Tips on Pets and Fireworks (A less than ideal combination)

"No, not fireworks!" Says Socko

Happy Fourth of July!

While we are out enjoying the independence this nation holds dear, please remember that our pets are often affected in a negative manner by fireworks. Even when we can't hear the BOOMS, they can. Also, the pressure can be felt in the air and they have no words to tell us how they feel. This can result in unusual behaviors including, but not limited to, the pet hiding, panting, running around, huddling close to the people they love and/or being more aggressive than usual.


Here are a few things we can do for our companions:

That's a good place to hide, Nemi!

• Be patient and calm but do not make a fuss. If your animal sees that you aren't reacting to the noise and the pressure, it will encourage them not to be freaked out either.

• If your pet finds a hiding place, leave them be. Sometimes the best thing they can do is wait it out.

• A bit of soothing music or white noise can help calm their fears and drown the other sounds out. 

• Don't leave them alone for too long. This will only add to their stress. 

• If your pet wears a thunder shirt or anxiety wrap during storms, put it on them during the fireworks. 

• Keep your pets inside. 

• If you have to take your dog outside, be sure they are on a leash. Even if you do not  leave your yard, that extra bit of security to keep them safe in case they get startled could save your dog from running off. 

• If they can be distracted, get them to focus on something they enjoy. (I.e. a game of fetch, a kong with yummies inside, some lettuce, chasing a feather wand, etc.) There's less room for fear if their minds are engaged elsewhere.

Lettuce distract Piglet!

What do you do to help your pets during the Fourth of July or other scary times? 

Please share your tips in the comments! 

Thanks!

ADDITION

A friend of mine pointed out this very helpful article that takes things a step further. With a bit of work, you can train your pets out of their fearful response. 

Here, she explains it better:

http://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/fireworks/

A Bit of Introspection...

Sorry I have been absent.

It's been tough to face this blog since my last post was about Socko and I miss him and every time I read that post I cry. There's a part of me that tells me to get over it, but I have no desire to ever get over it. He was an amazing dog. Pets like him are the reason I believe so strongly in saving animals and why I help others care for their animals and foster. There is so much more that I want to do too!

Soon I will be posting about two awesome kitties and their amazing parents. Stay tuned!

We called him the Doggy Buddha

On Monday, August 6th, we had our dog Socko euthanized. His liver had failed, both his liver and his spleen were swollen, he had a cancerous mass and he hadn't been able to keep any food down for almost a week. It was a heartbreaking decision, but it was the best we could make. 

This is my personal tribute to his memory.

Socko, just chillin'

"Whoa! What's that noise?"

Socko was a peace loving soul who got along with EVERYBODY. Humans, other dogs, cats, our now deceased guinea pig, even that skunk he tried to make friends with... (okay, that last one didn't work out so well.) People who don't normally like dogs, liked Socko.

Whenever we had foster kittens, he would watch over them, whine if they were doing something they probably shouldn't and patiently wait for them to approach him. Even when they were all puffed up and spitting and hissing and jumping at him sideways, he would sigh and just watch them. When they got comfortable enough to approach him, he was so gentle with them. Every so often, a kitten would jump at his tail; he had a white tip on a mostly black tail that looped up and it was like a kitty toy when he wagged it. Startled, he'd flip around to see what was going on, but that would be it.

Playing "your so pretty!" with Socko

He was the Doggy Buddha who would sometimes try to get in the middle of a hug, get upset if our goofing off hinted of violence and whine when the cats had the crazies. He was the Doggy Butler who would clean up any food spills, but only once stole food off an unattended plate. (He did try to get into the cats food, but was very good about leaving it alone.) He was Mr. Snuggles who sometimes wished he was small enough to be a lap dog. He loved to just lounge about with us inside, play fetch with his manky toys, go for long walks and make new friends. I will miss you more than I even know Socko!

Socko, disguised as a cat!

Socko all curled up!

The adventures of Ink

Hai! I'm Ink!

 

Is that the time?

 

I feel like I'm in prison



Let me check that...



I'm in a box!



Wait... how do I get out?



I'm gettin' a drink!

Pet Walk!!

Today Socko, my 9 year old Shepherd Mix, went out and represented Out-U-GO! at the Hinsdale Humane Society's Pet Walk!! We had a great time! I planned to post lots and lots of pictures, but after the shot I got of Socko, my unsmart camera phone decided not to work. Oh well... Here's the one of Socko! He's sooooooooo happy!!


"I LOVE this place!!!"