Keep your pets safe on the Fourth (Second, and Sixth, too!)
By Gina Spadafori
July 2, 2007
Sometimes you have to wonder if computers really are inanimate objects. I have had my current one for three years, and on it I have written five books, more than 150 weekly pet-care pages and thousands and thousands (and thousands and thousands) of words in e-mails and blog posts.
I knew it was going south on me, but I was nursing it along through screen freezes and ever-slower response times trying to finish the last of the three books Dr. Becker and I were writing this spring. Not 10 minutes after I finished the last of the books, the thing died on me.
Now tell me again the computer didn’t know we were done and this holiday week was the best time in months for it to take a spa vacation at the computer repair shop?
Anyway … needless to say I’m laptopping it in coffee shops this week, which means Christie will be the lead blog dog. Maybe I should take it as a sign that I need to push back from the computer screen for a few days, too.
But before I bow out for a few days with very little computer access, this piece from Dr. Becker, which is running in our client newspapers this week. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
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This Fourth of July, as always, Americans will be enjoying the sights and sounds of fireworks. While we love the pyrotechnics, we need to remember our midsummer spectacular is no holiday for many of our pets.
While we humans are oohing and aahing, too often our pets are frightened out of their wits. They’ll spend the holiday under the bed (or in the basement) cowering, shaking, drooling and seeking safety and comfort. And it’s not just on the Fourth of July: Both cats and dogs can panic at loud noises such as thunder and gunfire as well.Our golden retriever, Shakira, wouldn’t flinch if a keg of gunpowder exploded next to him. Shop vacs, lawn mowers, grass trimmers, motorcycles, thunderstorms and fireworks elicit but a yawn. On the other hand, Quixote, our Yorkie/Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix, treats loud sounds as if the grim reaper were calling — and there’s no way she’s going to answer. When it comes to loud sounds, this dog is a scaredy-cat.
But loud noises such as fireworks can startle and distress many pets, with their supersensitive hearing. Scared pets have been known to jump out of apartment windows, leap over or dig under fences, or chew their skin until it’s raw. They may also bolt out an open door to become lost but never found.
Comforting scared pets seems the right thing to do, but it’s not. Don’t reward the fear. If you remain calm and don’t baby them, they’ll be closer to learning how to handle loud noises.
The best defense against Fourth of July problems is a good offense. Professional trainers and behaviorists start socializing dogs and making every potentially negative experience — such as fireworks and thunderstorms — into something rewarding. If a negative experience comes with tasty treats, then your pet is going to at least tolerate it, if not welcome it. This works best when started as a puppy, but don’t give up hope if your dog is already an adult: New behaviors can be learned.
One way to help your pet is to expose him or her to commercial recordings of thunderstorms or fireworks and play them at increasing volume. Play the recordings at low volume — recognizing how acute a pet’s hearing is — and give praise and treats. It’s a party! As the volume and duration are increased during subsequent sessions, give them really tasty treats so they have the expectation of a repeat treat. Initially, play the recording for five minutes, eventually leaving it on during daily activities as “normal” background noise.
Also, provide pets with safe hiding spaces inside your home during the holiday fireworks or a storm. Dogs and cats who are comfortable in crates can find them a good place to ride out the noise, especially if the crate is put in a quiet, darkened part of the house.
Of course, some pets are so unhinged by noise that veterinary-prescribed tranquilizers are needed to keep them calm. Remember to call well in advance of the holiday, and give the medications as recommended — they usually work best before the rockets’ red glare begins. And talk to your veterinarian about other calming techniques. Some alternative-care veterinarians may recommend the herbal product Rescue Remedy, while others can show you acupressure and massage techniques to keep pets more calm.
This Independence Day, while we enjoy our parades, picnics and fireworks, don’t forget your pet: He’s counting on you!
**
For pets who continue to become upset at loud noises, there are some products that may help.
Head halters such as the Gentle Leader head collar mimic how mother dogs control and comfort their young by putting pressure on the bridge of the nose or behind the ear. You can also try the Calming Cap, a product that fits over a pet’s head and eyes. The Gentle Leader head halter and Calming Cap are available through Premier products (www.premier.com, 888-640-8840).
