Monthly Archives: June 2016

Tips to Keeping Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

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As the Fourth of July approaches, we begin to plan our parties and BBQs without much thought of the dogs. Sure, we can leave them inside, but that doesn’t keep them calm during one of those most traumatic days of the year for them. Here are a few ways in which you can help keep your dog calm during the Fourth.

1. Bring him inside

Even if your dog is an outside dog, leave him inside throughout the duration of the firework or Fourth of July celebration. It will reduce the risk of him jumping the fence or running into the streets.

2. Turn on the Radio or TV

Turning on the TV or radio will not only help muffle the sound, but the constant noise will help distract him. Soothing music will help the most, but turn on the radio or TV a few hours before the festivities begin so your dog can associate the noise with peace and comfort.

3. Let him hide

If your dog gets scared and runs under a table or bed, let him. Dragging your dog out from his hiding place may put further stress on him.

4. Get him a blanket

Sometimes letting him hide under a blanket is the best thing for him. If you have time, create a small hiding place for him. If you have a crate, cover the crate with a blanket or towel to create a hiding place.

5. Give him a treat

Distract your dog by giving him something fun to do. Either give him his favorite treat so he can associate the noise with positive things or give him his favorite chew toy or a kong filled with peanut butter to keep him busy.

6. Close windows, doors, and curtains

If you can, close any or all windows and doors to help muffle the noise. Closing the curtains will also help with hiding the flashing light that can further scare your little guy. If you’re lighting off fireworks yourself, try and keep fireworks as far away from the house as possible.

7. Give him exercise

Earlier in the day, make sure to give your dog enough exercise to wear him out. If the dog has less energy the less he’ll be prone to panic during the fireworks.

8. Keep calm

It is important to keep calm during the festivities to not over excite your dog. If you’re having guests over, keep the party away from him as people tend to get excited around dogs, which can further stress him.

Dog Popsicle Recipes

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Meteorologists are expecting summer 2016 to be one of the hottest on record. Keeping your pets cool is extremely important during times of warm weather because they don’t have natural cooling systems like humans. Dogs and cats pant in order to cool themselves, but at times, this is not enough. Help your dog or cat cool off this summer with a refreshing and delicious popsicle.

  1. Whole-fruit Pupsicles. Begin by mixing 4 cups of water, 1 cup of chopped fresh fruit, and 1 tbsp. of molasses (dissolved in water) in a bowl. Just pick the fruit that your pooch loves the most (don’t forget to discard any of its pits or seeds!). Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.
  1. Apple-Honey Pupsicles. Start by mixing 2 six-ounce containers of non-fat, plain yogurt, 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, 2 tbsp. of honey, and 1/3 cup of applesauce in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.
  1. Chicken Pupsicles. Combine 1 cup of low-sodium chicken stock, ½ cup of water, and 1 ½ ounces of finely chopped chicken meat in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.
  1. Bacon Pupsicles. Combine 1 cup of nonfat, plain yogurt, 1/3 cup of cinnamon applesauce, ¼ cup of milk, 3 ounce-bag of real bacon bits, and 3 tbsps. of maple syrup in a bowl. Pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.
  1. Banana-Peanut Butter Pup-cream. Prepare the following ingredients: 1 ripe banana, ½ cup of peanut butter, ¼ cup of wheat germ. Prepare by mashing the bananas and peanut butter together. Stir the mixture in wheat germ, and then pour into popsicle molds or ice trays and freeze until solid.

Preventing Heat Stress and Injury in Your Pets

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This coming weekend is calling for the first official heat wave of the summer and if forecasts are correct, you won’t be the only one suffering. We all know to give our pets extra water and to keep them out of a parked car, but there are circumstances in which your animals can still be injured if proper precautions are not taken. Heat toxicity or heat injury can run from heat exhaustion, the early stages of a heat-related event, to heat stroke, which is an emergency. Here are some ways in which you can prevent heat-related injuries in your pet this summer.

Even in mildly warm weather, leaving your animal in a parked car can cause severe harm. The interiors of cars heat up quickly, even when windows are partially cracked or parked in the shade. Temperatures can rise to deadly levels quickly on warm days. On a 90-degree day, it takes only 10 minutes for a car to heat up to 109 and in less than 50 minutes for a car to reach 130. Even on a cool 70-degree day temperatures can reach triple digit levels within a half hour. Heat toxicity can also occur in dogs that exercise too vigorously during periods of high heat. Even dogs that are in good shape and experience heat often can still develop heat injuries.

Heat stress happens when the animal’s internal body temperature increases rapidly, causing organs to fail. Since cats and dogs can’t sweat, cooling of the body doesn’t occur as quickly as it does for humans. Instead, pets pant in order to dissipate the heat.

Signs of heat stress:

Panting

Excessive salivation

Weakness

Collapse

Bright red membranes of the mouth, tongue, eyes, and skin in lighter dogs

Vomiting and diarrhea

In order to prevent heat stress happening to your pet, you must know what is ok and what is not ok. It is never ok to leave your pets in a parked car, even if you’re going to be quick. You never know what may hold you up while your pet is suffering outside. Carefully monitor and limit your dog’s extraneous exercise during warm periods. Obese or overweight dogs that need exercise are particularly vulnerable to overheating. Even with a reduced exercise schedule, take frequent breaks in the shade. In weather over 80 degrees, bring water or even ice for your dog. If you need to quickly reduce your dog’s temperature, soak a towel in cold water and place it on his or her back. To avoid overheating during warm summer months, exercise early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures have dropped. If you have a long-haired animal, give them a haircut, just for the summer months.