Dear Dog Lovers,
Every Fourth of July, fireworks can turn a fun holiday into a stressful one for our dogs. At Rincon Hill Dog Park, we’re sharing a few simple Fourth of July dog safety tips to help keep your pup calm, comfortable, and safe all weekend long.
🐾 A Few Ways to Help Your Dog Feel More Secure
🎾 Tire them out before sunset
A long sniff walk, game of fetch, or enrichment activity earlier in the day can help take the edge off before the evening excitement begins.
🦴 Put their nose to work
A frozen Kong, puzzle feeder, snuffle mat, or even scattering a handful of treats in the grass or around the house encourages sniffing and licking—two naturally calming activities for many dogs.
🏡 Create a cozy retreat
Many dogs feel safest in a small, enclosed space. A blanket-covered crate, closet, or quiet bathroom with favorite bedding can become their own little “safe cave.”
📺 Keep life as normal as possible
Instead of reacting every time a firework goes off, try watching TV, chatting, or doing your normal evening routine. Our dogs often look to us for cues about whether something is truly dangerous.
🚪 Double-check collars, tags, and microchips
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year for lost pets. Make sure collars fit properly before heading outside—even if it’s “just a quick potty break.”
⏰ If your veterinarian prescribed anxiety medication… don’t wait
Many medications work best when given before your dog becomes frightened, so follow your veterinarian’s timing instructions.
❤️ Check on your neighbors
Know someone who’s working late or has an especially anxious pup? A quick text or visit can mean the world.
And finally, a friendly reminder from the dogs themselves…
Dear Humans:
We fully support your freedom. We’d just prefer you celebrate it without sounding like the apocalypse. 🐾❤️
Stay safe this weekend, and if you have neighbors with pets, a little kindness goes a long way.
❤️ A Quick Community Update on Cara Melly
Many of you have asked how our sweet neighborhood girl, Cara Melly, is doing.
First, thank you. ❤️ Thanks to the generosity of this amazing community, her GoFundMe has already raised $2,221 toward her $6,000 goal. That’s a wonderful start, and every donation has brought her one step closer to the cruciate ligament surgery she needs.
If you’ve been meaning to donate—or simply share her fundraiser—now is a wonderful time. Whether it’s $5, $10, or just sharing the link with friends and family, every act of kindness helps move the needle.
We know this community has a big heart, and we’re hopeful we’ll soon see Cara Melly back at Rincon Hill Dog Park, greeting her friends, chasing tennis balls, and accepting treats from absolutely everyone.
🐶 GoFundMe: Click Link
Thank you for always looking out for one another—both the two-legged and four-legged members of our neighborhood.
Woofs ‘n wags,
The Rincon Hill Dog Park Volunteer Team
