Tips for "Paw-Fection" this July 4

By Robin Hall
raaron@casscountynow.com

The local Atlanta Animal League and animal control officers across the region are gearing up for the busiest day of their year. Any guess what that might be?
That would be July 5.
More animals go missing and/or end up in shelters following Independence Day than any other time of the year. The undeniable culprits are as follows:
1. The stress and anxiety that fireworks create in many cats and dogs.
2. The lack of awareness and/or understanding of this issue on the part of the general public.
3. The failure of thousands of pet owners to take the easy steps necessary to minimize their pet’s stress and anxiety, prevent their escape from their home, yard, or leash, and to maximize the chances that they will be reunited if they become lost or misplaced.
According to the ASPCA, the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy estimates that less than 2 percent of cats and only 15-20 percent of dogs entering shelters are ever reunited with their families.
Atlanta Animal League representative Carla Sullivan said she is sure that this year, like most years, will be no exception. The animal league and local animal control office have been in line with the national trend of seeing a spike in pets turning up missing following July 4 celebrations.
“People really don’t understand how serious these fireworks affect these poor animals. I know mine are going to freak out and panic. When they hear a siren going off they start howling way before it gets close to our house. Please take precautions during July 4th weekend and the day after,” Sullivan said. “We preach it and preach it every holiday with fireworks and yet still have many lost/found dogs at this time. Crate your pet if you are going to be in and out, play soft music, and you can get quiet moments chewable pills from Newkirk Feed, Tractor Supply, and Petsmart that helps calm them.”
The Atlanta Animal League has offered some simple tips to be sure local pet owners are advised in advance of this year’s large scale fireworks display taking place at SummerFest Saturday night.
Seeing as how such a small number of pets winding up in shelters ever make it back to their home, the importance of taking steps to prevent them from needing to be there in the first place truly cannot be overstated. And for those that do wind up in shelters, nor can the importance of taking steps to increase the chances that they will be reunited with you. These easy and important steps and tips are outlined below. Have a read and don’t forget to share with your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers.
Pay attention and learn to recognize the signs of stress and anxiety in pets for what they may indicate. Signs may include any or all of the following:
• Panting
• Drooling
• Pacing
• Hiding
• Decreased appetite
• Abnormal urinations or defecations
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive grooming

Pet owners can create a DIY wrap for animals that are known to be skittish around loud noises. This DIY thundershirt was designed by a certified professional dog trainer and T-Touch Practitioner, Susan Sharpe in 2001, eight years before the advent of the commercially successful brand.
According to Sullivan, this wrap works wonders for calming an animal who is experiencing high anxiety.
Simply use an ace or sports bandage to wrap from the front of the animal’s chest and around their torso.
The wrap should be snug, but not too tight. Tie the loose ends around the pet’s waist. For detailed instructions, go to the following link, https://youtu.be/StKLh_lc93s.
The wrap is designed to calm dogs so they don’t get the urge to run away, get lost or run into traffic.
• Exercise your dog before the fireworks start.
Make time to give the pet an extra long workout before the fireworks begin. Dogs that have been thoroughly exercised are calmer, easier to keep quiet, sleep more deeply and are less likely to be disturbed by the noise outside.
• Keep Calm.
Dogs react to their “person’s” nonverbal cues. If an owner tends to jump or tense up when they hear fireworks in anticipation of their dog’s fear, they can actually make their pet’s fear worse.
• Drowned out the sound.
Turn up the volume on the TV or play music louder than normal. This will help drown out the offending booms going on outside.
• Be Prepared.
Make sure your dog is wearing ID tags with its name, your name, and your phone number. Local veterinary clinics offer this service. If an animal runs off and is picked up by animal control, they will usually call to let the owner know they have your dog.
• Give your dog a safe place.
Bring pets indoors if need be or give them a safe place to get through the ordeal. However plan to be with these pets if you can. Many breeds tend to chew things and can generally wreck havoc in a home if left unattended in a stressful situation. Crate pets when possible. Add a fuzzy blanket or favorite toy to their crate to give them a distraction.
• Shut The Curtains.
Close the windows and curtains during fireworks to minimize sound and keep your dog feeling safe.