Quick and Dirty Tips for the Fourth of July

While July 4th may be a day or weekend of celebration for you, it could also become your worst nightmare, if you live with a dog who is bothered by the loud booms, as many dogs are. It is estimated that on or around July 4th celebrations, more dogs go missing than at any other time of the year. And many of those dogs never make it back home. Ask any animal shelter worker and they will tell you, it is one of the busiest days of the year. Many people live with dogs who are already struggling with anxiety, or who may become very distressed with thunder, sudden loud noises, and of course fireworks.

When dogs get scared they run. If your dog is afraid of loud noises, it could be a dangerous day for them. So here are some “dos and don’ts” to keep your dog safe and as comfortable as possible:

1. Many dog owners like to take their dog's collar off when they are in the house. If this is you, make an exception today and put your dog's collar back on. But first, check your dog’s tags and make sure they are up to date and attached securely. If they are missing, stores like Petco have machines where you can create an ID tag in 10 minutes. If you can’t get to a store to make a new tag get out a Sharpe maker and write your phone number on your dog’s collar.
2. If your dog is micro chipped and in a data base registry, make sure all of your contact information is up to date with current contact information.
3. Set up a Zen space for your dog with low lighting, use a crate if they are accustom to it.
4. Try a pheromone collar or plug in such as Adaptil, or Composure by VetriScience
5. Apply essential lavender oil rubbed behind the ears.
6. Play relaxation music.
7. If you can’t create a Zen space, close open windows, turn on AC play music or the TV as a distraction.
8. Wear your dog out so that they can sleep through the scary part. Get out early and give your dog some exercise so when they come home they are tired out.
9. Give your dog some fun activities to busy their mind. Puzzle toys and other food dispensing toys such as the following can often offer a full meal to a dog:

• Kongs-stuffed and frozen
• Kong Satellite
• Kong Wobbler
• Kong Stuff-a-Ball
• Buster Food Cube
• Tux Treat Toy
• Star Mark Bob-a-Lot
• Pet Safe Premier Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble
• Pet Safe Busy Buddy Magic Mushroom
• Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug
• Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude
• Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat
• Atomic Treat Ball
• Bouncy Bone

IQ Treat Ball
Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball
Ethical Contempo Tessa
9. Consider trying the Anxiety Wrap:
http://anxietywrapsays.blogspot.com/2012/02/comparison-of-anxiety-wrap-thundershirt.html
Ace Bandage Wrap:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dllmTWBUlsaround
Sometimes the applied pressure of a wrap helps a dog feel secure.
10. Dogs flee when scared, their natural flight or fight instincts come into play and this is when dogs will bolt out of an open door. Be aware of entrances and exits.
DON’T:

1. Don’t take your dog to fireworks displays
2. Don’t set off fireworks or fire crackers in your back yard.
3. Don’t expose your dog to novel situations the day of the celebrations.
4. Don’t leave your dog tethered outside or in an outside kennel.
5. Don’t force your dog to come out of hiding, if they have retreated let them stay where they are. Try to make them as comfortable as possible in that location. If they have gone under a bed or into a closet, leave them there and provide them with water and nourishment.
6. Don’t leave your dog alone for a long period of time. If you will be away for the day or night consider asking someone (or hiring someone) to stay with your dog.

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