Please take care of your pets this Fourth of July

[RockaFowler]

My dog Hoagie is deathly afraid of the fireworks. It's been so difficult over the past few days trying to calm him down. I found a few things work for him.
:large


1. A blanket - I wrap him up with my blanket when it starts to boom outside. He feels a little better and doesn't shake as much.

2. Quiet Moments - it's a calming treat to give him. He seems to like the taste of it and it does calm him down completely. It has chamomile in it, so I think it's more a stress reliever.

3. T-Shirt - I heard this last night and I may try it tonight. You can put one of your tight shirts on your dog and he will feel safe, kind of like a security blanket surrounding him.


I have never tried the Thunder Shirt. Not sure if anyone else has.
It's really strange because I have 3 dogs and Hoagie is the only one who gets scared from the Fireworks.

Stay safe and keep your little guys safe as well this Independence Day!

[B2G]

1. Is Hoagie going to the post office?

[Buzz cook]

2. Luckily our dog is fine with fireworks

The first year we had him we walked him around the neighborhood during the forth and he didn't react at all to the fireworks.

However shopping carts are a different matter.

[mwooldri]

3. +1. Hachi hates the bathroom...

...but when the neighbours are sending up fireworks, he goes to the bathroom. It's in the middle of the house, no windows.

At the least, keep your pets indoors around fireworks.

[jtuck004]

4. You should check with your vet or whomever you trust, but Melatonin

is sometimes used to help calm dogs. It is sold in 1, 3, and 5 mg here most commonly.

It is over the counter in the health food section, but you always take a chance in giving them anything.

I give my 60 lb dog a 5 mg in the afternoon around 1, followed by one more around 6, and another about 8 or 9. We play music or tv, and hold her when she seeks us out.

The shirt is a good idea. You can buy the commercial one, but many people make their own. Here they make a Thundershirt from a t-shirt -

I have seen other shirts and towels used - and they do work.

Saw a video where they are using phosphorus - have not tried that, but it is another well-known remedy -

Oh, and music - I prefer Bob Seger, but each to their own...

[RockaFowler]

5. Love your videos

The Quiet Moments has Melatonin in it. The dogs got a lot of sleep on it, so I hope it works again tonight!!

[alarimer]

6. Fireworks need to be banned for personal use.

Fuck those pieces of shit morons that do them in their backyards.

May they lose many fingers this year.

[Brother Buzz]

7. Homemade thundershirt for dogs

The Thundershirt is a "dog anxiety vest" available in the market. It acts as a "swaddle" for dogs, applying pressure on their body to help relieve fear, over-excitement, or stress. But you don't have to buy one. The DIY version gives simple instructions on how to use a piece of fabric, like a scarf, to wrap around the dog's body and mimic the Thundershirt's effect.



http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/549289/lifestyle/animal-lovers-offer-diy-wrap-to-reduce-dogs-anxiety-on-new-year-s-eve

[MerryBlooms]

8. I sure hope this is the last day of fireworks torment for our cats.

Breaks my heart to see our Jag cat literally crawling to his basement storm stair and Harry is so nervous, at this point he can't even handle hearing a "poof poof", of a fireworks gif.

At least the jackass who was working on his Harley the last three days is silent today. I suspect someone turned him in for the daily hours of racing up and down and around the block shaking the damn windows.

[DawgHouse]

10. My dog is the same! That shooting sound that fireworks make before they explode make her nervous.

Even if it's fireworks on television!

[MerryBlooms]

11. When my husband's father passed away, we had to be in Texas for more than two weeks.

Our neighbor cared for our cats while we were gone, but some horrible storms must have happened while we were away. Our cats have never been the same. It's heartbreaking to watch them gripped with fear each and every time there's a bad storm or fireworks.

[DawgHouse]

12. This time last year, I was trying to make friends with a feral cat.

I was feeding her every day. After the 4th, she disappeared for three days and I feared the worst. She finally showed up again and by the end of September, I brought her inside. She lives happily now with my two dogs and she's not going to have to deal with that crap this year!

[MerryBlooms]

14. Sweet blessings to you both.

[DawgHouse]

9. Poor Hoagie.

One of my dog hates fireworks and thunder, the other one doesn't care. i have a thundershirt but Bella gets so worked up, it doesn't make much difference, to be honest. What works for her is valium and a quiet corner in the closet with a cushy blanket.

Incidentally, for anyone considering a thundershirt or homemade shirt, you need to put it on them when skies are clear and there are no fireworks. Give them a month or so to get used to wearing it for no reason. If you wait until there are loud noises, they will begin to associate seeing the shirt with "Oh shit, fireworks!! Oh shit, storms!"

I speak from experience

[footinmouth]

13. We're Ready!

My poor golden retriever. She will be turning 10 shortly and seems to have forgotten that her breed is considered a "gun dog". Up to age 7, she never even flinched during thunder or fireworks. The next two years she whined and paced. These last few days have been a nightmare for us all. Someone set off some homegrown fireworks Friday night and she was so stressed she attempted to climb on my lap. She weighs about 90 lbs and I weigh 110. I was not what you would call soothing. I mostly yelled "OFF" at the poor thing but it was self preservation for me.

Yesterday we were a little more prepared and let her have a 3 hour swim in the pool to tire her out. I wound up putting her life jacket on her in the house in hopes it would double as a thundershirt. Between that and being tired, things were a bit better. Mr. foot got down on the floor with her and he was better at controlling her.

Today I broke down and went to PetSmart and bought the Thundershirt and the Thunderspray. I also got her a nice bone to munch on. I am hoping to get through tonight without being crushed or clawed to death. She was happy to wear the shirt and she had her 3 hour swim. Fingers crossed for a calmer night. I will report back later.

Oh no, how do I add a picture. I downloaded it from my iphone to my desktop. How do I get it here?