You’ve probably heard this numerous times already, but it can’t hurt to say it once more – more pets end up in shelters during and after the 4th of July than any another other time of year due to fireworks.

Dogs are the most likely pets to end up in shelters because when scared, they tend to bolt and keep running for long distances until they get far away from whatever scared them.

 

And if the fireworks keep going off, the dog will keep running.

 

Some people think their dog will be OK if they leave it in a fenced yard, but you’d be surprised to see just how high a panicked dog can jump a fence. Or dig under it.

 

Even if you stay home and cookout in the backyard, your presence won’t prevent your dog from bolting once the fireworks start.

 

But keeping your dog safe and calm during the 4th of July celebrations isn’t beyond your control. Here are some tips that will help:

 

1. Exercise your dog before the fireworks start! Make time in your schedule to give your an extra long workout before the fireworks begin. Dogs that have been thoroughly exercised are calmer and easier to keep quiet. They will also sleep more deeply, and consequently, will be less likely to be disturbed by the noise outside. 

Of course, if it’s really hot outside, take precautions to ensure your dog doesn’t get overheated.

   

2. Stay home with your dog. Their fear of fireworks can be exacerbated if you aren’t there to provide reassurance that they are safe.

   

3. Keep Calm. Your dog reacts to your nonverbal cues. If you jump or tense up when you hear fireworks because you are you are anticipating your dog’s fear, you may make its fear worse.

   

4. Drowned out the sound. Turn up the stereo or television and keep your windows closed during the fireworks. Something that can provide background noise, like a fan or air conditioner can help as well.

   

5. Respect your dog’s fear. Allow your dog to hide if it feels more comfortable in its crate or under a bed. Don’t pull it out or try to force it closer to the fireworks in an attempt to get him used to the sounds. Just be with it and provide reassurance that it’s safe.

       

6. Provide a distraction. Break out your dog’s favorite treat, play a game, or give it some extra cuddle time.

   

7. Try the Thundershirt. I’ve never tried a Thundershirt on my dogs, but some people swear by them. The pressure it provides has a calming effect on the nervous system.

   

8. Just say YES to drugs. If know that your dog will panic when the fireworks start, ask your vet if he/she can prescribe medication to keep it calm. You can also try Rescue Remedy or Happy Traveler, which are natural stress relievers for pets. Seattle-based Epic Pet Health makes Calm, which also reduces stress/anxiety.

 

Some people recommend giving a dog half a Benadryl to keep it calm but I wouldn’t try that unless you check with your vet first.

   

9. Be Prepared. Make sure your dog is wearing ID tags with its name, your name, and your phone number. Get you dog microchipped if it doesn’t have one. Buy your dog a license – if it runs off and is picked up by animal control, they will call to let you know they have your dog. And you won’t have to pay a big fine to get your dog back. You can also get a digital ID tag like this one from PetHub.

   

10. Desensitize your dog to loud noises. Gradually desensitize your dog to the sound of fireworks and loud noises by playing recorded sounds of fireworks. You can find several recordings on YouTube. Start out playing the noise softly and gradually increase it as your dog becomes comfortable with the sounds.

 

The most important thing is to paying close attention and care for  our pets during this stressful time. If you plan on going out, the professionals at Pet Sit Pros of South Orange County would be happy to pet sit your dog or cat. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

 

               

Article Credit – http://www.seattledogspot.com

 

With more than half of pet owners reporting traveling with their dogs in their cars at least once per month, Professional Pet Sitter and Owner and Manager of Pet Sit Pros of South Orange County, Ashley Cunningham, encourages pet owners to follow these simple pet-travel safety tips.   According to the AAA/Kurgo Pet Passenger Safety Study, nearly 56 percent of people transport their dogs in their cars at least once per month.   “From trips to the veterinarian’s office to day trips to a pet-friendly beach, more and more pet owners are transporting their dogs—and other pets—in their vehicles” says Ashley Cunningham, owner of Pet Sit Pros of South Orange County. “Because of this, it’s extremely important that pet owners to take extra precautions to ensure their pets remain safe while on the road.”   Cunningham encourages pet owners to follow these basic safety tips when their pets are along for the ride:

• Leash your dog before opening the vehicle door. Hundreds of pets are lost or injured each year when they dart out of cars uncontrolled.

