Came across some useful information from the Humane Society of the United States, about Fireworks this Fourth of July and your pets.
Fireworks no Picnic for
Pets:
The Humane Society of the United States Offers Tips for
a Happy and Safe Fourth
of July
Independence Day is One
Holiday Where Fido and Fluffy Are Better off at Home
(June 30, 2008)
— Our nation’s birthday is right around the corner, and The Humane Society of
the United States (HSUS) reminds people that pets can become distressed by the
additional noise and commotion involved with the Independence Day holiday. The
Humane Society of the United
States strongly encourages pet owners to
protect the furry members of their family from potential harm on the Fourth of
July with these safeguards:
- Leave your pet at home.
Fireworks displays can be disorienting and frightening to pets, even those used
to going places with their people.
- Create a home sanctuary.
Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and
sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An inside room with no windows or
doors to access the outside, where the pet normally spends time and is
comfortable, may be best.
- Pet-proof your home. When
scared, some animals can become destructive, so be sure to remove anything that
can become damaged or might harm your pet if chewed.
- Never leave pets outside and
unattended. Even in a fenced in yard, panic can lead a pet to escape
and get lost, or become injured while trying to seek refuge.
- Make sure that your pet is always
wearing identification. In the unfortunate event that your pet gets
lost, an updated identification tag greatly increases your chances of being
reunited, even if your pet is already microchipped.
- If your pet fears loud noises such
as thunder, fireworks won't fly. In that case, consult your
veterinarian before July 4th for tips to lower your pet's stress level. In
addition, consider having someone remain home with your pet while your family
enjoys outdoor activities.
- If you plan to go away for the
holiday, decide what will be the best option for your pet. The HSUS
website, humanesociety.org, features information on traveling with your pet,
choosing a professional sitter, and finding a boarding kennel.
"Pets are
family members, and it’s understandable that people want to include them as such
in their holiday plans," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for
Companion Animals at The HSUS. "However, most pets are more likely to be
comfortable with their established routines. Spare our furry friends the stress
of fireworks, crowds, and fanfare on the Fourth of July, and for everyone, we
wish a safe and fun Independence Day."
For more
information, visit humanesociety.org/pets.
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I also wanted to share a sweet picture of Zumaya when we took him swimming!
He did all right swimming but got a little nervous when there wasn't another dog swimming with him. He mostly was interested in chasing down floating sticks in the water.
I found this video online about the simple way to teach your puppy sit. This is the first command that you should teach your puppy, and then move on from there.
This video shows how to teach your puppy to sit without forcing them. A lot of times an owner with take their hands and force the dogs rear end to the ground. By following the direction in the video you are taking away the forcefulness and sometimes frustration.
Hope this helps!
SHARONVILLE – A family dog lost after a fatal crash last week
was found over the weekend and returned to a relative, Sharonville
police said this morning (Monday June 16th).
Click here for the full story.
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LOST DOG: Ejected from Car During Crash On I-75
Molly, Female Yellow lab, 96 pounds. Last seen on I-75 in
Evendale/Springdale area.
Contact the Humane Society in Trenton 867-5727 if
found.
Click Here to read the full story of the accident.
If you could give your dog the schedule he or she wants, what would it be? What schedule would make a dog the happiest?
All Dogs Need:Playtime! -This can be with you or with another dog
Sleep - Most dogs need about 16 to 18 hours of sleep a day. This varies, but even though they sleep more than us, they wake up more frequently.
Water - Always have fresh, clean water accessible for your dog.
Food - Most dog like to eat about 1 to 2 times a day.
Opportunities to Relieve themselves - Most dogs (not puppies) comfortably can go every 6 to 8 hours. They can hold it longer, but like to go out every 6 to 8 hours.
General Comfort - No extreme temperatures.
One on One Time - This is very important...whether it's hanging out while watching tv, and snuggling or petting, maybe even brushing. This is a time that they know it is just you and them. They need this feeling everyday.
An ideal schedule through the eyes of a dog might be:
7 am– 7:30 am- Wake up and go for a brisk walk with the opportunity to urinate and defecate.
- If you have 10 minutes for a little playtime, that would be great. Fetch or something interactive is a welcome game.
- Spend about 10 minutes of quality time just talking and petting your dog. Notice anything unusual about his demeanor, attitude, hair coat, look of his eyes etc.
7:30 am – 8:00 am- Time to eat; change the water to make sure the bowl is full and fresh.
- Offer food if you feed your dog more than once a day.
8:00 am– 9:00 am- Dogs like to have the opportunity to go out again after they eat for the opportunity to urinate and defecate.
9 am – 12 pm- Nap time!? Or time to follow you around as you do your housework. If you are off to work – then naptime it will be.
12 pm – 1 pm- Ideally, most dogs would enjoy some interaction again with the opportunity to go out, exercise or play.
1 pm – 5 –pm- Nap time again? Or another opportunity to observe you working!
5 pm – 7:30 pm- Drink, dinner, and playtime. Again, change the water and offer dinner. Monitor your dogs' appetite. Offer a longer and more extensive playtime than this morning. Let him really play and burn off some of that pent-up energy.
7:30 pm – 11 pm- Quiet family time. This may be a good opportunity to brush and groom you dog, brush his teeth and spend some quality time, or even jump on the couch and watch some TV.
Before bedtime- Most dogs appreciate another opportunity to go out and do their "business" on last time.
Bedtime! 
© 2008