sure to close all the windows.
To make them feel safe, I would put them in a small room and maybe throw some music on — whatever is playing on MGK to be exact — to distract them from the firework sounds.
Oh, and don’t forget to bring in their toys, bed, and blankets to make them feel comfortable.
Also, if you can stay with them, that makes it even better!
Now that we have that all covered, I hope you and your animal friends have a great Fourth of July this year!
By the way, is it just me, or is there a fireworks pop-up tent at like every strip mall this year?
7 Last-Minute Ways To Celebrate July 4th Without Going To The Jersey Shore
Host A Backyard BBQ
Photo by Alex Edelman/Getty Images
Odds are, if you don’t have plans yet, other people probably don’t either. Send a text out to your friends and invite them to a barbecue, hosted by you! Make it a potluck so you don’t have to do all of the work. Buy some hot dogs, burgers, or whatever, and grill ’em up! You don’t even need to decorate. Just good vibes and great food with your friends are great for celebrating the holiday.
Go To A Local Parade
Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images
So many towns hold July 4th parades during the day on the holiday. You can see cute kiddos dressed up in their star-spangled best, watch classic cars roll down the road, and cheer on those who’ve served our country. It’s a fun way to be festive that doesn’t require a whole lot of your energy.
Find Some Fireworks
Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images
There are TONS of fireworks shows all around the Delaware Valley for you to go see. Most of which are free, might I add. Check out local township websites to see when and where these local fireworks shows are going on. You can also watch these shows from a distance in your car if you don’t feel like bringing out a blanket and some bug spray.
Try A New Red, White, And Blue Recipe
Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
If you’ve got food coloring at home, why not try out a patriotic recipe? There are tons online for you to give a spin. Red, white, and blue Jell-O shots are pretty easy and very festive. Or, you can try your hand at something more complicated, like an American flag cake!
Visit A Local Historical Landmark
Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images
We have TONS of these in Philly and the surrounding area. What better way to celebrate our country’s independence than to appreciate where it all started? Philadelphia was THE epicenter of American Independence. Places like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are all great places to go to learn about where it all began.
Go On A Picnic
Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images
Fresh food and fresh air are a great way to celebrate the holiday. Picnics are a great way to spend time with your friends and family without breaking the bank. July 4th staples include fruits like watermelon and blueberries, both of which are perfect picnic foods as well.
Go Swimming
Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
If you don’t have a pool, there are tons of public pools in the area. Also, if you live near a lake, that rocks too. You can go swimming without hitting the shore. Summer days are made for swimming!
