Although most of us love the pyrotechnics (the bigger the better!) on the 4th of July, most of our canine companions (and some of our feline ones, too) get anxious, stressed, and just plain terrified.
With training we can remedy or prevent this stressful day for our loved ones.
But conditioning them to be relaxed while the sky suddenly explodes can take several months.
Here are some helpful tips for this year's celebration to keep you, your house, and most importantly your pet safe.
1)- If they haven't had a physical exam in a while- at least a week before the day you know fireworks will be set off- take your pet to the vet for a physical and discuss anxiety medications.
2) Stay home with your pet. If you are planning on leaving- don't make a big production out of it, this may alert you pet that something is up and make them more stressed.
3) Stay inside.
4)If you are going out (and maybe even if you are staying in ) Crate your pet. In a panic your pet may try to escape and destroy any number of things in the house in their pursuit of safety. Also they may potentially escape the house.
5) Mask the noise by turning on the radio or t.v
6) Stay calm yourself. If you stay calm it will help reinforce the concept that everything is ok.
6)Give them a toy or a Kong filled with cheese or peanut butter (anything they love). This will keep them distracted (if you freeze the kong several hours before, it may even distract them longer).
7) You can also distract them by playing a game they love to play. Again, it's best if this is an activity that can be done indoors.
Good luck and have a safe and wonderful Independence Day from all of us here at KAH!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Doggie Tip: 4th of July Fireworks
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wildlife Encounters Continue
Dr. Cardella examines a fawn for injuries. The fawn was found by herself and seemed wobbly. It turns out she was an uninjured newborn and was returned to the area she was found, where her mother was looking for her. At the last sighting, mother and fawn were doing well.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
She's Here!!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Walk-N-Wag 2009
Eileen, Allison Smith, Ranee and Ethel (the Cuban Rock Iguana) greet two and four-legged friends at the Frederick County Humane Society's 2009 Walk-N-Wag.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Wildlife Encounters
Pictured above is Nora's daughter Harmony holding Howard the duck.
This is the time of year when wildlife is reproducing and babies are abundant. The thing to remember is that housing and attempting to rehabilitate wildlife that is either injured or orphaned is illegal if you are not a certified rehabilitator. There are many helpful resources if you find yourself in a situation where you have an animal you feel is in danger in its present situation. Here are some numbers you can call if you need assistance:
Department of Natural Resources wildlife hotline 1-877-463-6497
Gimme Shelter Wildlife Rehab. Union Bridge 301-538-2488
Second Chance Gaithersburg 301-926-9453
Frederick County Animal Control 301-600-1546
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Service Dog In Training
"Laurie Luck of Smart Dog University has a new Service Dog puppy she is raising. He is a Great Dane named Talos. To see more pictures and stories about him, go to SmartDogUniversity.com"
