Dogs
By Julia Williams
The 4th of July is such a fun holiday for humans, but it's one of the most stressful days of the year for our dogs and cats. The loud noises and flashes of light from fireworks can be really frightening for them. According to Petfinder, more pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.
Here are just a few tips to help keep your pet safe as you and your family celebrate the holiday.
* Don't take your dog to the fireworks display. They're noisy, crowded and can create anxiety and aggression in even the most normally easygoing canine.
* Keep pets on their normal diet to avoid any stomach upsets. I know it's hard to resist the adorable begging face of a dog drooling over your barbecue fare, but do it for their sake. If you want to give them a treat, some CANIDAE TidNips are a healthy choice that won't spoil their dinner. Give your dog his treats with a loving pat on the head, and he may even forget all about that hot dog! Well, maybe not, but you won't have to deal with the after effects of a sick dog.
* Make sure your pets stay indoors in a secure location, such as a spare bedroom. For pets that are extremely frightened of fireworks noise, playing some soothing music at a low volume might help to calm them.
* Keep windows and doors closed to prevent your pet from running away if they become frightened by the fireworks
* Make sure your pets are wearing their identification tags in case they do escape. Nothing ruins a celebration faster than having to go on a frantic search for a lost pet.
* Give your pet something to do, such as a really fun toy that can keep their attention. They may get so caught up in play that they hardly notice all the noise of the fireworks. Admittedly, this tip is more for dog owners – there is no toy in existence that would distract my skittish kitties while the fireworks are going off.
* Create a temporary “safe haven” for your pet by putting their pet bed, favorite blanket, toys and some water in a closet or other small enclosed pace. It will help them feel safe and block out some of the fireworks noise.
* If you’re having a party, keep your pet behind closed doors, and put a sign on the door so no one accidentally opens it. Cats especially will feel more secure locked away from all of the hustle and bustle.
* Store fireworks safely out of reach. Like children, pets are naturally curious about things they see lying around. To them, anything has the potential to be a cool new toy they can bat around or chew on. But fireworks contain substances that are dangerous to pets and could even kill them, so be sure they’re kept where dogs, cats and kids can’t get to them.
With just a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your 4th of July celebration while keeping your furry BFF safe and sound. Happy Independence Day everyone! What are your plans for the day?
Dog photo by Don Graham
Cat photo by BeachGranny
Read more articles by Julia Williams
- How To Make Fireworks Less Upsetting For Dogs
(Source) Hi Mia, Well #SPARC2013 is over for this year. Great summary and explanation of the value of scientific discourse! Now onto the next big thing! In just a few hours, the banging, crashing and booming of fireworks will start here in the States....
- Have A Safe And Happy 4th Of July!
By Julia Williams On Independence Day, most people don’t bat an eye when they hear the pop-pop-pop sound of firecrackers going off all day long, or the thunderous boom of fireworks at night. Not me. As a “parent” of three cats who are terrified...
- Understanding Your Dog's Fears
By Langley Cornwell My dog Frosty had a serious fear of loud noises. She was most terrified when it stormed, when there were fireworks or when guns were being shot. She would salivate, pace and hide. Once we were able to understand what she was afraid...
- How To Help Your Dog Overcome Noise Phobia
By Lisa Mason Many dogs suffer from noise phobia wherein they become anxious and act in an unusual manner not characteristic of their normal behavior when exposed to loud noises. It’s important to understand that your dog won’t just get over his...
- The Best Way To Soothe An Agitated Dog
By Suzanne Alicie While most humans are accustomed to loud noises or crowds of people, dogs can sometimes get pretty agitated. During the summer there are plenty of noises and events that can frighten dogs. Fireworks on the 4th of July, family cookouts,...
Dogs
Pets and the Fourth of July
 |
The 4th of July is such a fun holiday for humans, but it's one of the most stressful days of the year for our dogs and cats. The loud noises and flashes of light from fireworks can be really frightening for them. According to Petfinder, more pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.
Here are just a few tips to help keep your pet safe as you and your family celebrate the holiday.
* Don't take your dog to the fireworks display. They're noisy, crowded and can create anxiety and aggression in even the most normally easygoing canine.
* Keep pets on their normal diet to avoid any stomach upsets. I know it's hard to resist the adorable begging face of a dog drooling over your barbecue fare, but do it for their sake. If you want to give them a treat, some CANIDAE TidNips are a healthy choice that won't spoil their dinner. Give your dog his treats with a loving pat on the head, and he may even forget all about that hot dog! Well, maybe not, but you won't have to deal with the after effects of a sick dog.
* Make sure your pets stay indoors in a secure location, such as a spare bedroom. For pets that are extremely frightened of fireworks noise, playing some soothing music at a low volume might help to calm them.
* Keep windows and doors closed to prevent your pet from running away if they become frightened by the fireworks
* Make sure your pets are wearing their identification tags in case they do escape. Nothing ruins a celebration faster than having to go on a frantic search for a lost pet.
* Create a temporary “safe haven” for your pet by putting their pet bed, favorite blanket, toys and some water in a closet or other small enclosed pace. It will help them feel safe and block out some of the fireworks noise.
* If you’re having a party, keep your pet behind closed doors, and put a sign on the door so no one accidentally opens it. Cats especially will feel more secure locked away from all of the hustle and bustle.
* Store fireworks safely out of reach. Like children, pets are naturally curious about things they see lying around. To them, anything has the potential to be a cool new toy they can bat around or chew on. But fireworks contain substances that are dangerous to pets and could even kill them, so be sure they’re kept where dogs, cats and kids can’t get to them.
With just a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your 4th of July celebration while keeping your furry BFF safe and sound. Happy Independence Day everyone! What are your plans for the day?
Dog photo by Don Graham
Cat photo by BeachGranny
Read more articles by Julia Williams
- How To Make Fireworks Less Upsetting For Dogs
(Source) Hi Mia, Well #SPARC2013 is over for this year. Great summary and explanation of the value of scientific discourse! Now onto the next big thing! In just a few hours, the banging, crashing and booming of fireworks will start here in the States....
- Have A Safe And Happy 4th Of July!
By Julia Williams On Independence Day, most people don’t bat an eye when they hear the pop-pop-pop sound of firecrackers going off all day long, or the thunderous boom of fireworks at night. Not me. As a “parent” of three cats who are terrified...
- Understanding Your Dog's Fears
By Langley Cornwell My dog Frosty had a serious fear of loud noises. She was most terrified when it stormed, when there were fireworks or when guns were being shot. She would salivate, pace and hide. Once we were able to understand what she was afraid...
- How To Help Your Dog Overcome Noise Phobia
By Lisa Mason Many dogs suffer from noise phobia wherein they become anxious and act in an unusual manner not characteristic of their normal behavior when exposed to loud noises. It’s important to understand that your dog won’t just get over his...
- The Best Way To Soothe An Agitated Dog
By Suzanne Alicie While most humans are accustomed to loud noises or crowds of people, dogs can sometimes get pretty agitated. During the summer there are plenty of noises and events that can frighten dogs. Fireworks on the 4th of July, family cookouts,...