Scary July 4th Celebration?

What scares the bejesus out of you? I often ask my clients that question and emphasize that this “thing” is in a room with you, and there’s no way to escape!

For most people, you can see their complexion change as they imagine the worst possible thing such as spiders crawling all over them, rats, the bogey man and such. And even if those examples do not resonate with you personally, I know there is something that you can come up with that makes you sweat, just thinking about it.

For some reason though, while we can empathize with fearful emotions when presented with human examples, many pet owners have no clue when it comes to their dog’s (or cat’s) fear. I’m guessing it has to do with these animals are a different species, there’s a LOT of faulty information available, or perhaps you are one of those who was raised by a parent who told you to “Just get over it”, and you have become hardened to both human and animal emotions… Regardless, THE FEAR IS REAL!

I don’t know why, but there seems to be a stigma when it comes to giving pets medication to help them with emotional issues. We have no problem giving diabetic pets insulin or analgesics to reduce pain, and yet when it comes to the emotional pain of noise phobias, as an example, we are reluctant to intervene. For those, however, who actually recognize the, not so subtle, signs that your poor dog is screaming in fear, there is help.

With the July 4th holiday fast approaching, you can still ease  your dog’s fear by preparing the environment. 

Whenever possible, find a safe, quiet space and make it comfy for your dog. Ideally this is away from windows.

Find a way to muffle the sound, such as music, TV, a fan or try a snood that fits snuggly over their ears to reduce the noise, (and supposedly swaddle them, thereby creating a calming sensation) such as the product by Happy Hoodies.

Know your dog. Some prefer to hide, so finding a safe, quiet place might be a good choice, and don’t be afraid to pet and reassure them.

Other dogs react to noise phobias by pacing; for them, you might try a fun activity such as tossing treats or toys for them to fetch or perhaps hide some treats in boxes for them to seek out. This is a great way to channel some of that anxious activity. By the way, this is why you do NOT confine these poor dogs in a crate, as it is torture for them! Remember the example of being confined to a room with the scary monster?

While at this late hour, it may be difficult to get a prescription of Sileo from your veterinarian, although, now a days many are keep this medication in stock, so it’s worth a call.

Sileo is the only FDA approved drug that was created for noise phobias. Unlike sedatives, this medication allows your dog to function normally. It is easy to administer and different from other anti-anxiety drugs that are given ahead of time, this medication it can be given when the noise begins. And if you cannot get the medication for this coming holiday, remember that the environment is filled with scary noises, so this is something that I’d advise you to keep on hand.

Here’s to  a happy, safe and STRESS-FREE celebration!

HAPPY TRAINING & ENRICHMENT!