A 4th of July Interview with Izzy the Blog Dog

Hello friends, The 4th of July can be an incredibly stressful time for our furry four-legged family members. I thought I would interview Izzy the blog dog. At this time of the year, the heat can be uncomfortable for most of us but imagine if we were wearing a fur coat all day every day! Yikes. Make sure your furry family members have plenty of shade and water to drink. Please don’t walk your dog in the middle of the day when the sidewalk is hot as a griddle. Okay on to the interview…

Katherine– Izzy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day of sleeping, belly rubs, and playing catch to consent to this interview today.

Izzy- Oh it is no trouble. You are my mama, and I am an official blog dog and this is perfect for sharing with your bloggy friends.

Katherine– Please share with my wonderful bloggy friends what we should do when fireworks and firecrackers are going off for days before, during, and after the 4^th of July.

Izzy– The 4^th of July is a scary time for all kinds of four-legged family members, especially those of us who have the luxury of being inside most of the time. Some of my outside friends get upset about fireworks too. Some of my friends may be more comfortable with loud sounds because they are outside a lot. But you should check on them, just to make sure they are okay.

My humans never let me near lit fireworks. They know it can potentially result in severe trauma to the face and paws of curious four-legged family members like me. Did you know, even unused fireworks can be dangerous? Fireworks may contain potentially toxic substances like potassium nitrate, arsenic, and other heavy metals.

Katherine– Wow, that’s great information, Izzy. How do I know if a furry family member is afraid?

Izzy– If your four-legged family member is fearful, he may tremble, cower or crouch (that is what I do). Sometimes a pet’s ears will be pulled back, or a tail may be tucked under. Sometimes pets will run and hide, even though we know you will care for us. I have a microchip for an emergency if I should ever get scared or run away from something like 4th of July fireworks. I recommend it. If you can’t microchip your four-legged family member, I recommend a collar with a registered ID tag.

Katherine– What should I do when I see you are afraid?

Izzy– Keep doing what you already do for me, mama. Wrap me in a blanket and hold me close, talk softly, and reassure me that you will keep me safe. Being wrapped closely is a comfort to those of us with four legs. You can also sit under the table with me or hold me if I am in the corner.

If you plan to leave the house to participate in 4th of July firework activities. Please put your four-legged family member in a familiar and comfortable room or crate. Turn on music or the television to help muffle the noise. You can do this any time we’re scared (thunderstorms and high winds may scare us too.)

Katherine– Thank you Izzy, this is great advice for the 4^th of July and other times of the year too. You are such a smart and amazing part of our family.

Izzy– Anything for you mama. I get a treat now right? You said there would be treats involved.

Katherine– yes, your treats are ready, enjoy.

Izzy shared some valuable insight with us to keep our furry family members happy and healthy during the 4^th of July activities.

Happy 4^th of July everyone!

Please stay safe, think of yourself and others, and wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart. Enjoy your Independence Day activities knowing you can keep yourself, others and your beloved pets safe from harm.xo