Pets and fireworks are not always a good combination here's 6 items to proactively perform for their protection.

Fireworks are amazing to observe during the fourth of July holiday. Other holidays are celebrated with the bright displays, but the 4th is the one most identified as the main event. Loud, smoky, and beautiful to the observers, our fear is related to an accident occurring causing injury, property damage, or in extreme cases death. To our pets, the occasion can become a harrowing experience driving them into an uncontrollable bout of panic-induced flight. Running fast, long, and far many are never to be seen again, we can help them coupe using these useful suggestions.

Spectacular displays of Fireworks. 

Independence day is a favorite holiday shared by people in every city, county, and state of our Country. Family gatherings, Picnics, at the Beach, or a day spent at Home are many times ended by observing a display of fireworks. People love watching them, often traveling great distances taking along chairs, blankets, and snacks, a good time is had by all. By humans that is, our pets left at home experience a different reality, fear, panic, and flight are too many times the end results.

We are celebrating more occasions with a fireworks display, no longer isolated to the Fourth of July only. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year's Eve are increasingly being noted with the past summertime only displays. In some locales, non-professional fireworks remain legal, happening all of the year round. Sports Venues display fireworks upon winning a game, when a score is made, or the home team hits a home run. Exposing our pets to more events than ever before placing them in situations they do not understand in the least.

Living in a rural area, 45 miles from a large city and just outside of the eastern edge of the last sub-burbs, my wife and I see no less than a dozen displays scattered throughout the towns and cities within our view. Being a distance away they are not crystal clear, loud, or detailed it is still enjoyable to watch them from the porch. It is easy to distinguish between municipal, private, and illegal displays of patriotism. Beginning well before the intended celebration date the illegal fireworks continue for weeks after the initial event, some are as spectacular as the municipal displays. Causing our pets to become stressed, confused, and scared there are some precautions we can take to help them through this hard time.

1) Exercise the animal, burning off some energy during the day of the event will help them to relax at night, perhaps not inducing sleep but it will reduce their anxiety.

2) Leave the dog at home, it is not a good idea to bring them along to a fireworks display, in fact, it may prove to be hazardous to the pet and people around it if it were to panic.

3) Leave the animal indoors, if it is hot make sure he/she is comfortable by turning on the air conditioning, do not leave them unattended outdoors tied up. Indoors with human companionship is the best way to ensure the safety of the animal.

Comforting them is important.

4) Set up a place for the dog to find the security needed, a favorite pillow, crate, or under a table are all places they may seek to bolster their confidence. When loud noises occur they will instinctively seek small enclosed areas for refuge, my dog (Skunkpuppy) crawls under the coffee table.

5) Don't allow them to see the flash, bright lights or smell the smoke. Close the windows, blinds, and doors, also move their comfort area to a low lighted spot.

6) Make a flier before the celebration, including a photograph of your pet along with all the members of your household. The photograph will make associating your dog with you and other family members easier than a verbal description. Be certain the collar, vaccination tags, and the Identification tag is all legible and securely fastened. They panic and will run fast, long, and far many times never to be seen again.

Several years ago on the Fourth of July, my daughter opened her apartment door, suddenly her small dog panicked and darted out of it into the street waiting beyond. He disappeared in the flash of an eye not to be seen for three months, finally showing up at her doorstep somehow finding his way home. They are fast and when in a panic unpredictable.

Watch for the signs of anxiety, panting, drooling, and shaking are signs the animal is becoming stressed. Playing a familiar game, making a favorite toy available, and being with them will all aid in comforting him. If you must go outside be certain to keep the dog on a leash with a collar they can not slip out of, even the best-trained dog may panic during a fireworks display. Stressed dogs pant a lot, make sure water is available for them.

(Follow this Link to the U.K.s Blue Cross manual pertaining to animals and fireworks)

Once the fireworks begin the dog may not want to eat, (every dog is different), feed her long before dark there is little harm in leaving food out. If she wants to eat don't stop her, on the other hand, if she doesn't want to eat do not force her to.

Play soft comforting music, starting before dark, it doesn't have to be loud in fact quiet will be more likely to encourage relaxation. Recordings of fireworks, loud noises, and bangs played beginning several days prior to the event will acclimate your animal to the noises typical of fireworks.

Medication is available, however before giving it to the dog, pay a visit to your veterinarian, she/he will advise you on which one to use. Two available are, a pheromone called Adaptil and the other Sileo available in Europe a medication developed to treat dogs with noise aversions such as fireworks.

It's a dog's life, after all, isn't it?

Zylkene is a natural supplement available in pet supply stores if medication is not right for your pet. Again it is prudent to consult a veterinarian before administering it.

Enlisting the help of an animal behaviorist may be beneficial, training to accept loud noises may be a long process often taking six months or longer for the therapy to become a natural way for your dog to react.

Benadryl is commonly used to sedate a dog, 1 milligram per pound the dog weighs 2 to 3 times per day is the recommended dose. Available at drugstores Diphenhydramine tablets are typically 25 mg, the recommended dose for a 25-pound animal, always read the labels and check the dosage at least twice before giving it to her. If the pet is showing a reaction to Benadryl, facial swelling, difficulty breathing or uncommon behavior take the dog immediately to the vet.

Melatonin, available over-the-counter it is a hormone when used the dog stays alert but loud noises such as thunder, fireworks, and storms just don't bother them any longer. Your Veterinarian must be consulted for which brand to use and for dosage recommendations. There are several brands available and they all differ on the potency, making dosage important.

Thundershirt, available in pet stores, the internet, and variety stores is just that, a shirt worn by the animal that fits snuggly. (I am not affiliated in any way with Thundershirt, nor do I sell them) Applying a gentle constant pressure comforting the dog during events of unsettled weather, loud noises, and confusion. Wrapping the pet in an elastic bandage, an old beach towel, or a sweatshirt, (caution do not wrap overly tight) will exhibit the same traits as a Thundershirt. The goal with a wrap is to apply constant, gentle, soothing pressure merely to help them relax.

Thundershirt for Dogs and Cats. 

Simply by accepting the responsibility of being the owner of a pet, whether it be a cat, dog, or bird we accept that they are dependent upon us to keep them as safe and secure as we are able in our environment.  It doesn't take a lot of work or planning to make sure they are secure, most practices are easily worked into their everyday normal routines. Skunkpuppy is secure with a daily routine, it may come with her breed, Border Collie, just making sure her "stuff" is always in the proper place seems to give her aid and comfort. Upon returning to the house she inspects the entire living space appearing as if that is what she is doing, making sure none of it is displaced. Keeping their comfort items bedding, food dish, and toys in a predictable and common spot aid in their security as well as confidence.

Familiarity to their surroundings in everyday life is key to their well being during a disrupting event such as a fireworks display. It is also good practice for an unexpected event such as a fire, flood, or home emergency, its a good way of keeping our pets "prepared".

(Follow this Link to view a commercially available Pet survival kit)

Thank you for reading and sharing my blog, please leave a comment with your experiences, and stories, they are always great reading. Thanks again.

jacquesandkate emergencykitsplus.com