It's That Time of Year again...

That's right, folks! Fireworks season has hit again. Here are my tips for keeping your dogs safe during this raucous time:

1) Leave Sparky at home
         I know you love those fireworks. Most people do. And while I know you want to include your dog in all of your festivities, this is one time where you are better off leaving your furry friend at home. It is astounding how many pets are lost this time of year, most because they run away - trying to escape the booming and strange flashes of very bright lights. Make sure you leave your dog home, secured, where he is safe for your return.

2) Don't share
         That picnic food is delicious, and you love your macaroni salad - and I'm sure your dog would too. HOWEVER, loaded with onions and spices and artificial ingredients doesn't make for healthy treats for your pups -- and yes, those onions CAN kill them. Stop sneaking your left overs under the table - especially that barbequed chicken wing!

3) Don't leave your little buddy outside by himself
          I will reiterate that this is the biggest time of year for lost pets. Don't think that just because you have a fenced yard your pet is safe. Not only is a scared dog likely to find anyway he can to escape, but there are far to many people now-a-days stealing dogs from right out of their yards. Seriously. It's scary. And please, definitely do not leave your dog chained out (or on a line) unsupervised. I had a dog strangle himself that way. You never recover from something like that.

4) Keep the ID tags on ALL THE TIME
          If your dog does happen to get lost, you definitely want a way to get them back. Microchipping is great - but not everyone thinks about it, so it's good to have tags on with a phone number where you can be reached, and possibly your vet's number too. I definitely advocate for a combination - it's always good to have a back-up.

If your pup is really scared, there are some things you can try:

• Bach Flower Essence are said to work wonders. You can add it to their water, or rub a bit on their gums to help calm riled nerves. It only takes a drop or two to be affective!
• Thundershirts are suppose to help a dog feel more comfortable. I have never tried them. Let me know if they work for you?
• TTouch and acupressure are both great tools to add to your dog care knowledge base! Great for many situations.
• Let them have a safe place - whether it's a crate, under the bed, in a closet, or balled up in a space that is half the size of them - just let them stay there, and try to comfort them - no, cooing at a scared dog won't help them get over their fear, but it won't make it any worse, either.
• If all else fails, you can take the dog for a drive FAR AWAY from the offending situation.  

Overall I want to wish you an uneventful holiday season, with lots of love to your furry friends!