As July 4th approaches, many pets experience heightened anxiety due to loud noises. Fireworks are not just sounds to our furry friends; they are unpredictable, bright, loud, vibrational, and often leave a burning smell in the air. Your pet might feel like the world is coming to an end! Unfortunately, this instinct to either fight or flee usually results in more animals fleeing. As a consequence, animal shelters often become overcrowded during the July 4th holiday weekend with frightened and lost pets.
Dogs clearly exhibit stress in ways distinct from humans, and each one reacts uniquely. Even when your dog appears to be sitting quietly, he may be silently grappling with fear, anxiety, or panic.
SIGNS THAT YOUR PET IS STRESSED OUT INCLUDE:
🐶Yawning frequently
🐶Panting heavily
🐶Drooling
🐶Shaking
🐶Licking its lips
🐶Rapid heart rate
🐶”Smiling” nervously
🐶Hiding
Here are some SUPER IMPORTANT tips that you need to know to help keep your furry BFF feeling safe and calm during all of the Boom Boom and 🧨 Independence Day festivities.
📌1 – Wear your pet out! Be sure to take your potty walk early, long before dark and before the fireworks begin. If possible, make your outing a vigorous hike, walk or run so that fatigue sets in before the fireworks come out.
📌2 – Keep your pet safe INSIDE your home, away from doors & windows. I suggest a “safe space” – a quiet room or kennel, isolated from the party and noise with lots of safe toys, treats, blankets and perhaps even a shirt or pillow that smells of “you”.
📌4 – Make sure your pup’s tags, IDs and microchips are up to date, just in case.
📌5 – Keep your pet busy. Long-lasting Treats and puzzle toys can provide great distractions. PLUS the chewing will wear them out, distract and relax them.
📌6. Agroomatherapy©️ Calms your pets with natural, pure essential oils. I use an atomizer in my house with water and a FEW drops of Lavender essential oil. It will add moisture, refresh the air and relax your pets naturally.
Essential Oils have been shown to have many desirable effects such as reducing anxiety and inflammation, fighting oxidative processes, battling toxins, fighting infections, fungi and viruses.
Lavender can be used pure or diluted. It is useful in conditioning patients to a safe space. May also help with allergies, burns, ulcers, insomnia, 🚙 car-ride anxiety, car sickness, and as a Flea repellent, just to name a few. The fragrance of this oil is especially effective when used to relax certain mental states and boost memory.
📌7. Remove the visual stimulation. It is impossible to cover up the noise of fireworks, but you can still do your dog a favor by closing your shutters, windows, blinds, and drapes so they do not have to see the bright flashes of lights. If using a kennel, place a lightweight blanket over it to block out any light and create a restful sanctuary.
📌8. Consider anti-anxiety tools.
There are many different options such as 🐾Thundershirts (https://www.chewy.com/thundershirt-anxiety-calming-aid-dogs/dp/41103)
calming pheromones, vitamin supplements such as 🐾Calming Aid (https://www.chewy.com/naturvet-quiet-moments-calming-aid/dp/108219)
and natural or prescribed medications that can help reduce your pet’s stress.
🐾Melatonin is the best calming natural supplement for dogs, and you can find it at any health food or grocery store. Give your dog from 1-4 mg orally depending on bodyweight, and try to give it a little bit ahead of the fireworks, if possible. 🏴☠️ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN FIRST!
You can also make an anti-anxiety wrap out of an elastic bandage. This will have the same soothing “huggy” effect as a Thundershirt. Use Ace bandages or non-adhesive body wraps. Wrap the bandage around the front of the dog’s chest below its neck. Bring the bandage up, cross it over its back, and wrap it down under its torso behind its legs. Bring the bandage up again and tie it over the dog’s back.
🚩The bandage should be snug but not constricting. Just enough to provide light pressure, like a hug 🤗.
For my local peeps in Big Bear Lake, come see me at Oliver’s Emporium in The Village and I’ll hook you up with the following relaxation products that we proudly carry.
📌 HEAVENLY HOUNDS RELAXATION SQUARES FOR DOGS
📌 DOGGIJUANNA
So why don’t dogs get that euphoric response? Well cats also have receptors in their cheeks and the roof of their mouths. This is why people and dogs don’t get the same reaction from catnip that cats do.
📌KRADLE
Kradle® Chews contain a full, targeted dose of our BotaniTek™ formulation to keep your dog feeling calm every day. Even dogs with a picky palate look forward to receiving tasty chicken or beef liver Chews. Offered in small, portable tubes, bliss bars, melts and are easy for you to use and carry.
HIGHEST QUALITY INGREDIENTS
Chews contain broad-spectrum CBD derived from the highest quality American-grown hemp with natural flavoring and no artificial colors. All of our their products are tested and verified for purity and potency.
Consult your Vet before the holidays to discuss the best options and possible medications to keep your dog safe and comfortable if he has a history of anxiety, storm, stranger or firework phobia.
Most pets have some level of fear when it comes to fireworks. You know your FURkids best, so watch their body language and be mindful to their needs.
When in doubt, remember PDSL-
Prevention, Distraction, Soothing calm voices and lots of Love ❤️ are always the perfect RX for your FURbaby.
Have a safe and PAWsome Holiday!
Mindful Paws PR 