Fireworks! Barbeque! Picnics! Independence Day is Awesome!
Right? Well, not for everyone. For your canine and feline
companions, this holiday can be one of the most stressful times
of year. Everything about this holiday seems like it is at odds
with our petโs sensibilities.
While we may think 90 degrees is the perfect weather for
relaxing outside, our furry friends may not agree. What we see
as a spectacular display of lights, our pets only hear as
frightening noise. What we appreciate as a time to get together
with friends and family, certain pets may see as a parade of
unusual faces. It could be the stress-cherry to top off of
their already nerve-wracked sundae.
We here at PetCareRx know how pets feel about how we celebrate
Americaโs independence, and we aim to help you alleviate your
cat or dogโs anxiety. Here are a
few products that might make you and your pet feel a little
more comfortable.
Calming Pet Products
Thundershirt for
Dogs: This vest is like magic. Itโs patented design applies
a constant pressure that resembles a hug to help calm your dog
down. Believed to release endorphins, this vest is sure to help
your dog cope with all the โbombs bursting in air.โ
AKC RenewTrients
Clam & Relax: These little liver-flavored lifesavers are a
great way to placate your panicky dog. Using a mixture of herbs
and vitamins, these treats can make all the difference between
your dog being a Nervous Nelly or cool as a cucumber.
Richard's Organics
Pet Calm: A 100% natural solution to scaredy cats. Use
these drops to soothe your nervous cat during the loud bangs
and booms of the fireworks. This remedy works best when you
give it to your pet a while before the noise and hubub starts.
Sentry Calming
Collar for Cats and Dogs: A nice alternative to the aforementioned
ingestibles, this collar goes around your cat or dogโs neck and
uses pheromones to keep your pet relaxed under pressure.
Toys and Treats for Occupying Your Pets
Kong Classic and Kong Cat Wubba: Keep your cat or dog
from freaking out at the fireworks by keeping them preoccupied
with a new toy. We all know that nothing gets their attention
like a brand new squeaky chew toy, so why not use that
infatuation to your advantage? Kong Classic even as a hideaway
for inserting treats, to keep your dog engaged and having fun.
After three minutes of batting around their new plaything,
theyโll be saying โFireworks? What fireworks?โ
Stella & Chewyโs
Carnivore Crunch Beef and Pet Greens Cat Treats: Less for the
calming effect, treats made the list more to help keep Fido
from jumping up on the picnic table and claiming a few links
for himself. He smells special food cooking all day, itโs a
little cruel not to share the wealth. Give your pets a little
something special they can call their own.
Essential Holiday Safety Kit Supplies
Bamboo Pet Collapsible Silicone
Bowl: If you are going to have your furry friend enjoy the
festivities outdoors with you, take into account the fact that
you most likely will have a cooler full of refreshments as
well. Help your pet stay hydrated at the park with this
specially designed travel bowl.
ID Tags: If you
plan to have your pet outside with you it is essential that
they are all collared up and have up-to-date tags. With the
chance that they might bolt when hearing the fireworks, it is
good to know that they can be identified and safely returned
home without much trouble. Better safe than sorry. You may also
want to consider a microchip for
your pet.
Pet Suite Multi-Use
Pet Kennel: Probably the most effective way to prevent a
furry firework-related freakout, crating your pet is the
favored option by many. Rather than trying to find ways to make
your dog or cat feel safer around the sound of explosions,
leave them at home where they feel most comfortable. But just
in case the scary sounds are close enough to still cause your
pet to freak out, or if they tend to get restless when left
home alone, putting them in a crate for the duration of the
evening may be the best thing.
And there you have it. Everything you need to keep your cats
and dogs in good spirits this Independence Day. Enjoy the
festivities and stay safe!
4 Tips to Keep Your Dog Happy on the Fourth of July
The Fourth is right around the corner, and with it all the good
times we have come to expect. Fireworks, barbecues, hanging out
with friends and family -- Independence Day is certainly a
celebration of what it means to be free.To most people,
everything about the holiday seems like a great time, but to
our furry friends, the Fourth can be a stress-filled
occasion.Here are a few tips to keep your dog happy this
Independence Day.
1. Food and Alcohol
Odds are, your celebration is going to have some tasty treats
and icy beverages. Food and drink are all well and good, but in
terms of our pets, human foods are best avoided. While a
nibble off a hot dog or a burger probably wonโt hurt them,
anything with onions, garlic, chocolate, or alcohol should be
kept well out of their reach.
RELATED
ARTICLE: Foods That Are Poisonous to
Dogs
2. Crowds
The Fourth is a big
outdoor party day, and if your dog is in attendance, the stress
of being around so many people could start to wear on them. If
your dog doesn't do well in crowds and you canโt leave them at
home, first make sure everyone at the party knows to give your
dog a break. Second, you should plan to stay by their side the
entire time, so if things do get out of hand, you are there to
offer cuddles and a calming treat (or
two).
3. Heat
Staying outside all
day in the sun is a perfect way to spend a holiday, but it is
also a surefire way to dehydrate your dog. Imagine if you had
to run around in a fur coat all day! To help your dog beat the
heat, keep a steady supply of water on hand. And, if you can,
try to find a shady spot for them to recharge their
battery.RELATED STORY: 7
Unsuspected Pet Dangers of Summer
4. Fireworks
FIREWORKS! Everyoneโs
favorite part of the holiday -- except for our pooches. The
loud noises and dense crowds are essentially a perfect storm
for an anxiety attack. The best way to avoid this is
simple: leave your
dog at home!But if that is not possible, try to
stay on the outskirts of the viewing area, making it possible
to beat a quick retreat if it seems like Fido canโt take all
the excitement. Stay by their side, pet them for reassurance,
bring a toy to distract them -- anything you can do to take
their mind off the explosions. And, again, calming treats could
be a life saver.RELATED STORY: 4th of
July Safety Kit for PetsTo keep
your pet safe and healthy, sign up for PetPlus. PetPlus is a
benefit program for pet owners that provides member-only access
to medications at wholesale prices, plus discounts on food,
supplies, vet visits, boarding, and more. Learn more
at PetPlus.com.
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