Max’s Corner
Roll out those hazy, lazy, crazy days of summer... with a few tips on how to prevent your dog’s anxiety surrounding thunderstorm season and 4th of July celebrations.
Dogs have a very sensitive hearing, and loud noises like thunder, firecrackers, and fireworks can be very stressful and frightening. Some dogs can tolerate the noise and commotion of being outdoors among a crowd of people, but most would have a more pleasant time if they stay at home with a family member or pet sitter whose company will calm them.
During the day, take them out for a long walk or vigorous exercise, followed by a bath with a dog shampoo with soothing herbs and scents. Feed them a hearty meal and provide some large white bones and/or favorite toys to keep them distracted and entertained.
Before you leave the house, let them out to empty their bladder and bowels.
Shut your windows and turn on a radio, TV, or soft music to muffle the noise of fireworks. Close your curtains and blinds, and leave your lights on. Place them in a room where they usually feel safe and relaxed, and where they are capable of doing the less harm possible.
There are certain natural products that help reduce anxiety:
Sergeant’s Sentry Good Behavior Pheromone Collar for Dogs naturally calms dogs by mimicking the pheromone a mother dog produces to calm and reassure her puppies. It is available over the counter for dogs of all ages and breeds.
Comfort Zone with D.A.P. (dog appeasing pheromone) comes as a diffuser you can plug in, or as a spray you can use in your pet’s bed, crate or a bandana, but not directly on the dog.
Tryptocalm and Clomicalm are tablets that you can get from our vets. They contain the essential amino-acid tryptophan, which biochemically converts to serotonin. It is not a sedative and has no harmful side effects, and supports calmness in dogs within 4 hours.
Our vets may prescribe acepromazine, but this tranquilizer is not suitable for every dog. It causes a drop in blood pressure, heart, and respiratory rate. It should be used with extreme caution in very young or older animals, and in those with liver or heart disease, or with a history of epilepsy or seizures. Giant breeds and greyhounds may also be extremely sensitive to it. It is less effective if given after the dog is excited.
