Pets are Family Too

One of the “members” of our family is our German Shepherd, Patience.167653_10150385114765134_6693733_n.jpg

She is much larger today than when this picture was taken, but I am not sure that she is aware of that fact. What has not changed for her though is her fear and anxiety surrounding fireworks. Perhaps you have a pet like Patience who, when the Independence Day holiday comes around, spends many hours shaking and hiding.

I am not a dog trainer and have not yet figured out the best way to help Patience with this, but I did just read a list of helpful hints that I wanted to pass on to you all. Five items from that list are below:

  1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day.
  2. Keep your dogs inside during fireworks, preferably with human companionship. If it’s hot, air conditioning will help. Bringing your dogs to a fireworks display is never a good idea.
  3. Provide a safe place inside for your dogs to retreat. When scared of sounds they can’t orient, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas. (I once had a dog who climbed in the bathtub during windstorms.) If your dog is comfortable in a crate, that is a good option.
  4. If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed. Covering the crate or lowering the blinds can also be helpful. Removing visual stimulation can also help calm dogs.
  5. Make sure all your dogs are wearing ID tags with a properly fitting collar. Dogs have been known to become Houdini around the 4th of July.

You can read the full list on the blog here.

Have a safe and wonderful Independence Day with your family and pets!

 

 


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