[K9Alert] Holidays! Don't lose your pet! Firecrackers coming-Get tags on Pets!

[nineten]

HEADS UP!

The following was forwarded to me and I'm passing it on.


From: Ginger Goodrich <playingwithbanjo@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [K9Alert] 4th of July! Don't loose your pet *Busiest time of the year for Shelters! Firecrackers, fireworks coming Get tags on those Pets!
To: K9Alert@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2009, 12:28 PM


[K9Alert] 4th of July! Don't loose your pet *Busiest time of the year for Shelters! Firecrackers, fireworks coming Get tags on those Pets!

Dawn--
Thank you for sending out this warning about 4th of July! It is the absolute truth! My childhood dog, Boomer, was a truly wonderful, 90-pound purebred black Labrador who was the mellowest, best behaved dog I had ever known...he was my best friend when I was growing up.

I had never in my life seen Boomer afraid of anything...and he NEVER left our back yard without a member of our family, even if the gardener accidentally left the gate open. Well, on the 4th of July when he was 8 years old, our neighbors set off some fireworks near our home, while Boomer was in the back yard. Although he was neither a jumper nor a digger, on this night he apparently became so frightened by the noise that he managed to jump over the 6-foot cinder-block wall around our property, and he went on the run. Because he was black, he was almost invisible when he ran across the freeway, and he was struck and immediately killed by a motorist who was going 70 miles per hour.

Thank goodness the motorist was kind enough to stop, read the tag, and bring poor Boomer back to our home, wrap him in a blanket, and write us a 2-page letter apologizing sincerely for the tragic accident and explaining what happened to our beloved dog...but he was afraid to ring the doorbell because he felt certain there would be children in our family and he could not face having killed a child's best friend. Boomer, the dog that never left our property unless accompanied by a family member, was hit and killed on a freeway EIGHT MILES away from my home, all because he was terrified by fireworks on the 4th of July--and we never even knew he was missing until I found his body on our doorstep the next morning. If we had just kept him inside that night, it would have all be avoided. It's been over 20 years, and I still miss him.

I still think of Boomer every single 4th of July (and on New Year's Eve, too)...and when I finally felt ready to open my heart to another dog, well, I make sure that my new best friend spends each of those holidays snuggled safely by my side in the house, with the windows tightly closed and the radio on. And if I choose to go out and enjoy the festivities, I make sure my dog is *indoors*, and feels safe and secure before I leave. At least the loss of Boomer's taught me an important lesson, and my new dog will live a longer, safer life for it.

This is also very important for cat owners, too, by the way--even "outdoor cats" with tons of street smarts can become terrified of fireworks... or can become the victim of malicious mischief. :^(

Thanks for the reminder, Dawn.
G.

--- On Sun, 6/14/09, Dawn K ForTheAnimals <ForTheAnimals@ Verizon.net> wrote:


From: Dawn K ForTheAnimals <ForTheAnimals@ Verizon.net>
Subject: [K9Alert] 4th of July! Don't loose your pet *Busiest time of the year for Shelters! Firecrackers, fireworks coming Get tags on those Pets!
To: Undisclosed- Recipient@ yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2009, 10:01 AM


Fourth of July is the busiest time for shelters!

I have a list of lost and found resources that I have compiled to share.
I posted them on a blog http://dawnkforthea nimals.wordpress .com/
(if link does not work remove any spaces yahoo groups add)

Sign up for Pet amber alerts ~Register to receive lost pet alerts from your area www.LostAndPound. com
Lost and pound will send out an alert within a 60 mile radius from where your pet was lost.

Spread the word to all local organizations, police, shelters, vets, even your neighbors!
Let's stay connected & bring the lost ones home.

Please check out lost or found pets to see if you recognize any: http://www.lostandp ound.com/ search.php
(if the pic area is marked with an X click on it, then click on contact pet owner and you will see the pic)

Also, Keep those kitties indoors!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Judy Byrd
Subject: Firecrackers, fireworks coming...get tags on those dogs!


