4th of July Pet Safety

According to Pet Amber Alert, missing pet reports increase by about 30% around the 4th of July. There are steps you can take to ensure that your pets are safe and secure this Independence Day.

First, Make sure your dog is wearing a clearly visible ID tag with your phone number and name, and that you have up-to-date photos of him, just in case. 

If you bring your dog out to a fireworks display, PLEASE be sure he is not afraid before you even get out of your car and walk around. If you are certain he is okay, please make sure he is wearing a reflective harness or shirt with a clearly visible ID tag, and that you have very high-value treats with you, and a current photo.  If you are even a little bit unsure, please leave him at home. 

At home, set him up with a cozy bed or safe, secure room. 

Stuff and Freeze at least 3 Kong toys. Some favorite Kong recipes for my dogs include cottage cheese, yogurt, canned pumpkin, peanut butter, and baby food. The ASPCA has a whole page about stuffing Kongs, with some delicious recipes that will help your dog associate fireworks with something wonderful.  This works for thunderstorms too!

If you act nervous, your dog may think there must REALLY be something awful happening, because you are anxious too! So chill out.  Take steps to help yourself relax, if needed. You can speak in a soothing, comforting voice and reassure your dog, but mostly try to focus on something fun that you and your dog can do together.  

There are some quick and fun games you can play or create for your dog. The Muffin Pan game is one example of an inexpensive way to occupy your dog for a short while.  Fun Nose Work games can also be incredibly fun for your dog (and you)! You can also play some games that practice your training exercises in a fun way. 

Set the mood! You can play some classical music, or your regular television or radio programs, or you can purchase Through a Dog's Ear ‘Calm Your Canine’ sound therapy. Download it today, begin your tunes ASAP and continue throughout the festivities! You can also appeal to your dog’s incredibly sensitive sense of smell with Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), sold under the brand name Comfort Zone (http://www.petcomfortzone.com/dogs.html).  You can get a scented collar, a plug-in, or a spray.

Another product shown to help reduce anxiety-based behaviors in dogs is the Thundershirt (http://www.thundershirt.com/). This tight-fitting shirt puts gentle pressure on multiple pressure points at once, which causes the body to release endorphins. It is recommended that the shirt should be on for 20-30 minutes and then taken off, although I have had plenty of clients keep it on until the BOOMs have died down on the 4th of July. 

You can also talk to your veterinarian about herbal supplements.  I have found that (on my vet’s recommendation), I can give my anxious dog a melatonin tablet at sundown and he sleeps peacefully all night long. Every dog is different, and any supplementation should be discussed with a licensed veterinarian.

Of course, all of these are to get you through this year, which is upon us NOW.  If your dog really struggles, then give me a call next week and we can begin a program to desensitize him, so that by next year, his fear and anxiety will be a thing of the past!

Michelle Douglas, CPDT-KA, CDBC is the owner of The Refined Canine, LLC, providing dog training and behavior consulting services in Southern CT since 1997.  She can be reached at TopDog@refinedcanine.com or 203-804-DOGS (3647).