The Anxiety Wrap (www.anxietywrap.com, 877-652-1266) applies gentle pressure to a dog’s body to focus his attention away from what’s scaring him. Advocates compare its use and effect to how whole-body pressure is used to calm overstimulated autistic children.
I always stay home on the 4th - just in case there’s a problem with my dogs - one is afraid of fireworks and I am careful to put him in a safe place.
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 10:00 am
I put a D.A.P. collar on Dot about a week ago. She seems to be dealing with the random firecrackers better. We’ve also had jackhammering, a building demo and 2 buildings under construction in my block last week. OY! can’t forget the thunderstorms!! Yesterday I started adding Rescue Remedy to all the water bowls figuring things will escalte this week. July 5th starts the annual 2 week Feast in my ‘hood, so we are in for it until 20th. *sigh* but I have learned illegal fireworks are a 911 call and spread the word. Apparently the Mayor has a zero tolerance. We’ll see how it goes . . .
I wonder if 2 D.A.P. collars are better than one?! lol!~
Comment by straybaby — July 2, 2007 @ 10:11 am
forgot to add, regarding the Anxiety Wrap, I made Dot a sweatshirt jacket that I can adjust the tightness on and it does seem to have a calming effect. I noticed it when I adjusted it tighter for a windy day :P so some dogs may do well in a tightish t-shirt
Comment by straybaby — July 2, 2007 @ 10:14 am
Firecrackers?
Whats passed off for “firecrackers” these days are explosive shells that sound like someone lobbed a grenade out into street.
To be honest we’re pretty tired of the 4th of July sounding like WW3 is breaking out.
Comment by Steve — July 2, 2007 @ 10:19 am
Too true, Steve. In my old neighborhood, people celebrated major holidays by shooting guns in the air — and they were fully automatic! (Illegal, not that it seems to matter, I guess.)
Firecrackers? Try M-80s (is that what’s they’re called?). Basically, bombs.
I like the Fourth, but really don’t understand why people like so much noise.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — July 2, 2007 @ 10:23 am
Oh, was that what it was - sounded like bombs going off - horrible - I was so spitting angry I wanted to call the police but knew they wouldn’t do anything about it! The fourth - not my favorite holiday - not at all!
With a nervous dogs - strap on a doggie back pack weighted down with water bottles - it confuses them and they concentrate on the weight and not on the environment - helps with training a dog to bem - bet it will work during the 4th too.
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Sorry…helps trainig a dog to bem? should be: be calm on a walk or run
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 10:27 am
Yup. that’s what’s going off in my ‘hood also. Those lttle ones that pop on the ground are annoying, but the bombs going off randomly for several hours makes me want to scream. At least Dot’s not trembling at the random ones. She will call out to me to come sit with her and a couple times did a growl bark in the direction of the explosions. Which is an improvement . . .
another distraction idea is to have a doggie party (for just the scared dog and their human!). I start playing games a few minutes before it starts. Last year we played bobbing for salami and anything else I could think of. I made a whole party platter of rewards! I do have the fireworks going on the TV because she is much happier when she can see where the sound is coming from.
Comment by straybaby — July 2, 2007 @ 10:32 am
forgot! big meaty bones are great for stress relief when it’s over. Many dogs won’t chew on them during because they’re too stressed, but it could help calm after.
Comment by straybaby — July 2, 2007 @ 10:34 am
It sounds like a war zone - and just goes on non-stop and that was Saturday night and we aren’t even at the fourth yet.
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Apparently Fireworks sales are way up this year.
Now if only the desire for True Freedom in this country was Way Up.
Comment by Steve — July 2, 2007 @ 10:58 am
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Drives you crazy doesn’t it. I’ve been thinking the past few nights. “Don’t these people realize it’s not the 4th of July yet?”
Then, you learn that many of these people can’t even feed their kids properly or pay the bills but they manage to come home with a carload full of fireworks. Then, you have to go our and clean up their mess the next morning.
I dread the 4th anymore. Last year some idiots down the street from the other block we’re going nuts with this stuff and used the intersection as their staging area. Debris was raining down onto our and everyone else’s property. This year we’re calling the police who of course who won’t show up and fine them if they pull this stuff again.
Comment by Steve — July 2, 2007 @ 11:06 am
I put on a DVD (about Aliens kidnapping a group on their way across Arizona) and turned it up loud on Sat. and when the firecrackers sounded like bombs were being thrown into my yard, I take a quick look see, but figure if I yell at them things will get worse, so I close all the windows and try to take my mind off of it - fuming is a futile waste of energy.
And the silly movie was so strangely unbelievable that I almost believed it - since after this pet food scandal I can believe almost anything.
Maybe people will be worn out by the real fourth - that and broke - and it will be calmer.
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 11:11 am
The Aliens were from outerspace - not illegals - well, maybe that too - but the kind from Mars.
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 11:18 am
My border collie is terrified of fireworks and thunderstorms…and anything that sounds similar. When I first heard about anxiety wraps I decided to try a t-shirt. I slit it up the back so I can tie it around his mid section (not too tightly) and it works perfectly! Whenever a storm’s on the way I get one of his t-shirts out and he’s ready to put it on. It’s perfect for him!
Comment by Therese — July 2, 2007 @ 11:21 am
I’m going to try the T-Shirt - sounds like a great idea!
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 11:25 am
First Christi’s computer died and now yours Gina.
Hmmmm. But you two were really burning the midnight oil there not so long ago and many thanks to you for all that you’ve done for us.
Comment by VJ — July 2, 2007 @ 2:16 pm
Off subject or maybe not. Saturday is 7-7-07. This day is considered the Harmonic Shift. So go out on Saturday and hug a tree or carry a flower in your pocket and send peace and love to Mother Earth.
Comment by VJ — July 2, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
One of the “blessings” of having a Senior dog - his hearing is largely gone, so nowadays he doesn’t even seem to hear the fireworks that used to get him all worked up!
Comment by The OTHER Pat — July 2, 2007 @ 2:20 pm
I paint river rocks (that I collect from the river) with animal names and symbols. One animal per rock and I try to find a rock that imbodies a quality of the animal, and I keep them on my kitchen counter. A friend asked me why I had river rocks there. I told him for the vibrations.
Put your hand on them, I told him, and soak up the good energy. I actually have these painted rocks all over the house in various places to utilize their healing vibrations.
Comment by Linda — July 2, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Yes, this issue is one of my pet peeves. I too am driven half-crazy by the 4th (and the 2 weeks before and after) because of all the noise made by people shooting off stuff in residential areas. I don’t have dogs, but I remember the days when I had little babies, who were repeatedly awakened throughout the nights by this stuff, so I feel for people with dogs who are scared. Heck, some of them are so loud they scare me, too.
I also know a family who came here from a country with a civil war. The first year they were here, the 4th was awful for them, because they kept waking up thinking they had to run and hide from gunfire. I wish people who shoot these things off would stop to think that it may be a serious problem for some families (I include the pets as part of the family.)
Comment by Debra — July 2, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
Our sweet Birman is scared to death of fireworks. We’ll see that he has plenty of Rescue Remedy to try and calm him down and lots of attention, but it will be a bad day for the poor guy. I wish I could find some effective cat ear plugs. He’ll be hiding under the bed shaking most of the day, between bouts of diarrhea :( . I hate fireworks!
Comment by MFEMFEM — July 2, 2007 @ 3:50 pm
Good idea! I always tell my sister not to give too much pampering to her pet dog. I believe that they’re animals and they always have this advanced method of protecting themselves from whatever. If their defense mechanisms are far more advanced than us, therefore they’re more capable of protecting us than us protecting them. After all, it’s always best to face your fear. How can our friends protect us from harm when they themselves aren’t capable of doing it to their self?
Comment by pet memorial paintings — July 2, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
Another year…another reminder for the 4th.
Just to add a couple of suggestions—DAP (Dog Appeasement Pheromone)and HomeoPet by Tomlyn can help out. I also put out an audio clip with quick tips if you want to link to it (email me for the link)…or search at iTunes for Ark Animal Answers and download it.
BTW my last computer crashed before my last draft was done—ain’t it grand? But heck, go with the break…spa and DECAFE! ;-)
Comment by Diana Guerrero — July 2, 2007 @ 10:53 pm