715 -675-1700 ꞏ 1300 W Campus Drive, Wausau, WI 54401
Open Mon-Tues-Thurs-Fri 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM ꞏ Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM ꞏ Closed Wednesday and Sunday
REDUCE DOGGY STRESS FROM FIREWORKS
-
Not all dogs like fireworks. Many are bothered by the sudden loud noises and become anxious and afraid. Here are some practical tips to help your dog.
-
Leave your pets at home and indoors in an area where they cannot escape to the outdoors. Pets who are afraid may try to run away
-
Be sure that your pets are wearing identification tags or have microchips in case they do run away or get lost.
-
If possible, stay with your pet but do not try to “over sooth or coddle your dog as this may increase anxiety. The calmer you are the calmer your dog will be.
-
Close all doors and windows and put on background music to muffle the sound.
-
Close curtains and blinds to block the flashing lights.
-
Try to distract your pet with chew toys and games, or play with another pet that does not share his fear
-
Have plenty of fresh water available for your pet
-
If you must take your pet to a fireworks show be sure to bring along a travel kennel that your dog feels safe in.
-
If you have time, desensitization techniques with appropriate sound CDs, such as thunder, fireworks, trains, sirens, etc. may help pets get used to the sounds at a lower volume, then as they become more comfortable, gradually increase the volume.
-
We carry a selection of calming products specifically designed, and proven safe, for pets
-
A note about medication
-
Some people choose to give their dogs Benadryl or Melatonin. DO NOT give these to your dog unless you have consulted your Veterinarian. Even if you have read online or friends have told you about success with doing this remember every dog is different. These drugs could have serious side effects in some dogs, especially those with certain medical conditions.
-
Remember. July 4th is not the only time during the summer when a dog may be exposed to fireworks. Try to be aware of when fireworks will be going off in your area and be prepared to help calm your pet
pet health during warm summer weather
WARM WEATHER SAFETY
Never, ever leave your pet in a hot car. It takes only minutes for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car. Our Pet Heat Index chart shows you how hot it can get inside a car in just a few minutes!
It’s not just the heat, it’s the humidity. Animals reduce heat in their body by panting. This evaporates moisture from their lungs which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is high their ability to cool down is reduced and their temperature can skyrocket to dangerous levels very quickly
Do not rely on a fan. A fan may be great for you, but pets respond differently to heat. Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet.) And fans do not cool off pets as effectively as they do people.
Limit exercise on hot days. On extremely hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing.
Keep the paws in mind. Walking your pet on hot asphalt can burn their paws, and increase body temperature and lead to overheating.
Make sure your pet ALWAYS has plenty of water. If you and your pet are out in the sun for an extended period of time make sure there’s plenty of water available to avoid dehydration. See our pet hydration chart on this page to learn just how much water your pet needs.
Provide ample shade: Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don't obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.
Haircuts. If you have a pet with a thick coat, consider a haircut! One inch is a good length to avoid sunburn (yes, pets can get sunburns too!) and keep your pet cool. Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
Keep pets safe at barbeques. Backyard barbeques are a lot of fun, but the food and drinks offered can be bad for pets. Keep your pets away from alcohol and foods like grapes, onions, and chocolate. For a more complete list of common summer foods that could harm you pet visit this ASPCA web site page: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
Keep your pets away from fireworks. Pets don’t understand the risks of painful burns or fatal injuries from fireworks. Keep them safe by keeping them on a leash. Some fireworks also contain chemicals toxic to pets like potassium nitrate and arsenic. Not to mention, the loud noises can be frightening and disturbing to pets (remember, their hearing is many times better than ours). It is always best to leave your pets home when you go to large fireworks shows this summer. Ask your vet about calming treats to help reduce the anxiety many pets get from the noise of fireworks.
.
Insecticides and other lawn chemicals: Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance.
