Here are some great safety tips that I thought I would pass on... –Kim
Top 10 July 4th Holistic Pet Safety Tips
by Dr. Andrew Jones
July 4, 2011
1. KEEP YOUR PETS AT HOME. It is always safer to leave them at home, in a quiet, closed in familiar place…your house! Our pets have hearing 10 times our own, so any loud noise is ESPECIALLY disturbing to them. I leave my own pets with a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter.
2. THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC. Turn up the tunes to drown out some of the impending loud noises. This will screen out some of the loud sounds, lowering anxiety levels. Music with a slow even beat, such as classical, will work best.
3. FLOWER ESSENCES. Bach Rescue Remedies or other natural calming aids are a very safe alternative medication that may calm your anxious pet. Place 4 drops on your pet’s gums prior to leaving. (Follow the directions on the label.)
4. SOOTHING FINGERS. A type of therapeutic touch, called Tellington Touch has helped many pets with noise anxiety. The most effective area is the ear. Gently hold the ear flap between your thumb and forefinger. Gently stroke from the base of the ear to the ear tip; repeat the motion several times covering different sections of the ear. Use the same fingers to draw tiny circles at the base of the ear. Try both of the techniques on your dog when he is calm. If he reacts well, then try it the next time a storm approaches.
5. PET ID. Every Holiday involving Fireworks causes scared animals who run away and get lost. Ensure your pets have identification at all times. Also, check out medical info tags and GPS tracking devices.
6. KEEP YOUR PETS OUT OF HOT CARS. A puppy just died recently in Vancouver after being left for 3 hours in a parked car, with the sunroof open. The inside of the vehicle was over 100° F. Once again, LEAVE your pets at home.
7. SAFE TOPICALS FOR PETS. Read the labels to make sure the sunscreen or insect repellent can be used on your pet.
8. TOXIC GLOW JEWELRY – AVOID IT. Your pet may look cute glowing in the dark, but the glowing substance is orally and intestinally toxic.
9. FIREWORKS AND PETS ARE A BAD IDEA. The noise is likely to severely frighten your pet. Then there is the risks of severe burns. The fireworks themselves have caustic substances, such as potassium nitrate and arsenic.
10. BE PREPARED. You should have a basic pet First Aid kit, plus know where your closest emergency veterinarian is. You can also make your own First Aid kit.
All in all, use common sense, and keep you and your pet safe.
Best wishes and have a Happy Holiday!
Dr. Andrew Jones
Source: http://www.theinternetpetvet.com/top-10-july-4th-holistic-pet-safety-tips/
Copyright © Four Paws Online Ltd. 2011
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for almost 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.Also, see:
