EN/DE Summer festivities can be an emotional nightmare/Sommerfeste können ein emotionaler Albtraum sein
Verfasst: Do 8. Aug 2019, 15:02
Quelle: https://www.greyhoundhealthinitiative.o ... r-archive/Summer festivities can be an emotional nightmare if your hound is afraid of thunder, lightning and
fireworks. As we move into the summer season, thunder and lightning storms increase. To add
the proverbial “insult to injury” to your hound’s emotional wellbeing are the festivities for Canada
Day on July 1st and American Independence
Day on July 4th which are celebrated with a
great, and sometimes overabundance, of
fireworks displays. This is the time to take your
hounds’ physical as well as emotional safety, to
the forefront. There are many good articles on
the internet to help you help your noise/thunder
phobic hound through this difficult season. Find out what has worked for others within the hound community. As their advocate, do your homework ahead of the season so that you are prepared and can plan ahead for the days that might try your hounds soul.
Emotional concerns for your hounds can include giving them access to whatever safe space they
prefer without locking them in it. A locked crate may cause some of them even more anxiety while
others find their crate as a best choice. Give your hound the option of picking without letting them
hurt themselves. There are also many calming actions that you can use such as a thunder coat
or T-shirt tied snuggly at the back. DAP diffusers combined with soft music and a quiet, calm
atmosphere may be an added option. A thunder or noise treat such as a favorite stuffed Kong
may act to distract them. Your hounds may also take their ques from you, so remain calm, relaxed
and unexcited during your hounds’ discomfort. If they see you are worried, they will be too.
Physical safety is a priority and can be managed by such simple steps such as feeding early and leash
walking your hound before dark. Make sure gates are well secured and stay outside with your hound for
necessary potty breaks, leash walking them in the backyard if necessary. Hounds who have never jumped
have been known to clear a six foot fence if frightened enough. Stay aware of the weather forecasts for the
stormy summer season. Monitor the weather channels! For times when thunder and lightning are imminent,
walk your hounds before the storm hits and close the window blinds or shades inside the house.
There are many medications for the severely phobic or fearful hounds. They may range from over
the counter medications to prescription sedatives or new products that may be necessary when
all else fails. Discuss this with your vet before the season gets well under way. Be prepared, do
your homework and be informed!
https://www.greyhoundhealthinitiative.o ... r-archive/
from: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pag ... afety.aspx
July 4th Safety
July 4th Safety4th of July Pet Safety Tips PodcastFireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it.
Whether or not you’re planning your own Independence Day celebration, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after the July 4th festivities.
Preparing in advance:
•Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
•If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
•If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
•Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.
•If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems. Some pets may need medication. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
•Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Are pasture fences secure enough to keep horses or other livestock confined? Evaluate your options, and choose the safest area for your animals; and make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.
Safety during July 4th celebrations:
•Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
•Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
•Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
•If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
•Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
•Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
•Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
•Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from these common foods that are actually toxic.
•Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
•Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
•If you’re travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.
•Follow safe food handling and hygiene practices to protect your family and guests.
After the celebrations:
•Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
•Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
•If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.