Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Klaus!
|
|
Meme of the day: Well, seals and dogs both go “arf”!
America’s Animal Rescue Giveaway!
Get ready to wag your tails because I Love Every Dog is amplifying the love for our four-legged friends by celebrating the incredible heroes who dedicate their lives to saving them! In an exciting new initiative, we're partnering with Animal Actions to honor the vital work of animal rescues. We'll be donating up to $10,000 to a deserving animal rescue chosen by a random draw. Imagine the impact that could have on countless lives!
A Guide to Protecting Pups from Fireworks
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, vibrant displays, and the booming symphony of fireworks. For many of us, it's a beloved tradition. But for our furry best friends, it can be a terrifying ordeal. The loud, unpredictable noises and bright flashes can send even the bravest pups into a state of panic. As responsible pet parents, it's our duty to ensure their safety and well-being during this often stressful time.
Before the Boom: Proactive Preparation is Key
The best defense is a good offense, and that holds true for fireworks anxiety. Start preparing your pup well in advance of the celebrations.
Create a Safe Haven: Identify a quiet, interior room in your home that can serve as your dog's sanctuary. This could be a basement, an inner bedroom, or even a large closet. Make it as soundproof as possible by closing windows and doors, and drawing heavy curtains. Fill this space with comforting items: their favorite bed, blankets, toys, and a bowl of water.
Desensitize and Counter-Condition (If Time Allows): If you know your dog is prone to anxiety, consider starting a desensitization program. This involves playing recordings of fireworks at a very low volume and gradually increasing it over time, while simultaneously rewarding your dog with treats and praise for calm behavior. This takes time and patience, so it's best to start weeks or even months beforehand.
Exercise Them Early: A tired dog is a calmer dog. On the day of fireworks, ensure your pup gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day, well before any festivities begin. A long walk, a good game of fetch, or a trip to the dog park can help burn off excess energy and make them more likely to rest later.
Update ID and Microchip Information: Sadly, more pets go missing around fireworks holidays than at any other time of year. Ensure your dog's ID tags are up-to-date with your current contact information and that their microchip registration is current. This significantly increases the chances of a happy reunion if they do manage to escape.
During the Display: Comfort and Security
When the fireworks begin, your focus should be on creating a sense of security and minimizing external stimuli.
Stay Indoors: This seems obvious, but it's crucial. Do not take your dog to fireworks displays, and keep them securely indoors, even if your yard is fenced. The fear can cause them to jump fences or dart away in panic.
Close Windows and Doors: This helps muffle the sound and prevents your dog from seeing the flashes.
Provide White Noise or Music: Drown out the sounds of fireworks with calming music, a white noise machine, or even a fan. There are even specific canine-calming music playlists available online.
Distraction is Your Friend: Engage your dog in activities they enjoy. Offer high-value chews, puzzle toys filled with treats, or engage in a gentle game of tug-of-war. The goal is to redirect their focus away from the frightening sounds.
Remain Calm Yourself: Dogs are incredibly perceptive and will pick up on your anxiety. If you're stressed, they'll be stressed. Speak to them in a calm, soothing voice, and offer gentle pets. Avoid excessive coddling, which can inadvertently reinforce their fearful behavior.
Consider a Thunder Shirt or Calming Wrap: These snug-fitting garments apply gentle, constant pressure, which can have a calming effect on some dogs, similar to swaddling a baby.
Never Punish Fear: If your dog is trembling, panting, or barking out of fear, do not scold them. This will only increase their anxiety and erode their trust in you.
When to Seek Professional Help
For some dogs, a fireworks phobia is severe and can lead to self-harm or extreme distress. If your dog exhibits any of the following, it's time to consult your veterinarian:
Excessive panting, drooling, or trembling.
Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, scratching doors).
Attempt to escape, even injuring themselves in the process.
Inappropriate urination or defecation.
Refusal to eat or drink.
Your veterinarian can offer solutions such as anti-anxiety medication, pheromone diffusers, or refer you to a veterinary behaviorist who can develop a comprehensive behavior modification plan.
The joy of fireworks for us shouldn't come at the cost of our beloved pets' well-being. By taking a few proactive steps and providing a safe, comforting environment, we can help our canine companions navigate the loudest nights of the year with greater peace of mind. After all, their comfort and safety are paramount.
|
|
Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
The Smile Section
Family Photo of the Day:
Salem!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
Interested in reaching our audience?
You can sponsor our newsletter here.
We’ll donate on your behalf!
🐶 Refer 10 people: We will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶
🐶 Refer 50 people: We will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐶
🛏 Refer 100 people: We will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏
{{rp_personalized_text}}
|
|
