July 3, 2010

Making the Fourth of July Safe for our Furry Friends


The Fourth of July is here, a holiday filled with fun, friends and exciting (but scary) fireworks celebrations.

When night falls and the lights in the sky start to fly, be sure to take these precautions to help your pup make it through the night, safe and sound.

Leave Your Pups at Home - The crowds and noises of the fireworks shows can be overwhelming and scary for your rascals. The loud explosions can send them into a panic. Even though you may like the thought of having your pups with you to enjoy the show, play it safe and leave them at home.

Close/Lock all Windows and Doors - Dogs have been known to jump out windows and bolt out doors when the boom of fireworks blasts through the sky. Not only will closing windows reduce the noise, it will also keep your dogs contained in the safety of their own home.

Give Them a Safe/Quiet Place To Hang-Out while you Celebrate the Night's Festivities – The crackles and pops of fireworks can be terrifying to some dogs. If your pup is one of these dogs (or if you don't know whether he is or not), make him a comfortable spot in a quiet room of your home. Play some music or turn on the television (something relaxing), and give him a special/high-value bone or treat to chew on. The bone will keep him busy and give him a place to release his stress, if he should get upset.

With a little thought and care, you can keep your pups safe, calm and happy on this potentially stressful day. Take the time for them, they'll thank you for it with wags and wiggles!

Happy Fourth of July to you and your pups!


*We want your pups to be as relaxed on the 4th as Toby is in the photo above.

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