We have a white German Shepherd that becomes overly agitated by loud noises and storms. While the bad weather is still off in a distance and all we see are clear skies, Girlie Sue is pacing the floor, or trying to get as deep into your lap as possible. I choose to look on waking suddenly to a 60 pound white butt sitting on my head as our severe weather early warning system. With the fourth of July once again on our doorstep I decided it was time to research the best ways to protect pets (and their humans) from suffering noise related anxieties as the mother of all noisy holidays’ approaches. The Humane Society of the United States, www.HSUS.org, offers the following advice to protect your pet on the Fourth of July:
1 Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
2 Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
3 Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
4 If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for medications to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
5 Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
6 Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
Keep your pet indoors on the Fourth of July in a quiet and isolated room with covered windows, or in the basement where there are no windows, to help your pet feel safe and secure. Dogs have been known to break through a glass door or window and dig under a fence to escape the sounds and find their families to comfort them. Turn on a fan, a radio, or TV to muffle the sound of fireworks. They’ll provide familiar indoor sounds and may help soothe your pet if it must be alone on this noisy holiday. If your pet behaves nervously by pacing, whining, or crying, distract your pet by playing with him or doing something he enjoys. Don’t stroke, pet, or reassure him by saying, “Don’t worry. It’s okay.” This may actually reinforce your pet’s anxious behavior. And last but not least, talk with your veterinarian about also providing your pet with a microchip I.D. implant, in case your pet loses its collar and tags. The preparation you take beforehand will help prevent the grief and heartache you will suffer should your animals escape and the unthinkable happens.
It’s a new month, so don’t forget to go to www.FidoFinder.com and vote for the Randolph County Humane Society as your favorite shelter so we can win the $1,000 monthly donation. If you have more than one computer, or one at work and at home, vote on all the computers available to you. Votes are recorded monthly by computer, not by person, so let’s see if we can win the donation to help the animals that are currently waiting for their forever homes. And if you’re thinking of adding a new member to your family, consider adopting a shelter dog. They’ll reward you with love and affection unlike any you’ve known before. They’ll remain by your side through thick and thin, loving you no matter what life throws your way. There isn’t enough money in the world to buy what they give so freely and it is one decision you’ll never regret.