Reminder for rescuers (and tell all your non-rescue friends with dogs) Make sure they're collared and tagged!
Supposed to be the time of the year when most dogs escape their homes and are 'on the loose'.

Don't trust tie-outs or just collars for dogs between now and whenever your neighbors run out of fireworks...
like probably not until the middle of July...IF THEY SLIP THEIR COLLARS, they can't tell anyone where they belong.

The noise frightens some dogs terribly (and cats can suffer, too). They will jump over fences you thought they couldn't, go right through screens or windows. Be ready to pull blinds, turn on lights and turn up TV or radio to cover the noise.

If you know your dog(s) is frightened, ask your vet what you can use to ease their anxiety.

Pass it on!

[Ange]

Thanks for posting this! So many dogs get scared and jump the fence on the 4th

[nineten]

Fourth of July Festivities:

Should You Bring Your Pet?

As the country dons its red, white and blue to celebrate Independence Day, nothing says patriotism like a good old-fashioned barbecue with a side of fireworks. But beware pet parents, what’s fun for people can be a downright drag for our furry friends.

The ASPCA recommends keeping your pooch indoors as much as possible during backyard parties and Fourth of July festivities, even if he is a pro picnicker. From toxic food and beverages to raucous guests and fireworks, the holiday weekend is a minefield of potential pet problems.

“Even the most timid dog can leap a six-foot fence if he’s spooked by loud noises,” says Dr. Pamela Reid, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. If your dog shows signs of distress from fireworks or boisterous revelers, Dr. Reid suggests giving him a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter. “The consistent licking should calm his nerves,” she says.

The ASPCA offers some more expert advice to keep your pet singing, “Oh Say Can You See,” all the way to the fifth and beyond:


Keep your pet on the wagon. Since alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws’ way.

Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pet’s normal diet—any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.

Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.

Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.

Be cool near the pool. Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake—not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also, pools aren’t large water bowls—they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous from the picnic table, please contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. And be sure to check out our more complete list of holiday pet care tips for a safe and happy Fourth!

http://www2.aspca.org/site/MessageVi...&em_id=61404.0

[chellebramz]

thanks for the info.

my dog got spooked and ran off when folks were setting off fireworks,but returned the next day

[nineten]

Keep Your Dogs Safe & Secure on July 4th!
2009-06-24

by Stephanie M. Colman

While fireworks offer a dazzling display for people, they can be quite unsettling to dogs. Many dogs are afraid of fireworks, and some even exhibit an extreme, phobic response. The following tips can help:

If you have not lived with your dog for a previous July 4th holiday (therefore, you don't know how he'll react to the sound of fireworks), it's recommended that you DO NOT leave your dog home alone. Dogs with phobic reactions to fireworks can easily panic and injure themselves in the process. Many panicked dogs find ways to escape from their yards and can be further injured or killed while running loose. Statistically, July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for local shelters, as people go looking for lost pets. Remember that many neighborhoods celebrate early and continue firework festivities a few days after the 4th, so be prepared. Be sure your dog is wearing a properly-fitting collar with up-to-date contact information, just in case the unthinkable happens and he becomes loose.

If you are unable to stay home with your dog on the 4th of July, keep him confined in an escape-proof area such as his crate or baby-gated in a laundry room or other small, dog-proofed area. Close up the windows (kick-up the AC if needed) and turn up the TV or radio to help insulate your home from firework noise. Leave your dog something WONDERFUL to do -- like playing with one of his favorite dog toys.

If you're staying home with your dog - or if he will be accompanying you to a family BBQ or outing - make sure he's nice and hungry when the sun goes down. Arm yourself with a pocket full of mind-blowing tasty treats (like Whole Life Pet Freeze-Dried Treats!) and keep him busy working and playing for treats as the fireworks blast in the distance. Play all his favorite games and teach him that the big BOOMS predict that great, fun things will happen! Remember not to spend too much time coddling him if he seems worried. If he'll eat a treat, it's better to spend your energy reinforcing his desire to eat rather than focusing on how pitiful he looks.

