Why Does My Dog Not Like the 4th of July?

You may have noticed in years past that the 4th of July holiday may not be your dog’s favorite day of the year. So, why does your dog not like the 4th of July? As you probably suspected fireworks do have a lot to do with it, but there are a few other reasons as well.

Fireworks that go on for days

I don’t know about in your neighborhood, but in mine, fireworks are shot off randomly from Memorial Day through the 4th of July and then some. The weekend of the 4th is always the most, going off from evening and well into the night.

Our dogs don’t know that we are celebrating with fireworks to commemorate the battles that paved the way to America’s independence from the British Empire. All they know is that there are loud and scary noises coming from their usually quiet neighborhood and that scares them. Some dogs are bothered by loud sounds more than others, but in general, no dog is happy with the booms heard throughout the night.

Hot summer weather & thunderstorms

The heat of the summer generates more thunderstorms, this is especially true in climates that don’t have a lot of storms. Not only is the heat exhausting, but when the weather changes from sunny to lightning and thunder without warning, it can be extremely stressful for our pets.

Crowded cookouts

On top of fireworks, hot summer days and unpredictable weather, we often have people over for a cookout or take our dogs with us to other 4th of July festivities. Undoubtedly, there will be strangers and loud children, plus loud music. To us, this is all in good fun, but to our dogs, all of these add up and can make them pretty anxious.

Most of us love chances to celebrate and spend time with our friends and families. And there’s nothing more American than a good 4th of July celebration, but the same can’t always be said for our four-legged companions. Not only may your dog not like the 4th of July, it isn’t always the safest time for them either.