Pet owners canceling plans to stay home with their pups on July 4th as runaway cases surge

While the nation prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial this July 4th, some Americans are choosing to hunker down with their pups rather than party on in the name of patriotism.According to Life360’s Runaway Report, over half of pet parents are opting to spend the 4th of July at home to quell their dog’s firework fears, prioritize their comfort, and reduce the likelihood of a runaway incident.“Remaining calm in the face of a potentially stressful event is top priority,” veterinarian Dr.Molly Miosek of Sandy Paws Veterinary Clinic in Montauk, NY, told The Post.The same poll found that Independence Day celebrations spike stress in over 75% of dogs, and 50% of pet parents report heightened anxiety of their own.These fears are founded, as over one in five dogs (22%) have bolted or attempted to escape their homes due to stress on the Fourth of July, and experts suggest only 14% of these fugitive fur babies will make it back home.Disconcerting as those risks are, according to Miosek, “fear travels down the leash,” making it critical for owners to project calm leadership, especially during a triggering event.To minimize anxiety and decrease the likelihood of a runaway dog, experts say preparation should begin far in advance of the 4th.

“An owner’s ability to help their dog work through fear comes down to the relationship they’ve built long before a stressful event,” Bethany Wilson, Program Director and Master Trainer at Hermosa Beach’s Puppy Academy, told The Post.“Those skills need to be practiced in everyday situations, so your dog already knows how to look to you for guidance when something frightening happens.” Wilson shared that gradual exposure, such as practicing a familiar training routine while playing a recording of fireworks and slowly increasing the volume, can help prepare pets for a future onslaught of sound.Support products like a compression vest, CBD products or calming supplements are excellent options for dogs with mild t...