USA Today – Lifestyle
Dogs ‘think they’re going to die’ on the Fourth of July. We can help them, and here’s how
Dogs have such a negative reaction to some of the activities associated with the Fourth of July – fireworks, parades, parties, alcohol consumption – you’d think they’re unpatriotic.
Of course, it’s the commotion and unpredictable noises linked to Independence Day that disturb canines, who are best left behind instead of taken to large gatherings and should never get a chance to drink alcohol, which is toxic for them.
But the fireworks that traditionally greet our nation’s birthday represent the biggest concern for people seeking to keep their pets safe and calm, because they often evoke major anxiety among dogs.
Studies by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals show more dogs run away in July than in any other month, although it’s not entirely clear what role Independence Day celebrations play in those escapes. It may be that holiday parties provide easier breakout chances for dogs scared by fireworks, though the thunderstorms common to July may prompt them to bolt as well.
“When they have these noise phobias, it’s horrible,’’ said noted veterinarian Marty Becker, who founded an initiative called Fear Free and works with State Farm to spread the word about preventing and alleviating anxiety in pets. “A lot of times these dogs will self-mutilate. I’ve had dogs come in that have run through a plate-glass window. They think they’re going to die, and when you think you’re going to die, you do crazy things.’’
Not all dogs are susceptible to loud noises, and cats don’t get disturbed as much by them, typically opting to hide instead of running away when scared. However, some breeds, like border collies, Australian shepherds and smaller dogs like chihuahuas, can be very sensitive.
Becker and other experts in the field offered a number of tips that may help our four-legged friends stay happy through the Fourth:
Watch out for the signs
It’s not too hard to tell your dog is scared if you know what to look for. Shivering, shaking, panting, salivating, yawning and trying to hide are some of those indications. Frightened dogs may also lick their lips repeatedly or get stiff.
“In addition to displaying fearful behavior, some dogs also cling to their owners, destroy property, soil the house or injure themselves when they hear a noise that upsets them,’’ said Pia Silvani, director of behavior rehabilitation at the ASPCA. “Frantic attempts to escape may cause dogs to chew, scratch, dig and even jump out of windows.’’
If they’re cowering in a corner or under a bed, don’t try to pull them out, which may prompt them to bite. Instead, either allow them to come out on their own or encourage them with a treat or toy.
Don’t rely on desensitizing
The notion of getting dogs used to the bright flashes and loud pops of fireworks sounds good but takes a lot of time – think weeks or months, not days – and effort. Becker said in his 40 years of practice he’s never had a client accomplish it. Trained behaviorists have more success.
“They cannot anticipate so they see a flash and hear a bang,’’ said Marc Bercovitch, a veterinarian at the BluePearl Pet Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. “This does not happen frequently enough for them to be naturally desensitized.”
Music to their ears
Depending on the pitch, canines’ sense of hearing can be multiple times sharper than that of humans, so fireworks that may seem distant can still elicit stress. Music, preferably classic or reggae, can block out some of the offending sounds. A familiar surrounding would also provide a sense of comfort.
“Often they are startled by the noise and sound, so keeping them indoors, closing the blinds and having music or TV on to dampen the noise may help,” Bercovitch said.
Books on tape are a worthwhile option as well.
Thundershirts and other methods
For dogs that are more prone to be affected by noises, Becker recommends products like Thundershirts – compression wraps that soothe by applying a gentle pressure – as well as appeasing pheromones like Adaptil and the milk protein Zylkene, which are available from vets and online.
On the medication front, Becker said he uses the gum gel Sileo on one of his dogs and “it’s about as sure-fire as I have seen as a veterinarian.’’
Silvani does warn that Thundershirts are not a perfect solution and dogs should still be supervised when wearing them.
She also says about the use of medication in consultation with a vet: “First and foremost, give a practice dose of the medication before the big night to see how your pet responds. Second, never share the medication with another pet or give more than the recommended amount. If you do, you may end up spending the holiday at your local veterinary emergency clinic.’’
Keep them at home
The old expression “everybody loves a parade’’ was meant to apply only to two-legged creatures. They’re not so great for dogs, who can get startled by the noises or trampled in the crowd of people towering over them. Whether attending a parade, party or some other type of holiday celebration, it’s best to leave pets behind in a secure place. If they’re outside, a leash is advised.
