4th of July & Other Noisy Holidays

Fireworks season super sucks for the dogs. Please take extra special care to assess your living space and make sure that you have a way to keep your foster safe over the scary, loud holiday weekends. Please make being home with your foster during the noise a priority.

What to do

Keep in mind a dog in a panicked state will do things it would not normally do. This includes breaking out of a crate, jumping through a glass window, darting out the door, hiding in odd areas, jumping tall fences, trembling, drooling, snapping, barking. Expect bizarre behavior and plan ahead.

  • Walk your dog before it gets dark (and when the fireworks start).

  • Make sure your foster dog is securely wearing a COLLAR and TAG.

  • Ensure MICROCHIP information is up to date.

  • Leave the leash on during the weekend leading up to, and a few days after the 4th. Dragging the leash around is fine and can be grabbed easily by you or someone else if your dog escapes. 

  • Use the CRATE. Cover the crate more if needed with heavy and dark blankets. Use zip ties to secure the crate seams. 

  • Shut and secure doors, windows, blinds to reduce sight and sound. Turn on music, TV, and fans. 

  • Multi-dog homes may consider keeping dogs separated by crates during heightened stress.

  • No petting or soothing as this can invoke or prolong a stress state. Act normal. 

  • Make plans ahead of time to drive elsewhere if you live in a particularly firework-heavy neighborhood.

  • If you find a dog, secure them in a separate, quiet, dark, space. Post a photo and location on Nextdoor, Pawboost, and LAAS Facebook page to reunite the dog once things settle down. Do not assume negligence or abandonment — reuniting should be the first goal, but ask the owner to provide a photo to be sure.