Hello, Jax friends!
Every summer the Fourth of July kicks off the Northwest season with a bang. Fireworks are beautiful, but for a lot of dogs they’re also very stressful. The good news is there are plenty of ways to help your dog get through them.
Every dog is different, and how much help yours needs depends on how anxious fireworks make them. For some dogs, sitting close and giving a good scratch is enough. Others need more support, all the way up to anxiety medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Tools That Can Help
- Sit with your dog. Your calm presence goes a long way.
- ThunderShirts. A snug wrap helps many dogs feel more secure.
- Melatonin. Ask your veterinarian whether it’s right for your dog and what dose to use.
- DAP diffuser (Dog Appeasing Pheromone). Plug it in ahead of time in the room where your dog likes to rest.
- Prescription anxiety medication. For dogs with severe noise fear, talk to your vet well before the holiday.
Make Sure Your Dog Can Find Their Way Home
Scared dogs can bolt. Make sure your dog wears a well-fitting collar with an ID tag, so you can be contacted quickly if they get loose. Microchipping is also a cost-effective way to make sure your dog can be identified if the collar comes off. A vet or shelter can scan the chip and get your pet back to you safely.
Watch Out for Summer Heat, Too
Warm weather comes with the holiday. The sun heats our four-legged friends up quickly, and hot pavement can burn their paws. Did you know that when it’s 77 degrees outside, asphalt in direct sun can reach 125 degrees? Skip walks during the hottest part of the day. With the long summer evenings, an after-dinner sunset walk is a great way for both of you to unwind.
For a fun daytime activity, freeze one of your dog’s favorite toys in watered-down beef or chicken bouillon. They’ll stay hydrated and keep busy working to get the toy out.
Want your dog to burn off energy somewhere cool and supervised while you’re at work? Our dog daycare brings out pools and water toys in the summer.
If Something Goes Wrong
If your dog swallows fireworks or anything else that could be poisonous, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at 888-426-4435. It’s also smart to keep your vet’s phone number and hours handy, and to know where the nearest emergency vet is, before the holiday weekend starts.
Traveling for the Holiday?
If your plans don’t include your pup, our overnight boarding includes daycare during the day and a comfortable suite at night. Holidays get busy, so book early.
While you’re here, stop by any of our locations to check out our high-quality retail products and local treats.
We hope you and your dog have a safe, happy Fourth!
