Fireworks Safety

[Adrianne Matzkin]

It is only June 27th and already a town nearby had a fireworks show. Samantha wasn't too concerned until the finale. The last big boomers made her nervous. For well being of your pups, make sure that during firework shows they have on their collars with IDs on.

I personally cannot tolerate the sound that tags make. I found 2 companies online whose products I like.

This company makes collars in dozens of different fabrics and can embroider your dogs name and your phone number. I use my cell.

http://www.ragtimepetcollars.com/dogcollarsandleashes.html

This company makes a tag that slides through your dogs collar. They engrave up to 5 lines. I have her name, my name & cell number and DHs name & cell number

http://www.boomerangtags.com/page.php?c=collartags&k=h

Please remember that our dogs can do the most unusual things when frightened by loud noises like jump a fence. Keep them safe and inside.

[Kevin Poole, Penny & Ozzy]

This is always a tricky time for dogs and cats. My Bearded Collie was always petrified on Fireworks Day in England (November 5th), we tried tranquilizers, but they didn't work. My wife used to just sit and pet her, but have since found out that doing that is just enforcing the dog's behavior. We've had fireworks going off for the last couple of days, and our 11 week old pup Penny, doesn't seem bothered until the really big bangs happen, then she just runs for the house. We've decided to keep her when it gets dark until after the 4th, they don't bother her when she's in the house. I did like Roger and Joanne's idea of the oooohs and aaaahs, will give that a go.

[Stella]

Wednesday is the day for official fireworks here (Canada Day) but already they are going off in our neighborhood. Someone even set off a rocket right over our heads as we were walking past their house!! Hartley is totally unphased by it, so I think that helped Chase to settle and realise it was nothing to be afraid of - lucky for us!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Last Saturday it was hot so we went out for a late evening ride. Beautiful night driving along a country road and then all of the sudden traffic. We were completely surrounded with no getting out and the fireworks began right above us. So as they say, " If you can't beat them join them", so we stayed to watch the show.
This actually was beneficial. I held Spud and made the OHHHH AHHHH noises and we laughed. He seemed fine and just a touch unsure. He actually seemed to enjoy the colors. Never took his eyes off the sky.
Expose them to everything if you can.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Yes. Ours is on Wednesday.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

A suggestion to desensitize your dogs to loud noises:
go to your local firehouse/train station. Loud noise? treat. They quickly associate those sounds with treats. Samantha no longer even turns her head to look towards fire engines with their sirens blasting.

[Kyoko]

I was just thinking about that... Kids in the neighborhood were throwing the fire crackers on the street, which scared the heck out of Charlie. So, I thought taking her with me to see the fire work is probably out.... I don't think she will enjoy it...