Did you know that more pets get lost on 4th of July than any other day of the year?
As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, we should keep in mind the safety of all of our family members – even the four legged ones! Your dog will undoubtedly experience some level of stress as fireworks are set off in your community. There are ways to ease your dog’s stress and anxiety. So as you prepare for the festivities, make sure you prepare your dog as well.
1. Keep your pet indoors in a safe, dark hiding place. A crate or bedroom with the drapes drawn is the best. You know your dog best. Just make sure he has somewhere to hide
2. Whatever identification you use, microchip or id tags, verify your contact information is up to date so you can be contacted if your dog runs away. 4th of July poses a great flight risk. Be ready.
3. Pump up the volume, pump up the volume…. inside. Television and radio can be a great sound buffer to the fireworks outside. Whether you are home or you’re leaving your dog alone, this is an important and necessary step.
4. We know you have hundreds of photographs of your canine pal on your smart phone! Make sure you have a current, full-bodied photo available in the event he runs away.
5. When you walk your dog, or let him out in the yard to do his business, be sure you keep a close eye on him. Stress causes dogs to act in unpredictable, surprising ways. You might think your dog can’t scale that fence but, he just might be able to if he feels his life depends on it.
6. There are some products on the market for your dog, by Doctors Foster and Smith, that can help ease the anxiety and stress, but you can also discuss other options with your vet or other pet care providers.
7. Give them toys that keep them preoccupied! my puppies love their Kong with peanut butter inside it. They don’t know that anything else exist when they have it!
Lastly, do your best to stay calm. Your best pal doesn’t understand what’s going on. He’ll be operating on the fight or flight mentality so do your best to “act normal”. Don’t coddle him as this will encourage the stressful behaviors. Your best bet is to keep him distracted and reward him when he’s acting calm, cool and collected!
Have a Wonderful and safe 4th of July! If you have any questions feel free to contact us anytime!
Recent Comments