Wellness Wednesday: BOOM!

It's everyone's favorite summer holiday here in the States.  The Fourth of July at my house usually involves a great day of barbecue and beach or pool time and of course I love to involve my four-legged friends in all of that fun!  But later, we always make sure we're packed up and home long before the sun goes down.  Unless your best friend is deaf, chances are he doesn't like what comes next...

Virtually every source I found mentioned that an estimated 50% of all dogs and cats are terrified by loud noises, whether it's thunder, fireworks or from another source.  The Fourth of July weekend lands lots of pets in shelters or pets get lost after escaping yards and running from noises.  There are lots of precautions you can take to make sure your pets stay safe during all of the celebrating.

• ALWAYS make sure your pet is wearing identification information (license, tags, etc) and get your pet microchipped.  In the event your pet does run away or gets separated from you, microchipping is the best bet for a safe return.
• Do not feed pets table food.  It takes very little to upset pets' tummies and this can heighten anxiety and add to stress.
• Only use bug repellant and sunscreens specifically made for animals on your pets.  Sprays and sunscreens made for humans can cause severe stomach upset, irreversible neurological issues and even death.  Same goes for citronella candles and other insect deterrents.
• Likewise, alcohol can be fatal for pets even in very small doses.
• Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise before the fireworks start.  Tired pets (dogs especially) are less likely to have excess energy and get wound up as easily.
• Give your pet a safe place to go if they want, like in their crate.
• Turning on the television or radio can help drown out the noise from fireworks.
• Don't coddle a frightened dog or give an anxious dog attention unless there is a risk that the dog could harm itself.  This sort of attention reinforces the anxiety and fear response.
• Try playing with toys to keep pets distracted once fireworks start and keep pets inside.
• Lastly, but certainly not least, pay attention to the heat index.  Daytime temperatures can soar and some breeds simply aren't able to handle the heat.  If you do take your pets out during the day, make sure they have access to shade, clean drinking water and pools or hoses to cool down.

Here at SCBR, we hope everyone has a happy and safe Fourth of July!