FIREWORK FRUSTRATIONS

By Monday, July 3, 2017 16 No tags Permalink

It’s the 3rd of July and the firework frustrations are already underway.

Over the last couple of days, there’s been a few sporadic whistles, sizzles, crackles, and pops as people “test drive” their firework goodies. Pet parents walking their dogs look up in the sky with utter disgust as their pups try to find cover between the legs of their humans.

When the sun blazes from above, Harley doesn’t seem too concerned. Jaxson however, will pick up his pace, but we’re able to finish our walk.

Our problems begin as the sun starts to set…

FIREWORK FRUSTRATIONS

WHAT CAN WE DO? –

I cannot change the world. The 4th is coming – and for many, it’s a tradition – so the fireworks will reluctantly be lit.

As pet parents there are three ways we can keep our pets safe –

ASK YOUR VET FOR HELP –

if you believe fireworks from the 4th of July triggers excessive agitation in your pet, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Safe, non-addictive prescription medicine’s are available for extreme cases.  Holistic vet’s have effective essential oils, herbal teas, and treats to reduce the anxiety and aid in relaxation. Thunder shirts and vests add constant pressure creating a calming sensation should loud noises startle and upset your four legged pal.

HAVE PROPER IDENTIFICATION –

I cannot stress this enough. In less than a blink of an eye, your pup can scoot through an open door, wiggle out of a collar, or dart from your arms. It could happen. I remember when Harley was a puppy, he was rattled during the fireworks and like Houdini he escaped out of his collar and fled from me in a matter of seconds. Thank the Doodle, we were in our fenced backyard! Micro chips, collar tags, phone apps – I’ve got it all. Dogs have been known to do extraordinary things (like leap through screen doors) in an attempt to escape the noise.

And last but not least –

KEEP YOUR PET AWAY FROM FIREWORKS –

there are some pets who do not mind the fireworks so many are outdoors with the festivities. Because of the dangers associated with fireworks – make sure to keep them on a leash at all times.. If you’ve left your pup at home unattended that evening, leave the house bright with light to defuse the firework flashes. Turn on the television or radio to mask the jarring noise.

MY STRATEGY –

In addition to what you’ve just read, I try to wear my Boys OUT the entire day. We hit the streets very early that morning…

FIREWORK FRUSTRATIONS

Then there’s the “super Doodle” extended walk through the famous 60 acre Hampton Park…

FIREWORK FRUSTRATIONS

After my coffee and a brief break, it’s always fun exploring downtown…

FIREWORK FRUSTRATIONS

Dinner is served a little earlier, so ballin’ Jax can get a good run in the soccer field…

FIREWORK FRUSTRATIONS

By the time the fireworks begin, if they’re not completely comatose – I pull out my secret weapons. Some really special treats!

Red Barn Bully Springs or Sticks…

FIREWORK FRUSTRATIONS

I like these because they come from free range cattle, and they don’t stink  up those furry paws. Digestible and a natural source of protein, I don’t worry about consumption. I don’t buy these often (maybe twice a year) because they’re way too expensive. It’s like “me” only eating lobster on occasion. #keepsitexciting

KEEP HOPE ALIVE –

Between a great deal of exercise on Tuesday and super fun treats once the fireworks commence – prayerfully they will sit totally content and oblivious to the outside world as I catch up on a few television shows via Hulu.

We’d love to hear your plans and secret weapons on keeping your pup content during the firework frustrations this year.

Be safe and…

FIREWORK FRUSTRATIONS

Liberty is the Breath of Life to Nations ❤️

16 Comments
  • Emma
    July 3, 2017

    Mom says we may have to leave town in the future because she is so sick of the loud pops late into the night waking her up, and Bailie is scared to death too. Madison and I don’t care, but Mom and Bailie don’t get much sleep. It’s so ridiculous! Hope you enjoy the fourth anyway.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 3, 2017

      Each and every year – seems to me like they get worse. I am crossing everyone’s paws that since we are downtown, it will be minimal but something tells me I will be wrong. We’re praying to be right, but preparing for the worst. Be safe and happy 4th.

  • Monika & Sam
    July 3, 2017

    We don’t live far from downtown and there will be 3 straight days of firework shows at the baseball stadium (not to mention scads of illegal fireworks in the neighborhoods) so it will mean as much exercise as we can get in plus higher volume on stereo and TV. This is my least favorite holiday anymore with people forgetting that pets and many uprights do not enjoy the excessive booming noises. I can’t even begin to comprehend how veterans cope this time of year.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 4, 2017

      We’re between the baseball field and the Citadel so I feel your pain and their anguish. I can’t remember the last time I was away with other humans on the 4th of July. I cannot leave the Boys. A few friends and family have extended their invitations to the Boys as well, but I think having them home in the environment that they are most comfortable in – is paramount. Stay strong my friend, we shall come out of this victorious I have no doubt 🙂

  • caren gittleman
    July 3, 2017

    This was a great post with pawesome suggestions. We share in your frustration! Our fireworks started in May and will continue through Labor Day. It’s crazy. I wish they would ban all private displays. Cody isn’t bothered by them, but Dakota sure is!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 4, 2017

      OMDoodle – why so long???? That’s nuts. Like Monika said – how do the Veteran’s cope?

  • Shadow and Ducky's Mom
    July 4, 2017

    Shadow and Ducky never used to be bothered by fireworks – Callie was always my noise-sensitive girl – but as Shadow gets older, she is getting more sensitive to loud noises. So far, the fireworks haven’t been too bad but we’ll see tonight. I reserve judgment until tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, Ducky will either bark back at the noises or sleep through them.

    Have a safe, happy 4th!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 4, 2017

      I prayed for rain – that ain’t happening, so we’ll just wait and see what happens. In any event, I know Harley will be fine because both Doodle Dad and I are both here. Jaxson sort of follows the crowd, so he and I will probably wrestle around the floor and act crazy. Who knows – PAWhaps Harley will join in. Be safe my friend.

  • Jan K
    July 4, 2017

    You have a great plan in place! So far things aren’t too bad in our new neighborhood…though we’ll see what happens tonight.
    Luke will take himself right to the master closet, his safe space (he has a bed in there), and be fine there. Cricket seems to be sleeping more soundly as she gets older so if we can drown any noise out sufficiently she’ll do OK.
    All paws crossed for all of us!

  • M. K. Clinton
    July 6, 2017

    Pierre does not care one iota about fireworks or thunder. Poor Bentley is having quite a week with fireworks and now major thunderstorms moving through our area! He has his Dr. Harvey’s Relax and Dad plays a lot of catch the “red dot” with him.

  • Jeremy
    July 9, 2017

    My area often has thunderstorm which scares my dogs quite a big at night. He will just keep barking non-stop until someone sit next to him and pat him.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 12, 2017

      Hi Jeremy – I used to have to sit with Harley when he was younger. PAWhaps because Jaxson is around he’s a little better but the super special treats that I pull out really help also. Hope this year wasn’t too bad for them. Thanks so stopping by, come back again soon.

  • catsanddogsrock
    April 22, 2020

    Thanks so much for this information. I have to let you know I concur on several of the points you make here and others may require some further review, but I can see your viewpoint.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 2, 2020

      The firework fear is real here in Doodleville.

  • Catsanddogsrock
    April 27, 2020

    I appreciate your all efforts about your thoughts. it’s really good work. well done.
    Best Bully sticks

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 2, 2020

      Thank you!