MNSR Fireworks & Thunder Tips:
Submitted by Anonymous on
**Your dog may be spooked by a boom at ANYTIME outside or while on a walk.** Immediately BRING YOUR DOG INSIDE when firecrackers go off. Try later. Making your dog stay out will traumatize them.
•Prioritize safety. Double leash with harness & leash in an unfenced area - leash is REQUIRED FOR MNSR DOGS.
•Check fence for escape routes and lock or secure gate. Be outside with your dog in a fenced area.
•Put a collar with ID on your dog, even indoors. Write your phone number on the collar with a Sharpie.
•Reinforce exit doors with baby gates.
•Program emergency veterinarians into your phone. Make a list of your dog’s medications & supplements. Make a folder of veterinary records.
•Give your dog a massage during the day for a calm frame of mind.
•Do fun, active games/training and go for short walks early in the day.
•Cut up turkey/chicken/steak/cheese to offer to your dog AFTER every boom.
•Freeze Kongs with yummies and offer these and/or chews in your dog’s safe area.
•Schedule potty time before dark/well before fireworks begin.
•Offer a safe place - preferably chosen by your dog, or one that is sound insulated, with no windows or covered windows. Interior room, closet or bathroom may be options. Start putting treats and chews in the safe place early. Allow free access to come and go from the safe place as your dog chooses.
•Flashing firework lights can scare your dog. Close curtains/blinds. Turn ON all the lights in the room to make bright lights from fireworks less noticeable to your dog.
•Turn up volume on DVD/CD or radio/tv that does not broadcast fireworks celebrations. Turn on sound machine, fan, a/c, dryer, etc. Be sure your dog is not bothered by the sound you choose. Test while offering yummies.
•Offer extra yummy treats or tasty human foods, AFTER every boom (not before). BOOM, then treat, BOOM then treat. For dogs who won't eat, still offer the treat after the boom. Dogs may refuse food if over-threshhold because fear is incompatible with hunger.
•COMFORT: Hold, stroke and reassure your dog if they find comfort in that! Fear is an emotion, not a behavior. Good things as perceived by the dog lessen fear, bad things intensify fear.
•Stay home to monitor stress/fear. Some dogs exhibit no signs of fear when young, but become terrified by loud noise with age.
•DON’T bring your dog to a fireworks display, not even in the car. Loud noise & flashing light can traumatize your dog.
HELPFUL LINKS:
**Medication is NOT A LAST RESORT! The sooner you address your dog's anxiety, the sooner they have relief. DO NOT use ACEPROMAZINE with herding breeds.
SUPPORT TOOLS for mild anxiety (if your dog is highly stressed, they need medication!)- try these slowly in advance when your pet is calm. Build a positive association using yummy treats:
Animal Intuition - Reiki, massage, animal communication
iCalmPet calming music for animals
My Zen Pet calming music for animals
CONSULT YOUR VET when using the following as these can be contraindicated or interact with medication:
Melatonin: 1.5 mg tablets (not capsules, not time-released, not sublingual, NO XYLITOL). Give dose either at first evidence of storm or prophylactically when storms are predicted. Dose may be repeated up to 3 times daily.
Homescape Pets supplements
Kin+Kind Healthy Calm supplement
Kradle My Pet CBD calming chew
VetriScience Composure (also in liquid)
Homeopathy: consult a homeopathic veterinarian to make sure you are using the right remedies
Flower essences: petessences.com, bachflower.com, greenhopeessences.com; combine up to 7 essences at once, dosing at 4 drops 4 times a day
Essential oils (therapeutic grade) diffused or applied: Young Living Peace & Calming
TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS:
Shelties are at increased risk for getting lost while in the care of someone other than their person.
•Explain flight risk and precautions to take with doors, collar, and outdoor safety, even in a fenced yard to your petsitter. This also applies to boarding at vet clinics & pet resorts.
•Print out our tips and have your Sheltie's caretaker read them.
•For MNSR dogs, give our contact info to the caretaker.
•If your Sheltie is traveling with you, be aware that they may try to get out a door or yard when in a novel place.
•Check that the phone # on the ID tag is current & reachable. Add a tag with your petsitter’s contact info.
•MNSR dogs should also wear an MNSR tag.
Please keep an eye out for lost pets and take a photo to post sighting information to Lost Dogs Minnesota or your state, and Lost Shelties MN if a Sheltie. Be safe!