Tire them out
A tired dog is a happy dog, vets say. As a preemptive move before the fireworks start, it’s a good idea to get dogs plenty of exercise. A visit to their favorite off-leash park or a long walk may help them burn off excess energy and perhaps allow them to sleep through the noise.
Remember the ID
Micro-chipping pets is the most effective way of tracking them if they get lost, but having an easy-to-read ID tag with the owner’s updated cellphone number is crucial as well. The sooner the pet can be located, the better the chance of a reunification with its owner.
Keep the punch bowl away
The ASPCA points out alcoholic drinks can poison pets, which may get weak and depressed or even go into a coma after ingesting alcohol. Make sure adult beverages are out of pets’ reach.
Contributing: Kyren, Harvey, Nashville Tennessean.
Readers Digest
How to Calm an Anxious Dog (Without Medication)
Every dog has it’s (not so great) days
Sometimes, all it takes is one bad experience, like your dog getting freaked out during fireworks. That frightening memory is etched in his psyche and you’re left wondering how to calm an anxious dog. Other things like fear of other dogs, people, or unfamiliar environments may be from lack of socialization in their puppy days. “Generalized anxiety, where a dog shows near constant signs of anxiety, may be related to things like changes to their normal lifestyle, inconsistency in their daily routines, lack of sufficient physical, and/or mental exercise, medical conditions or aging,” says Stephen DeBono, pet behavior manager at Bideawee . Past abuse and neglect and genetics may also be a contributing factor—and these signs of depression could be another clue .
What anxiety looks like in a dog
Panting and whining coincide with exhaustion and pain, but they are also symptoms of anxiety. DeBono says other subtle symptoms include lip-licking, trembling, heavy panting, restless pacing, whining, refusing to eat, inability to settle, and avoiding certain stimuli. But more obvious symptoms such as panic, attempting to escape, urinating, defecating, barking, and destructive or aggressive behavior are ones pet parents might clearly point to anxiety. “Anxiety is often complex and can be difficult to treat effectively. Every dog is different, and I recommend a qualified behavior specialist/trainer to guide you through the best solutions for your situation,” says DeBono. Keep reading to know how to calm an anxious dog.
Build their confidence
Who’s the leader of the pack in your circle of pet parents? Make some playdates with dogs that are confident and well socialized. “Dogs can learn far more from other dogs than they can ever learn from us. An anxious dog can feed off the energy of more confident dogs, and over time learn to be less anxious in both specific situations and in general,” says DeBono.
Let them be a dog
“For dogs prone to any type of anxiety, but especially generalized anxiety, regular hikes on fairly secluded nature trails can have major therapeutic effects. The key is to let the dog joyfully be a dog—free as safely possible to sniff what they want to sniff, chase what they want to chase, sprint when they want to sprint,” says DeBono. If you begin frequently stringing together long sequences of joyful behavior, it can almost “rewire” the brain to be able to experience joy more often and anxiety less. Including a confident, playful dog friend on the hikes can make them even more beneficial. Hiking is one suggestion for how to calm an anxious dog, but
soaking up nature has some shining benefits for humans too .
Give them a schedule
We know a schedule keeps us on track, but the familiarity of a routine also gives us a sense of security. The same is true for dogs. You don’t have to live or die by a routine, but feeding, walking, rest, and playtimes should be somewhat predictable. “This helps the dog know what to expect from each part of the day, reducing the anxiety that can be caused by the uncertainty of not knowing what to do with themselves,” says DeBono.
Help them face their fears
Let’s say a dog has a fear of men. Canine behaviorists might use desensitization and counter-conditioning, to help your dog overcome it. Desensitization means exposing the dog to the very thing they fear at lows levels initially but increasing them slowly over time until they become more accepting of it. Counter conditioning involves pairing the fearful situation at low levels with something a dog really digs, like his all-time favorite treats. The treats not only help in how to calm an anxious dog but could help them actually enjoy it. “For example, if a dog is fearful of men, you could first expose them to a man standing at a distance where the dog is only slightly concerned and does not overreact (desensitization), while you feed the dog delicious treats (counter-conditioning). When the dog no longer shows any concern, you slightly reduce the distance and repeat the exercise.”
