Full Article:
Susie and Beau both want all of our followers to have a happy and safe Fourth of July with their pets. Many of the activities centered on the birthday of our nation are safe and enjoyable for both pets and their humans.
Whether you and your pet are traveling on the Independence Day holiday or staying at home, there are plenty of activities for both you and your pet to participate in. In most cases this will be a dog, and of course as always a well-behaved dog is essential for a welcome at any activity whether it be a simple family picnic or other event.
Depending on the venue your dog may have to be on leash while attending. Also even at events that allow dogs to be off leash, you need to be sure your quick recall works well in case a squirrel grabs your pet’s attention and results in a chase to grab the pooch before she gets in harm’s way. The safest place to let your dog play off leash is a good dog park that is fenced in and protects your pet from running into traffic or getting lost in the woods.
Susie wants everyone to know that dogs and fireworks don’t mix. She says the same thing with fireworks that she does when thunder rumbles in the distance: “I don’t like it, don’t like it one bit.”
Keep your dog away from fireworks displays, and of all things don’t take your dog when you go to watch one. Susie heard from a friend that one dog was taken by his clueless humans to a fireworks display and even on a leash, bolted and ran off, never to be seen again. The poor dog probably didn’t stop until they were in the next county.
One time during a fireworks display we wound up with a dog under the bushes at the end of our driveway that obviously had been frightened by all of the noise, and probably jumped out of their own yard. Which brings another point: if you are even at home, keep your pets inside during the evening displays and if they are still jumpy give them something to keep them calm as well as your own pets and assurances.
Beau is not frightened by storms, but Susie is. She is much better than when she was first rescued, but during a bad storm she turns her daddy’s recliner into a vibrating massage chair. We take a pill pocket and put a 5 mg Melatonin tablet inside it that helps to calm her down. Benadryl also works well as was suggested by our veterinarian. Check with your own vet for recommendations for your pet if they need extra comfort during storms or fireworks noise. Also a thunder jacket can help with some dogs. These are available at most pet supply stores.
The ASPCA also has a good list of pet safety tips for the Fourth of July that is worth checking out.
Have a safe and happy Independence Day holiday whether on the road or at home.
June 27, 2023
