Holiday Fireworks

[E's]

Daughter forwarded this from an Austin greyhound group, but it goes for all dogs... I'm already worried about Win because of the daily thunder storms and my house being in a vast construction site - huge new house going up directly across and street being completely rebuilt - Win thinks the hammers are fireworks and doesn't like graders, backhoes or dump trucks either. Poor dog - I'm really dreading the Fourth with my arrogant, inconsiderate neighbors. Win is 8 now and I haven't given her Benadryl this year... will keep her in my closet where she has a pallet and there is a heavy cypress door.

Holiday Fireworks -- Helping Your Pet Cope

The following tip is timely with Fourth of July just around the corner.
Humane societies and shelters typically take in more stray animals
during the Fourth of July holiday because many pets are scared off by
fireworks. Below are some tips to help pets cope with outdoor noises.
Holiday fireworks and other fanfare are often frightful experiences for
dogs. The loud noises can hurt their sensitive ears.
Frightened dogs have different reactions: some tremble at their owners'
feet, others retreat to a hiding place, some try to run off (traveling
for miles), and others display bizarre behavior. According to behavior
specialist Dr. Elizabeth Shull, low-frequency, percussive noises such as
fireworks and summer thunderstorms trigger wild fear in about 20% of
dogs. Under such circumstances, ordinarily well-behaved pets may become
aggressive, destructive and/or unpredictable.
Here are some precautions you can take to help your pets:
*Leave your greyhound out of any planned activities where there will be
fireworks. If you have a greyhound that you know is fearful of loud
noises, the best advice is to stay home with your dog.
* Make sure all pets always are wearing well-fitted collars and securely
fastened ID tags. Microchips and tattoos are great ID techniques, too.
If you normally leave off your greys collars, put them on for this
night.
* If fireworks are being set off nearby, or if you're having guests over
for a holiday celebration, find a quiet, secure place to keep your pets.
Darkening the room can help. You can close the curtains and turn up the
radio, CD player or TV to drown out noise.
* Do not leave pets outside, even in a fenced yard, anytime when
fireworks might be set off in the distance.
* Rather than cuddle a frightened dog, try to distract the dog from the
disturbing noises with physical activity such as playing ball.
* Remember that scolding or coddling a scared dog will not help.
Scolding will scare and confuse the animal, and coddling serves to
reinforce fearful behaviors. Instead, assume your pack leader role and
act confident and unbothered by the noise and activity outside. You can
give your pet a gentle massage,
* If the sounds and lights of fireworks frighten your dog, here's an
innovative technique from the most recent issue of "Unleashed! The Pet
Care Forum's Newsletter for Dog Lovers" (www.vin.com/PetCare/Dogs.htm).
Make an "anxiety wrap" using an adult or children's T-shirt. Put the
dog's front legs through the arm holes, then knot the hem over the dog's
back. This technique is related to the massage and Tellington Touch
therapy approaches. Wrapping fabric around an animal can give the pet a
feeling of greater security.
* Vets can prescribe tranquilizers for frightened dogs. Also, some
people find that non-prescription remedies such as Rescue Remedy or
Serene-um calm their dogs. Don't wait until Sunday to start using the
herbal remedies. Start them on Friday night before the holiday.
* If you're going out of town for the holidays, entrust the care and
feeding of pets to an adult friend or a boarding kennel you know very
well.
More to come on what to do if your greyhound gets loose. GREYHOUND PETS
OF AMERICA - CENTRAL TEXAS www.gpacentraltexas.org


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[jason]

some good tips in there, thanks for posting.

[Marty]

I can vouch for that.....I think that is how we came to find Biscotti at the pound....terrified of storms and will bolt out the door if given a chance. Think I will try the anxiety wrap next time. Another suggestion that may help is to rub the dog with a fabric softener sheet. We had fireworks in town last night because of the Air Force concert...didn't seem to bother Biscotti, but Louie started barking and running inside and outside (doggy door). So, please make sure your pets are safe!

[LinZ]

My aunt's old dog, Stinker, used to be so terrified of thunderstorms that whenever thunder rumbled overhead, Stinker would immediately get the runs and prove it all over the house. But she was never EVER aggressive under any circumstances, so I guess that's good in a way.

My boyfriend's dog, Max, went with us to the fireworks show last night and he wasn't phased at all. The car was almost right under where the launching was taking place O.o My dog Nikki doesn't mind thunder but will yap if she hears fireworks sometimes.

But nevertheless, good advice.


LinZ - has animals who are too lazy to care

[TheSkeptic]

Two of our dogs, Inky and Dottie are terrified by fireworks the neighbors on all sides were setting them off last night. Most were arial bombs and rockets. Those two spent the evening under the vainty in our bedroom.

The rest either ignore them or are fascinated by them. Prince ran himself ragged trying to see each burst of firworks. Ginger also chased them for a little while, then settled on the Patio. Prince wore himself out then sat on the patio next to Ginger. They sat there swiveling thier heads to watch each rocket and bomb as it went up and exploded. It wouldn't have surprised me to hear them OOOH and AHHHH with each one. They came inside exhausted, wet and muddy, but happy.