• Keep your pet’s head and paws inside the car. Do not allow pets to put their heads out the window or ride on the back of a truck.

• Do not allow pets to ride in the front seat. 30 percent of people admit to being distracted by their dog while driving, and distracted driving can cause accidents.

• Restrain your pet with a crate or vehicle pet restraint system. Pet travel safety product manufacturers like Kurgo® offer pet carrier restraints or dog harnesses that can be used with a dog seat belt or zipline that goes the width of the backseat.

• Don’t forget to keep your pet hydrated. Many dogs pant excessively in the car, making hydration even more important.

Cunningham also reminds pet owners that pets should NEVER be left alone in a vehicle, regardless of the weather. Pet Sit Pros of South Orange County is a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters.   To learn more about Pet Sit Pros of South Orange County visit www.southorangecounty.petsitpros.com or call (855) 867 – PETS (7387)   To learn more about PSI, visit www.petsit.com.

By Stephanie Snay 

We know you’d take your pup everywhere if you could. You could easily picture your dog chilling in the office with you or working up a sweat on the treadmill as your accountability partner…

Image via Love Dino

However, sometimes the pups get left behind. If you’re planning a vacation anytime soon and can’t take Fido along, you’ll want to make sure you’re leaving your pet sitter with everything they could possibly need to care for your four-legged family member.

As an animal lover, and definitely a sucker, I end up watching my friends’ dogs for them a lot. I actually enjoy it. I need a dog fix every now and then since I can’t have one in my apartment. But I have run into issues before when I wasn’t armed with all the information I needed. Like how could I know that my pal Clyde would counter surf to eat his leash? Or when the three large, hungry dogs I frequently watch ran out of dog food and I went to three different stores before learning that they buy their food from the trainer. One of my favorite pet sitter fails though, is when I couldn’t get those previously mentioned three dogs to eat their breakfast.

Every morning for a week, I had to pull up a chair to their bowls and sit and wait. Why wouldn’t they eat?! When I called my friend, her response was, “Oh yeah, we put a little bit of whipped cream on their breakfast.” All the wasted time and worry, and these spoiled pups were just waiting on me to give them whipped cream.

I’ve compiled this pet sitter checklist based on my experience. Check it out to make sure you won’t come home to eaten leashes or 10 bags of trash because your sitter didn’t know what day to take it to the curb.

• Time and date of departure and arrival An itinerary is also helpful, so your pet sitter knows the best times to get in touch with you.

• Cell phone number, hotel information and room number

• Neighbor’s info This comes in handy if your dog decides to lock the human out and laugh.

• Friend of family member’s information If there’s something your pet sitter needs and they can’t reach you, then this is the next best thing.

• Security code

• Vet info

• Emergency plans

• Trash/recycling pick up days

• Feeding and walking schedule

• List of medications and instructions for use Even if your dog doesn’t take daily meds, think about all that could happen. Is there something you give if the dog gets sneezy or a bellyache? Do you give allergy meds in a spoonful of peanut butter?

• Specific brand name for food and treats You don’t want your dog to just eat anything if the food runs out.

• Pet store you frequent Just in case the pet sitter needs to pick something up.

• List of where leash, food, brush, etc., is stored

• Favorite toys

• List of unfriendly dogs or people along walk route Accidents happen, but maybe they can be better avoided by having the dog sitter stick to walking on a particular side of the street.

• Anything off limits? If your dog isn’t allowed on the couch, make sure your pet sitter knows.

• Thermostat instructions

• Emergency spare key Find a good hiding spot to store an extra key just in case.

• Vistors? Leave a list of days and times anyone comes to the home, such as a housecleaner, gardener, or pool cleaner. An unexpected guest can cause quite the fright for a housesitter.

• List of toxic foods to pets

• Tv/remote instructions 

• Doggy hobbies  Your pet sitter should know what the dog’s normal behavior is. For example, does your pup drink out of the toilet? Tell your pet sitter so he or she knows to leave the seat down. Does Fido want scratches on the butt? Is the tennis ball better than the Frisbee? All helpful to know.

• Are you expecting a BarkBox while you’re away? Let your pet sitter know so your dog can enjoy all the barktastic fun inside.

Direct Link to Original Article:  http://thebarkpost.com/the-ultimate-pet-sitter-checklist/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post