07/01/2016
MANY DOGS ARE SEPARATED FROM THEIR HOMES AND LOVED ONES THAT CAN RESULT IN BROKEN HEARTS. INFORMED PREVENTION IS BEST. PLEASE READ ON FOR SOME HELPFUL AWARENESS AND POSSIBLE PRECAUTIONS THAT I HOPE WILL PROVE HELPFUL FOR YOU ,YOUR DOG AND YOUR FAMILY.
JULY 4th celebrations have the potential to create many dangerous and heartbreaking events in the lives of ourselves and our pets. Many adults and children may already
be dealing varying levels of attention deficit disorder and additional stress brought about by the the excitement of spending time with friends and family. Emotional flare ups and out bursts may occur at these gatherings , both good and not so good ,on these holiday weekends. Normal patterns of behavior of both humans and animals are often disrupted.
Doors and gates may unintentionally be left ajar or unlatched and sometimes completely open and unattended. This can present an escape route for stressed, frightened or even just curious pets or even small children. Sometimes there are people over that don't have pets or children at home and don't have them on their radar. Prevention of heartbreak is the key.
Sometimes the fact that one of our little one's is missing may not be realized for many precious hours may making it much more difficult or impossible to find. A joyful day can turn into a tragedy in the blink of an eye. Please be careful.
Darkness , fireworks ,loud music not to mention drinking and drugs. Are all important to remember to take into consideration. They can all collectively or singularly most definitely add to the potential confusion.
Proper preparation of having a reliable,knowledgable and willing adult would be preferable to oversee the needs and safety of these little ones from morning to night is ideal if possible that values the pets and kids more than participating in the holiday festivities. Making sure that your pet is fed at its usual time (and not forgotten in the possible confusion)is advisable. At all times (even with an ordinarily reliable dog ) I would use a leash and a collar (they cannot escape from startled or frightened )when taking the dog from one place to another or out for a "potty" break to insure safety.
You will have to "honestly evaluate"your own pets and children in order to conclude if all of this information is necessary for you to be concerned. Personally ,I would rather be safe than sorry.
Statistically many escape. The lucky ones end up in the shelter. Some are hurt or killed by cars. Some are either attacked by other animals or people. Some attack others out of fear and confusion. Some are never to be seen again. The possibilities are many but in most cases preventable if caution and care are foremost on these days ahead or any holiday times.
During the fireworks hours most dogs will do better inside there own home. All doors and windows closed. I would suggest the television or radio on loud enough to strongly override the sounds of the firework explosions making them secondary. If your dog takes comfort in being crated on some comfortable bedding,that is usually best. Having a delicious, enticing and long lasting safe chew bone or kong is recommended as well.with most,but not all dogs will feel safer and comforted by covering the kennel or crate with a lite sheet to create a womb or psychological body cast (if you will) to provide relief from any anxiety. If the house is air conditioned all the better (on the cold side ,this time of year)attempting to prevent any forms of added anxiety is the goal. Lastly I would also say that a fan placed blowing into the kennel is also advisable this is often soothing and the additional rhythmic noise may also be helpful.
GOOD LUCK,I HOPE YOU FIND THIS HELPFUL
Pets and Children