How was your 2009? How about we make 2010 better? Ok. So let’s let’s take a wag at how we can keep our furry friends safer during the upcoming festivities.
Thunderstorms and fireworks are the leading cause of pet anxiety. Remember however that party favors & popping champagne corks can be just as traumatizing to some pets and may lead to a lifelong Loud Noise Syndrome (perpetually afraid of loud noises whether natural or manmade)
Signs of stress in dogs due to fireworks include:
* scratching at doors
* not wanting to go outside in the dark
* digging at the carpets
* hiding/dashing under/behind furniture
* running away
* salivation
* shaking
* house soiling
* nervousness easily startled or is jumpy
* trembling
* incessant noisemaking like barking or whining
* restlessness. Pet constantly moving around, fidgeting, and reacting to every single noise.
* freezing. In this case, the dog is so stressed that he cannot move.
* overeating,
* appetite loss,
* poor concentration(can’t focus on what you ask him/her)
* destructive behavior
* aggressive behavior
NOISE SOLUTIONS: If you are hosting a New Year’s Party, make sure your pets are placed in a comfortable area that is separate from the activities. Make sure they have plenty of water and are comfortable. While you're at it, you may want to consider a ban on the horns and noisemakers that are so popular at New Year's celebrations. Bringing that kind of stress into your house is not a Wag’N Good Idea!
If you know your pet is afraid of fireworks here are some solutions:
Natural Remedies (talk to your holistic vet or wag out Bach Remedies) Prescription Meds (talk to your veterinarian), Anxiety Wraps, Mutt-Muffs, Sound Therapy, Desensitization (Takes time. Make that a New Year training resolution. Talk to your dog trainer). Remember: What works for some does not work for all.
Always check with your veterinarian and behavior specialist before using any drugs or tranquilizers. Internet posts are not your pet health bible. A simple post typo could seriously harm your pet.What works for their pet may not work for yours as you may have to consider weight, medical history, breed and being aware of possible side effects may not make it worth your while.
Remember that as some pets age they might lose or gain phobias. It only takes one new bad experience to change the game. With that in mind refrain from keeping them outside, as fireworks and other neighbors celebrating can lead to sound trauma and exposes them to fire hazards should something go wrong next door.
DO NOT LET YOUR ACTIVE DOG WHO IS AFRAID OF NOTHING HANG OUT THE CROWD OF HOME MADE AND FAMILY FIREWORKS. THAT LIGHT STICK IS APPEALING AND RUNNING AWAY WITH IT MAY BE EVEN MORE APPEALING.
PETS HAVE NO BUSINESS NEAR LIVE FIREWORKS! KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE!
DO NOT START FIREWORKS NEAR THE HOUSE!
RUN AWAY ISSUES & SOLUTIONS:
To make sure that your pets do not run away, exercise them on New Year Eve afternoon. be aware that fireworks may be set off before dark so keep a shorter leash and secure the collar on your pet in case it gets startled while outside. Tags buts be updated and on the pet during that walk. Make sure they get a good work out or walk. Feed them early and then let relax in a “safe room of sorts” where you play music or let the TV run.
If you are hosting a party make sure your pets stays in that room by posting a note on the door. Let your guests know to stay clear of that area. That goes back to training your guests into your house rules.
Make sure that the room you leave the pets in does:
- not allow for easy escape (cracked open windows),
- not provide them with potentially hazardous things to destroy (xmas tree, multi plug power outlets, food reserves, medication cabinet, garage poisons like fuel, paint etc)
As guest come and go the front door is a great escape route. Either way keep your pet’s tags on the pet! Make sure the information is current. Microchipping your pet is a great general rule. There also make sure the information is up-to-date.
DO NOT LET YOUR ACTIVE DOG WHO IS AFRAID OF NOTHING HANG OUT THE CROWD OF HOME MADE AND FAMILY FIREWORKS. THAT LIGHT STICK IS APPEALING AND RUNNING AWAY WITH IT MAY BE EVEN MORE APPEALING.
PETS HAVE NO BUSINESS NEAR LIVE FIREWORKS! KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE!
DO NOT START FIREWORKS NEAR THE HOUSE!
RESIDENTIAL HAZARDS & SOLUTIONS
- Beware of alcohol! Many pets can be drawn to glasses of beer or liquor that has been left behind after the celebration is over. Consumption of alcohol can be highly dangerous for animals, and even deadly. Make sure to thoroughly clean up the area before you allow your pets to enter. Always keep a close eye on them, and never give them any alcohol as a treat or joke.
- Keep party decorations like balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti away from pets as they may cause physical harm if ingested. So while decorating for your party, keep the animals in a separate area where they do not have access to the decorations. If they do get into them, consult a veterinarian immediately.
- Keep candles away from tails and little hands…and drunk hands. Click here to read more on holiday fire safety. Make sure you know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it!
- Party food and party guests. When cooking maintain a “no pets and children in the kitchen” policy. See holiday post for more on food safety.
- Hazardous “feel better keep you busy toys”. Rawhides, pig ears and the like are not going to be your best option as pets need to be supervised when eating them. It takes only a few minutes to choke in silence alone surrounded by noise. So consider those a NO NO as asphyxiation is not a good way to end or start anything.
DO NOT LET YOUR ACTIVE DOG WHO IS AFRAID OF NOTHING HANG OUT THE CROWD OF HOME MADE AND FAMILY FIREWORKS. THAT LIGHT STICK IS APPEALING AND RUNNING AWAY WITH IT MAY BE EVEN MORE APPEALING.
PETS HAVE NO BUSINESS NEAR LIVE FIREWORKS! KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE!
DO NOT START FIREWORKS NEAR THE HOUSE!
SAFETY SUMMARY
KEEP YOU PETS INDOORS, WELL EXERCISED AND FED, WITH ALL THEIR TAGS AND IDS, BUSY WITH SAFE TOYS AND NOISES TO KEEP THEM CALM FROM OUTDOOR WACKYNESS. DO NOT LEAVE THE FRONT DOOR OPEN, TRAIN YOUR GUESTS TO LEAVE PETS ALONE, CHECK IN WITH PETS A FEW TIMES. KEEP PETS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS!
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