The 4th of July, (amongst all others), is the perfect holiday to spend with our canine companions. When it comes to the 4th of July, most resources available online are geared toward pet safety, and with good reason. This fun summer holiday can present a number of risks and dangers for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. In this blog, we will highlight just a few fun activities your pets can be participate in with a little extra planning and consideration.
1. Make Your BBQ Dog-Friendly
If there’s one summer activity Americans love, it’s barbecuing. If there's one activity dogs love, it's eating. According to a 2020 survey of American grill owners, 68 percent of respondents reported that they plan to host a barbecue or cook out for their friends and family on the 4th of July.
To make your barbecue or cookout extra dog-friendly, you can plan a special K-9 only menu. A few suggestions of food you can include are:
- Grilled chicken or turkey (no bones!): Make sure it’s plain, without any seasoning or sauces.
- Grilled Veggies (no skewers!): Grill dog-safe veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.
- Fruit salad: A mix of dog-friendly fruits like apples, blueberries, and watermelon. Avoid grapes and raisins, as they are extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
Tips for a Dog-Friendly BBQ
- Avoid feeding dogs from the grill: Many human foods, especially those with seasonings, onions, garlic, or bones, can be harmful to dogs. Make sure any food that the dogs eat is made specifically for them and is seasoning-free. Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal distress. Corn cobs can cause blockages if swallowed.
- Make sure all canine guests are well socialized: Ensuring that all dogs invited to your BBQ are socialized and play well with others will not only keep your dogs safe, but also allow them to have some fun and burn off some energy.
- Supervise playtime: Keep an eye on the dogs to prevent any rough play or potential fights.
- Watch your food and utensils: If you’re not paying attention, it can be easy for a dog to eat something it’s not supposed to or get a hold of something dangerous like that chocolate bar that should be saved for smores, or a skewer. Keep a close eye on your food preparation and serving areas to keep the party as safe as possible!
- Provide a quiet retreat: Some dogs may become overwhelmed with the excitement, so ensure there’s a quiet area where they can retreat and relax, especially if you plan to have a large crowd.
2. Go For a Splash
The 4th of July is more often than not HOT. In fact, July 4, 2023 was the hottest day on Earth in recorded history. With that in mind, there’s no better way to beat the heat than by going for a swim! Whether you have access to a pool, a lake, a river, or even a dog-friendly beach, a refreshing dip can be a fantastic way for both you and your pup to cool down and have fun.
If you don’t have access to a proper place to swim, remember, most dogs aren’t picky, they’re just happy to splash around! For those with limited space, kiddie pools, sprinklers, and splash pads are great options to give your dog a dedicated place to cool off.
Check out some top resources for dog water and swimming safety:
- Dog First Aid: Swimming Safety
- Pool and Beach Safety Tips for Pets: Part I
- Avoiding Water, Sand, and Algae Risks that Can Put a Damper on Your Dog’s Summer Fun
3. Cool Off With a Frozen Treat
There’s nothing better than a cold treat on a hot day, and your dog might agree too! While you could go to the supermarket or a specialty pet store and buy premade ice cream or other frozen treats, spending some time in the kitchen with your dog whipping up custom frozen treats is a great bonding experience and leaves your dog with a tasty reward for later!
Frozen Dog Treat Recipes to Try
Frozen Yogurt Pops
Ingredients: Ripe bananas, peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free), and plain yogurt.
Instructions: Mash the bananas and mix them with peanut butter and yogurt. Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze for a few hours.
Watermelon Pops
Ingredients: Seedless watermelon and water.
Instructions: Blend the watermelon and a little water until smooth. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or molds and freeze.
Frozen Broth Cubes
Ingredients: Low-sodium chicken or beef broth.
Instructions: Pour the broth into ice cube trays and freeze it. These can be given to your dog as a refreshing snack or added to their water bowl for a flavored drink.
Homemade frozen treats are great options for dogs, because you can control exactly what goes in them, tailoring each treat to your dog’s likes and dislikes. These treats can also be more than just fun and have added nutritional benefits and help keep your dog hydrated in the summer heat. But when trying any of these recipes, be sure to remember any of your dog’s dietary restrictions!
4. Explore the Great Outdoors
For dogs who may be anxious about fireworks or large backyard gatherings, a camping trip or day out in nature may be the perfect way to spend the holiday for you and your pet. Camping is a quintessential summer activity, and with more and more campgrounds becoming dog-friendly, it’s a great option for escaping the typical hubbub of 4th of July celebrations and enjoying a quieter and more relaxed holiday. If you aren't keen on the idea of camping, consider going on a day hike and spending some time in a local nature park. This allows you and your dog to get some fresh air, without the full commitment of having to be away from home for the night.
Celebrating the Red, White & Woof
With a little extra planning and consideration, the 4th of July can be a fun and memorable holiday for both you and your dog. Whether you choose to cool off with a swim, enjoy a frozen treat, explore the great outdoors, or host a dog-friendly BBQ, there are plenty of ways to include your furry family members in the celebrations.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (214) 833-9821, or you can email us at info@hpanimalhospital.com. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.