FOURTH OF JULY CAUTION

I have to put this blog in-- it's about the Fourth of July. That's a time of celebration for all of us, but not for the dogs! So many dogs are terrified when fireworks (or thunder) start, and many dogs escape from their homes and yards. Some find their way home, but some end up in shelters or worse. Here are some tips:

 1. Make sure you pet has a name tag on. ALL THE TIME. Some people remove collars when the dogs are inside.  Dogs can get out unexpectedly-- and with no name tag, no one knows how to help get them home. Keep a collar and name tag on your pet all the time. (I take them off when they get a bath, but they go right back on.)  (Kai Kai is never outside alone, but I will be especially careful when there are fireworks.)

 2. All my pets are microchipped-- this is in addition to the collar, it's not a replacement for a collar/name tag. There are pets whose owners get them back because of microchipping. Sometimes, a collar can come off, and a microchip helps. But, it only helps if someone will have the dog checked for one.   You want your precious pet back if it's lost.  (Mattie can hear just fine with her "flying ears."  I want to make sure she is not outside when the noise begins!)

 3. When the fireworks begin, make sure your pets are INSIDE. Do not leave them unattended in the yard, because they can just be so afraid that they somehow get out of your fence. Dogs that are afraid of fireworks (thunder,too) are not "thinking" and just want to get away from the sound.  (Granger won't like the noise at all.  He just moved to a new house, so they will be extra careful when fireworks are going off.)

 4. Some of my dogs have to be sedated before a thunderstorm. That means these dogs will be sedated before the fireworks begin. I get medication from my vet.  You can also use a thundershirt and a small area to keep them safe.

5. Use "white noise" to block the sound of fireworks. I have a mega-fan and it makes some big white noise. This helps keep them calm. You can also have a TV or radio on louder than normal to block outside noises.

Check your fence line to make sure there are no loose boards that your dog can get out through.  Floyd, above, suggests that the dogs just chill out-- he has found a nice floor vent.  He's deaf, so the fireworks won't bother him a bit.
Have a Happy Fourth of July!