Keep Your Pet Safe this 4th of July

Leave a comment

I love the holidays! Especially the 4th of July!  My dad served in Korea and my uncle served in World War II.  I was raised to love our country and in the words of Jerry Garcia, I was taught to “wave that flag”.  However, just because I or you, may love the smell of barbecue chicken, hot dogs and watching the fireworks, it doesn’t mean that your dog will love it!

Between the fireworks and the chaos of people coming in and going out of your house, dogs can get a little stressed out. Sometimes they can get very stressed out.  Doesn’t your stress level increase when you are preparing your house for a party and guests?  Compound that with fireworks, which your dog doesn’t quite understand, it can be really be unpleasant.

Before I list tips for the big day, drop everything right now and make sure that your dog has a snug fitting buckle collar with an ID tag and phone number attached securely and written clearly.  Also make an appointment with your vet to have your dog microchipped!

Here are some simple tips and considerations to keep your dog safe and relaxed on the 4th!

If you are having a party during the day, keep your dog in his crate.  This accomplishes three things:

  • You do not have to worry about him or her getting into the hamburgers that are sitting on the counter
  • Someone feeding him too many hot dogs making him sick and necessitaing a trip to the emergency clinic
  • You do not have to worry that one of your guests will mistakenly leave the gate open allowing your dog to explore the neighborhood.

If you are going to see the fireworks, leave your dog home.  It will be crowded, noisy and hot why subject him to walking around in the heat, looking for a good spot to watch the fireworks, getting bumped into by other people and then when the fireworks start, it is going to be loud.  Very loud.  Once those fireworks start, the likelihood of your dog startling and trying to run is increased.  If your dog is home safe and sound, you won’t need to worry about him getting away from you.

I recommend that you feed him earlier in the day than usual.  Perhaps at lunch, rather than at dinner.  As the sun starts to go down and it is starting to cool off from, hopefully, a bright and sunny day, take your dog for a good exercise walk.  A brisk pace for about 30 minutes then return home. This will give him a chance to move his bowels from his early dinner.  Give him water.

After giving him water, put two drops Peace and Calm from Young Living essential oils onto his collar and bed while diffusing some StressAway in the room.  You can order both Peace and Calm and StressAway  here.

Put him inside his crate with his bed, a nice fresh fatty soup bone, preferably a Primal one (see photos below) and give him a kiss.  An early bedtime and getting tucked in with a special treat and the essential oils will decrease his stress and help him drift off into dream land.   If he needs one more bathroom walk, before you go to sleep, make sure you have him on leash, even if you have a fenced in yard.  Just the sound of fireworks could send him reeling and into a panic. Knowing that you are right there, even if he does panic, and you are able to control him, will make it easier for him.  However, as much as you can, try to only take him out AFTER the fireworks have died down.

Between some extra exercise, an early meal, a special bone and essential oils, you and your dog should have a stress free 4th of July allowing you to enjoy your family, friends and the true meaning of freedom!

Always yours for better dogs,

Babette Haggerty

Summer Safety Tips for You and Your Best Friend

Leave a comment

The Dog Days of Summer is full of barbecues, road trips, and backyard games! Including your dog will keep them happier and better behaved.  However, all of these fun times can lead to trouble if you are not aware of the potential hazards when enjoying the lazy days of summer.

Keep in mind these simple tips this summer to keep you and your pooch happy and carefree.

AT HOME

  • Having a party?  Consider leaving your dog in his happy place with his favorite bone so that no one can bother him.  This decreases the chances of him getting out or someone giving him the wrong food.
  • Swimming?  Don’t leave your dog alone by the pool unattended. Many dogs have fallen in only to drown while being left outside by the pool  

CAR TRAVEL

  • When traveling in the car, keep your dog in a harness or in a crate. This offers protection in the event of an accident.
  • When in the crate, your dog should have a leash on them attached to a flat buckle collar with your name and contact information.  Keeping the leash on allows an extra measure of security in case they try to bolt out of the car when taking them out for a potty break.
  • Would you ride a motorcycle without eye protection? No, so don’t let your dog hang his head out the window. Debris etc can go right into your dog’s eyes and mouth causing injury.
  • Never leave your dog alone in the car.  They can get hot and overheat. They can also be stolen.  Leaving your dog in your car with the car and the a/c running may seem like a good idea but your dog could hit the lock and lock you out.  

IN A HOTEL

You always want to be a good guest, whether it is at Aunt Millie’s or at a five star resort.  The best way to be welcomed again with your dog is to leave no paw prints behind.

  • Bring poop bags.
  • Don’t allow your dog on the furniture. Save that for home.
  • Keep your dog crated so that he doesn’t get out should the housekeeper come in to clean.
  • Make sure your dog tolerates being left alone.  The last thing you want is everyone complaining about your dog barking

EXPLORING THE BIG OUTDOORS

  • Bug repellent.  I use a homemade mixture of 15 drop of lavender oil & 5 drops of eucalyptus.
  • Make sure your dog is current on his heartworm prevention.
  • Short coated and hairless dogs often need sunblock. Discuss this with your veterinarian.

Keep these things in mind so that you can have a healthy, happy summer with your best friend.

 

Babette Haggerty is the owner of Haggerty Dog Training in Midland Park.  She spends her summers on road trips with her family, four dogs and often one or two of her training students. She can be contacted at 201-444-9893.