Fireworks, picnics, family and friends – the 4th of July is a celebration of everything best about summer…unless you have a noise sensitive dog. For our canine companions, the 4th can be the most stressful day of the year by far. It breaks my heart each year to see my dog, Mordecai, cowering in the bathroom or the closet, shaking like a leaf in the autumn breeze, and pleading with his eyes to make the madness end.
If you live in a municipality or area that allows firework displays and public use – even for a few hours around the 4th – you might consider this tip I discovered a few years ago that has saved our summers ever since.
Fireworks are prohibited in National Parks and other areas prone to summer wildfires. I live in Washington State, just southeast of Seattle. Although my small city isn’t generally affected by yearly wildfires, I am within an hour and a half of Mt. Rainier National Park.
Each 4th of July, I rent a cabin on AirBnB just outside the entrance to Mt. Rainier. Although dogs are not allowed in the park (other than in your car or on paved areas), the properties closest to the park border are also prohibited from fireworks.
Cai and I spend two days or more in peace and quiet, enjoying the forests, rivers, and nature without the stress of excess noise. We even invite other dog families to join us so the pups can frolic together in bliss.
This year (2024), we are staying just outside of Ashford, WA at Betsy’s Cabins. This idyllic spot is located on Big Creek in the foothills of Mt. Rainier and our cabin slept 4 comfortably. We had the use of a hot tub, BBQ grill, campfire pit and even marshmallow roasting skewers.
Check your area for firework-prohibited, dog-friendly camping and lodging and consider booking early, as the holiday season is usually busy in these sought after spots. Your dog will thank you and you’ll both sleep more soundly. Happy 4th!