It is recommended that you NOT take your dog with you to a fireworks display. Hearing them in the distance is dramatically different from being directly AT a display. Over-exposure to the sights, sounds and smells of fireworks can, in some dogs, create a phobic response.

For multiple dog families, if one dog already exhibits a fearful or phobic response to the sound of fireworks, be sure to separate the dogs so that non-fearful dog does not "catch" the fear. In dogs, fear and aggression can be very contagious. This is especially important for young dogs who frequently look to the older dogs in the household for information.

If you discover that your dog does exhibit a fearful response to fireworks, find a qualified trainer who can help you. Systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning throughout the year can often improve a fearful dog's response to the sound of fireworks. Keep in mind that dogs who are afraid of fireworks also struggle during thunderstorms and on New Year's Eve when fireworks and, unfortunately, even gun shots are common forms of revelry. If you already know your dog exhibits a fear response to the sounds of fireworks, consider trying one of the over-the-counter calming remedies such as Rescue Remedy or melatonin. In extreme cases, you may need to treat the phobia pharmaceutically. Be sure to work with your vet long before July 4th. It often takes a bit of trial and error to determine the best dosage for your pet and you'll want to be certain what to expect by the 4th.

Have a happy, SAFE 4th of July!


About the Author
Stephanie Colman has been training dogs professionally for more than eight years. She teaches a variety of classes for J9's K9s Dog Training, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA., and recently launched Caninestein Dog Training with the goal of inspiring people to get out and enjoy life with their canine companions in tow. Caninestein specializes in innovative, dog-friendly outings that have included dining with dogs, dogs at the movies and dogs at the theater! A former journalist and public relations executive, she writes regularly about training and behavior on her blog, www.caninestein.blogspot.com. She shares her life with Zoie, a Whippet, and Quiz, a Golden Retriever, and can be reached at StephanieColman@sbcglobal.net.

http://www.pettravelcenter.com/page_...viewSingle/256

[jim408]

yeah my dogs head for the house too.
I did have an experience on tme when our dog ran off for no reason(not the 4th) luckily he was tagged and we got a call, he was 10 miles away. How he got so far we don't know. the tag just cost me $3 it is well worth it because mt wife loves her babies

[nineten]

Dog Snatched by Owl Survives Harrowing Flight


Sadie had run away last week after BEING SCARED BY FIREWORKS...



[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAkvrykpHZo[/YOUTUBE]

[Ange]

Repost:

Dogs scared by New Year's fireworks end up in shelters

Reported by: Rudabeh Shahbazi
Email: RShahbazi@abc15.com
Last Update: 10:28 am

CHANDLER, AZ -- Some Valley families are starting the New Year without their pets.

The state's animal shelters have begun reporting a noticeable increase in dogs.

Animal workers say holiday fireworks scare many pets into running away, or running into the street where they are hit by cars.

The Palmay family spent two days looking for their dog Shadow, before he turned up at the pound Saturday.

"It was really bad to not have Shadow," said 7-year-old Nicholas Palmay. "It was really, really bad. It was just so bad we had to look for him around the neighborhood and in other places."

The family posted flyers and made frequent visits to the pound since New Year's Eve.

They will have to wait until next week to fill out the paperwork in order to get their dog back.

Animal control workers advise pet owners to get their dogs and cats micro-chipped so they find them easily if they get lost.

http://www.abc15.com/content/living/..._MfEwy7Mg.cspx

http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/29/...wing-flight%2F

[nineten]

Gets worse all the time.
It's not only fireworks. It can be any loud noise such a tire blowing out on a car that's nearby. If your pet isn't on a leash then it can go missing real quick because the noise is going to frighten him. (nineten)


...were watching fireworks

Sadie was spooked by the booming, jumping off McCarten’s porch at 2216 E. 12th St., and fleeing into a nearby woodsy area. McCarten and friends called and searched. No luck.

What they didn’t realize was that a giant owl known to perch in the area had grabbed Sadie.

Sadie became the flying dog. She was soaring over east Davenport, destined to become a late-night snack for the owl. But ...

http://qctimes.com/news/local/articl...cc4c002e0.html

[Ange]