Take preventive steps to keep pets safe in summer

By LINDA M. LINONIS | linonis@vindy.com

HUBBARD

When fireworks go off and thunderstorms roll in, many “lost dog” fliers are posted on community bulletin boards and social media sites.

Pet owners whose dogs are afraid of fireworks and storms must take preventive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals.

Jenny Falvey offered insights and suggestions on keeping your pet safe and secure. She and Katie Costello are trainers and owners of The Learning Dog Training and Enrichment Center, 757 N. Main St.

“Acute hearing, in some breeds more than others, makes fireworks scary for dogs,” Falvey said. “It’s the suddenness of the noise.” She added that the acrid smell of fireworks also can be irritating to canines.

Thunderstorms bring rumbling and loud noises along with the change in barometric measure that can adversely affect some dogs and make them anxious, she said.

Falvey said it’s OK to encourage or hold your dog during thunderstorms or fireworks but refrain from coddling. “That reinforces the fear,” she said.

Another way to handle fireworks and storms is to distract your dog. “If they have a favorite toy or game, use that,” Falvey suggested. “That’s a wonderful distraction and makes a good association.”

Falvey said the calmer the environment, the better. For outside dogs that are fearful of fireworks and storms, bring them into a garage or indoors to lessen exposure.

Falvey said another avenue of management is holistic methods. These include anxiety shirts/wraps that put pressure on acupuncture points and help calm the pet. “It’s similar to swaddling a baby,” Falvey said.

Also available are pheromone collars and sprays, she said. The scent is a synthetic chemical based on a hormone produced by lactating female dogs that help keep her puppies calm. It also is available as a plug-in diffuser; humans can’t detect the smell. Check online or at pet stores.

Falvey said dogs often are injured or lost trying to get away from loud noises, so never take pets to fireworks displays.

Falvey reminded dog owners that their pets take clues from them. “Your reaction to something can trigger their responses,” she said.