Something to chew on
Kristen Levine, pet lifestyle expert and creator of Pet Anxiety Awareness Month (PAAW) found Relax and Calm chews helped ease the anxiety of new people, surroundings, and sounds with a rescue dog she recently fostered. Levine says the high levels of L-Tryptophan and chamomile promote a feeling of calmness and relaxation, while the ginger helps with an upset tummy.
Probiotics
Recent studies show probiotics can help with anxiety in humans, and now probiotics are prescribed by veterinarians to help soothe anxiety in pets. “A new probiotic called Calming Care from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements has been effective for many of our canine patients experiencing anxious behaviors. The best treatment approach is multimodal including behavioral treatments as well as medications and supplements which reduce anxiety,” says Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Always discuss your options with a veterinarian who can assist you with how to calm an anxious dog and a host of other issues.
Other natural remedies
CBD oil is all the rage for just about anything that ails humans and for the four-legged variety too. But there’s not a lot of scientific evidence yet to back up the pet claims—just testimonials from pet parents. When it comes to how to calm an anxious dog, CBD oil is not something Dr. Radosta recommends at her practice. “To date, there is no research in animals as to the efficacy of CBD for anxious behaviors. In addition, there isn’t a standard for purity for these products.”
Wearable ways to help anxiety
There plenty of things in the how-to-calm-an-anxious-dog tool kit. Levine suggests talking to your vet first and with their guidance, take a “layering” approach to find workable solutions for you and your dog, including natural remedies, supplements, behavioral treatments, and wearables. “For example, try a Thundershirt wrap and some calming classical music,” suggests Levine. This is the type of music most likely to soothe your pup.
Don’t give up!
It’s important to note that not all anxiety will be relieved with non-medical treatments. “Moderate to severe anxiety may take a combination of natural and medicinal, or just medicinal solutions to get the pet true relief. Remember, a frightened pet that doesn’t get help is suffering, and their quality of life is compromised,” says Levine. Find out how to tell if your dog is frightened by reading her expression.
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Yahoo – Lifestyle
Pets don’t love Fourth of July — from calming coats to classical music, tips from a vet to keep them happy
While most of us are lucky enough to get a day off on the Fourth of July, there’s one member of our family who may not have as much fun as we will: our dogs.
According to a 2013 study from the University of Bristol, dogs are more likely to respond fearfully to fireworks than any other loud noise — including gunshots and thunder. But that’s just one of the many potential issues pet owners may run into on the Fourth. A report from the America Kennel Society found that more dogs go missing on July 4 (and 5) than any other day of the year.
So how can you ensure a happy, healthy holiday, while still enjoying quality time with your pet? To answer this question, Yahoo Lifestyle sat down with Lisa Lippman, DVM, lead New York City veterinarian of Fuzzy Pet Health, a house-call veterinarian company that brings modern day healthcare service to the new generation of pet parents. Here are a few pointers from Lippman when it comes to keeping your dog calm and safe.
Keep your pet indoors
Lippman says to keep your dog indoors as much as possible, and close all the windows and blinds. Not only will they hear the fireworks less, it will minimize the chance that they get spooked and run away. It’s a good idea to make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date, but in the event that your pet does go missing, Lippmann suggests downloading an app that can help with a lost pet, such as Finding Rover.
Drown out the sound
One of the ways to help temper the sound of fireworks is to add another sound. Lippman suggests turning on the TV or classical music. “The problem is that that fireworks are unpredictable and really loud,” Lippman tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “So having a constant soothing sound can really help.”
Calming coat
If music and your own calming touch isn’t enough to help your dog, Lippman says you can consider what’s called a compression calming coat. Being enveloped in pressure is clinically proven to safely lower heart rates with a calming effect. They are available online and at pet stores — and really work. “It makes them feel safe and secure during this time of year,” she says.
Talk to a professional
Lastly, if you know your pet is upset during this time of year, Lippman says the smartest thing is to consult with your veterinarian to discuss behavioral therapy and medication. “There are all kinds of modalities — including medications — that we can use to make your pet more comfortable.”
Author: John Hanno
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Bogan High School. Worked in Alaska after the earthquake. Joined U.S. Army at 17. Sergeant, B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 84th Artillery, 7th Army. Member of 12 different unions, including 4 different locals of the I.B.E.W. Worked for fortune 50, 100 and 200 companies as an industrial electrician, electrical/electronic technician. View all posts by John Hanno