Top Activities For Dogs On Fourth Of July

Introduction

Firing up the grill, hanging out by the lake, watching a star-spangled fireworks show — these are just a few of the fun Fourth of July pastimes Americans enjoy each year. But, as much as your pup loves to beg for scraps at the Independence Day cookout, there's no denying the Fourth of July is a dangerous holiday for our doggos.

Fourth of July weekend sees more reports of missing pets than any other time of year. As well as learning how to keep your pet safe on July 4th, you should also plan some dog-friendly activities to keep them calm before the big fireworks show starts. Read on to learn how to have a festive (and safe!) Fourth with your favorite patriotic pup!

Make Pupsicles

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

8 hrs

Items needed

Pupsicle Recipe and Ingredients

Pupsicle Molds or Ice Cube Trays

Activity description

What better way to beat the infamous Independence Day heat than with a "pupsicle"? These yummy frozen treats are super simple and inexpensive to make, and you can choose from a wide range of recipes and ingredients based on your dog's tastes. Keep it simple with water and chicken stock, or give your pupper a boost of nutrients with added fruits or veggies. Once you've found a recipe you like, all that's left to do is whip up your pupsicles, freeze them overnight, then enjoy!

Step

1

Gather your ingredients

You know your dog's taste pretty well. If they love chicken-flavored treats, find a pupsicle recipe that uses chicken stock. Beef stock is also a popular choice. Most dogs go bananas for peanut butter, so a peanut butter, banana, and plain yogurt recipe might be up your dog's alley instead.

Step

2

Freeze overnight

Pupsicles don't take long to make, but they do take some time to freeze. If you want your dog to enjoy a frozen treat during the hottest parts of the day while they're basking in shade outside, don't "furget" to make your treats ahead of time.

Step

3

Playtime followed by pupsicles

Before letting your doggo have a taste of these "furrific" frozen treats, take some time to play. Whether it's just a quick game of fetch or a long play session complete with fun games, exercising your pup is one of the best ways to tire them out before the fireworks begin. Don't overdo it in the heat, and be sure to supervise your dog at all times. After 10 or 15 minutes of playtime, reward your dog with one of the frozen treats so they can rehydrate and cool off.

Sprinkler Time

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

20 min

Items needed

Sprinkler

Activity description

Keen to beat the heat this Fourth but don't have a swimming pool? No problem! Set up some sprinklers in the yard to give your dog (and yourself) a bit of summertime entertainment.

You don't need to install a sprinkler system to make a splash with Sparky. Just hop over to your favorite online retailer and search for a sprinkler attachment for your hose. Or, make a day of it and bring your doggo with you to the hardware store to buy one. This dog-friendly Fourth of July activity is quick, affordable, and a whole lotta fun for the whole family! Here's what you need to do.

Step

1

Set up the sprinkler

Whether you've installed a sprinkler system to water your lawn or bought an attachment for your hose, now's the time to set it up — but don't turn it on just yet.

Step

2

Introduce your dog to the sprinkler

Some dogs may be frightened by the sprinkler if they're not properly introduced to it first. Let your dog investigate the sprinkler while it's turned off. Watch them closely while they sniff it out, and reward them with treats or praise for reacting calmly. If your dog barks at the sprinkler or tries to chew it, don't punish your dog or force them to continue interacting with it. Consider taking a break and trying again later.

Step

3

Turn on the sprinkler

Once your dog is cool with the sprinkler, it's time to take the next step. With your dog standing a safe distance from the sprinkler, turn it on so they can see what it does. Reward any attempts to play with the water. If they react fearfully, again, don't force them to interact with it and try again later.

Step

4

Make a splash!

Now it's time for the fun part: frolicking in the water! Join your woofer as they play, or sit it out and take an Insta-viral video instead. (We think "pawticipating" is way more fun, though!) Since it's July 4th, why not make a day of it and invite your kids, family, or neighbors to join in? The more, the merrier!

Step

5

Follow up play time with a water break

Don't let your dog's wet coat fool you — they still need to drink water after having all that fun! After about 20 minutes of vigorous playtime, take a (drinking) water break with your dog. Grab your dog's favorite treats, find a bit of shade, and rest up before another romp in the sprinkler.

DIY Agility Course

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

2 - 3 hrs

Items needed

Laundry Basket

PVC Pipes

Cardboard Boxes

Activity description

To help your dog stay calm during the Fourth of July fireworks show, don't "furget" to exercise their mind as well as their body. Tackling an agility course provides a healthy dose of both physical and mental stimulation, which should help your pup snooze soundly through the cherry bombs bursting in air!

The beauty of this activity lies in its simplicity. No need to splurge on a fancy agility kit at your local pet store (unless you want to, of course). All you need is a few everyday items from around the house. The supplies and obstacles listed here are a good place to start, but the only limit is your imagination!

Step

1

Gather your supplies

Take a good look around the house and garage for items that can double as agility equipment. Or, make a quick run to your local pet or hardware store to get what you need. Cardboard boxes are a good substitute for a tunnel, while a laundry basket held up by broomsticks or PVC pipes is the "pawfect" makeshift hurdle. PVC pipes also make great weave poles.

Step

2

Set up your course

Now that you've got what you need, it's time to set up your course. We recommend DIYing your agility course in an outdoor area with plenty of space so Fido can really make the most of each obstacle. Sure, you can technically do this activity indoors (as long as you've got a spacious room with no breakables nearby). But why not get out and enjoy the summer sun?

Step

3

Start training

Your dog might take to the agility course like a duck takes to water, but chances are you'll need to show them the ropes first. We recommend starting small with one obstacle at a time. Dog trainer Caitlin Crittenden recommends rewarding your dog with high-value treats (think a small piece of hot dog or cheese) whenever they successfully follow your command. Be patient during this step!

Step

4

Keep practicing

With enough time, treats, and patience, your doggo should get the hang of it in no time. Continue practicing one obstacle at a time until your pup can reliably perform your commands.

Step

5

Add more obstacles

As your pup gets better at their new hobby, up the ante with additional obstacles. For example, if your mutt has mastered the weave poles, teach them to do the weave pole and then run through the tunnel.

Step

6

Go for the gold!

If your pup turns out to be a star athlete, why not check out agility events in your area? Enrolling in agility classes and events is a "furbulous" way to meet other pet parents and exercise your dog's body and mind at the same time!

More Fun Ideas...

Stay Inside at Night

We can't over-stress the importance of keeping your dog inside at night this Fourth of July weekend. As we mentioned, Fourth of July celebrations are one of the leading causes of missing pet reports each year. If your dog is scared of fireworks, set up a cozy, secluded space filled with their favorite blankets and other comfort items. Calming music and products that relieve anxiety in dogs are great ways to soothe your pup.

Attend a Pup-Friendly Fourth of July Event

Don't want to leave your woofer out of the Fourth of July festivities? Find a dog-friendly Fourth of July event near you! Many cities host parades, costume contests, beach days, and other activities just for the doggos. Socializing and exercising with other hounds and humans is sure to help Spot sleep soundly through the night.

Conclusion

No matter what you're planning this Fourth of July, remember these 2 tips for keeping your dog safe and sane this weekend:

Tire out your pup's mind and body before the fireworks begin.
Keep your dog indoors at night.

Fireworks and crowds can cause even well-trained dogs to escape your yard or wriggle out of their leash, putting them at risk of getting lost or injured. These dog-friendly Fourth of July activities will help keep your doggo occupied, giving you better peace of mind.

Heading out of town for the Fourth of July and not sure what to do with your dog? Book a local dog sitter or boarder with Wag! so your dog has a cuddle buddy during the big, scary fireworks show.