Written by Gay Pathmanathan of Shenton Park Dog Refuge Home (Perth, Australia), Illustration by Lili Chin (http://doggiedrawings.net/). You can download in different sizes.
Category Archives: Helpful Tips
Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips – Reminder!
Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips
As we get closer to fireworks, BBQ’s, lots of merry making with friends and family we need to keep in mind of the potential dangers for our furry babies!
Each year the local shelters will see an increase in animals after July 4th because many animals run off from fear or anxiety around all the commotion. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe!
To help reduce the risk of run away pets:
Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive and panic 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.
Best to stay home with your pet. Make sure to give your dog extra exercise during the day to wear him or her out or leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company and drawn out 4th of July fireworks.
Update ID chips and tags. In case your pet runs off, this helps increase the chances of them finding their way home.
Keep those pet tummies safe! And avoid costly vet bills. Keep any harmful substances and decorations that can hurt animals if ingested out of their reach. Sometimes streamers or lighter fluid can look and smell like food but are potentially dangerous if ingested. Same goes for BBQ human food!
If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
Here are natural remedies you can help keep your pets calm during the fireworks display:
TranQuil-Tabs, All-Natural Calming Formula. Sold at Waggin Tail, Union City or EntirelyPets.com – this has been used by some FFR volunteers and found to work well.
Thunder Shirt – Not tested by an FFR volunteer yet, but we’ve heard stories that they do help some pets.
You can purchase “stress & anxiety” supplements to help calm their nerves. A lot of online pet stores via Furry Friends Shopping page. (Shopping from these links will donate %s to FFR!)
Other Helpful Tips!
- 10 Pet Tips For a “Safe & Sane” Independence Day by SF SPCA
- Fourth of July Safety by ASPCA
- Pet Friendly 4th of July Pet Safety Tips: 101 Dog Care Tips- Tip 55 by Best Bully Sticks Healthy Dog Blog
How to Greet a Dog Properly
Did you know National Bite Prevention week was May 15-21st? Well even though it’s over I thought it would be a good idea to post a link to a great article by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS. Take a look at the screen shot below of her poster with tips on how to greet a dog properly!
She’s got some great illustration to go with the information and you should check out the full blog post here (http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/preventing-dog-bites-by-learning-to-greet-dogs-properly).
