Memorial & 4th of July

Memorial & Fourth of July Doggie Celebrations - Dog Days

Dogs generally don't appreciate 4th of July fireworks.  Keep your dog inside your home on the Fourth so that she isn't exposed to loud noises that will upset her sensitive ears.

If your dog is in the house and is still bothered by noises, take her to a quiet room and stay with her until she calms down.  Turn on the TV or music louder than the fireworks if possible, to help muffle the firework sounds. 

Celebration Tips:

1. Before festivities begin, take your dog on a long walk or engage in a vigorous play session so she is tired once the fireworks begin. During fireworks, keep an eye out for signs of stress: the 3 P's. Panting, Pooping and Pacing.  Loss of hair, hiding under the bed or furniture, not wanting to go on walks, and not eating for more than one day are other signs of stress. Excessive licking and behavioral changes, such as constant tail chasing are normal in stressful situations, but if they last more than a day, seek your vet's advise.
2. If you are not going to be home, find a dog sitter, neighbor or overnight day care center that will watch your dogs while you are away.
   
3. Raisins and chocolate are toxic to dogs in any quantity.  Sugar in large quantities isn't good for you dog either.  Taffy can get stuck in dogs' teeth and hard candies can get lodged in their throats and block the airway.  Keep all candy away from the dog - no exceptions
4. Summer is travel time for many people, it is a good time for a wellness visit with your vet to make sure your dog is healthy for traveling and to get a health certificate if you need one. Your vet can also advise you about any precautions you should take for potential dangers at your particular destinations.
5. July 4th is a busy day for Animal Shelters, many dogs break lose and run away due to the fireworks.  Check his collar or harness to be sure it is in good shape and his ID tags to make sure it is readable and up to date. If you have a summer home, make sure you have a tag with that address too. In the event that your dog does escape, or the gate is left open by children or any number of other possibilities, finding them is much more likely simply by having a current ID Tag attached.  Consider purchasing a tag for each collar or harness.
6. Check the gates and fence for any necessary repairs. If your dog does get spooked or too excited he will find a way out!
7. Fleas and ticks are much more abundant in summer, so be sure to keep up with your dogs flea and tick prevention regimen.  Flea & Tick Shampoos & Sunscreen
8. If you will be traveling be sure to print out our Pet Emergency Sheet, it's FREE and will give you piece of mind you and will travel with less stress knowing it is taken care of.

SLEEPYTIME TONIC Whether it's time for bed or just timeout, this relaxing tonic will calm a nervous dog. Soon he'll be ready for a restful night's sleep, an afternoon of drowsy napping or simply ready to give you a well-deserved break. Perfect for travel, trips to the vet, fireworks, thunderstorms or separation anxiety. Bach Flower based remedy that is safe and effective