ASK DR. SCHELLING

DEAR DR. SCHELLING,

I'm having a July Fourth party at my home this year and am concerned about my dog. What can I do for him to make sure he is safe during all the commotion?

– First Fourth with a Furry Friend
Dear First Fourth,

Fourth of July parties can be a great way to kick off the summer, but they may not be very fun for your dog. There are plenty of potential hazards that can cause your dog discomfort during the Fourth of July – from the heat to the fireworks. Check out my article, PUTTING YOUR DOG'S SAFETY AND HAPPINESS FIRST DURING YOUR JULY FOURTH PARTY, on how to keep your dog protected and in good spirits during summer celebrations.

Full Article: PUTTING YOUR DOG'S SAFETY AND HAPPINESS FIRST DURING YOUR JULY FOURTH PARTY

Dear Max,

Lately my humans have been talking about fireworks. I'm really scared of those things and the loud noises they make. Do you get scared too? Is there anything my humans can do to help me get over my fear?

– Scared-y Dog

… … … …


Dear Scared-y,

I don't like the loud noises fireworks make either. In fact, most dogs don't, so you're not alone in your fear. Your humans can do plenty to help you feel more comfortable during a fireworks show. One of the things my humans do for me when they anticipate that fireworks will be going off is create a safe hiding place for me.


They know that as soon as I hear the first firecracker, I'm running off looking for a place to hide, so before all the commotion starts, they prepare a safe area for me in which I'll be able to take refuge during the noise. They always set me up in a small room or my crate, since when I hide I look for enclosed, secluded places like a closet or under the bed. My attentive humans, always watching out for my welfare, try to recreate that cozy, protected feeling for me. They furnish my "safe room" with my bed and a few of my favorite toys, and play soft music or leave the TV on. That way, I'm surrounded by familiar, comforting possessions and non-threatening sounds that at least partially cover up the loud bangs and booms outside.

There's even a "DOGGY AROMATHERAPY" product you can buy, which I find really soothes my edgy nerves during stressful situations.

To learn more about what your humans can do to help you cope during holidays that involve fireworks – such as the Fourth of July coming up – please have them read this useful article: FIREWORKS PHOBIA IN DOGS

Max


Max's Mini-Reviews


KOOL DOGS ICE TREAT MAKER : This toy is great for those dog days of summer. My human puts yummy treats and some of my favorite chew toys in the bucket with water, then freezes it and leaves it out in the yard for me to work on all day. Not only am I staying cool by licking the ice block, but I get treats and toys. What dog wouldn't love that?

… … … …

BAMBOO COLLAR WITH BUILT-IN LEASH: If you want to wear a collar that will please your humans, this is the one. When a human pulls on the built-in handle, the collar instantly turns into a leash. I can tell my humans are delighted with that feature during training or when they need to gain quick control, and I don't mind the smooth transition myself. The product's durable design stands up to the roughhousing that my "dawg" buddies and I like to get into around the yard. The collar is made with reflective stitching so I can be seen at night, and it has a place for my identity information in case I sneak off. Your humans will thank you for recommending this innovative product (just point your nose to this page) – and you'll be looking mighty good on your next walk.

What topics would you like to see covered in future issues of the Dog Health Newsletter?
Let us know at: comments@doghealthnewsletter.com
DOG FACT
A one-year old dog has the physical maturity
of a 15-year old human


 TO QUOTE:
"I think dogs are the most amazing
creatures; they give unconditional love.
For me they are the role model for being alive."
– Gilda Radner
Copyright © 2006-2009  •   The Dog Health Newsletter   •   Dr. Christianne Schelling  •  All Rights Reserved

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