As a rule I try not to repeat stories BUT I am not sure what the DOG is going on but my inbox, FB and cell have been flooded the last week with lost/found dogs. So with more funky weather this is a good time to remind everyone to do a Safety check. NO matter how careful you are it only takes one quick moment and your pet can be lost. So PLEASE take a little time this evening to make some simple checks to keep your pet safe!
- ID. Make sure your pet has accurate tags on their collar and that the collar is secure. Also if you have moved since your pet was microchip don’t forget to update that info.
- Inspect. Your fence line, gate latches and possible holes. Wind can make quick order of loose boards, faulty latches and weak posts. Holes in/under your fence can provide an escape route for your frightened dog.. so make sure they can’t get out.
- Sharpie. In instances of extreme weather like tornadoes or hurricanes it makes sense to write your cell number in sharpie marker on them, or inside their ear. In emergency situations shelter/rescue staff will look and may be able to contact you faster than waiting for them to be scanned for a chip.
- Records. I also keep a copy of my pets shot records on my email and cell phone. If you need to evacuate you will need records.
- Say CHEESE! Take a picture and keep it with you to help identify your pet and to provide info to rescue personal so they may identify your dog.
- Have a Plan. If you are in an evacuation area part of your plan should include supplies for your pets.
- Shelter in Place. Those of us with mulitple danes in the home have to take space into considerations. Is your shelter big enough for all your family and danes? Do you have leashes in your shelter space… our interior bathroom has leashes in the cabinet.
- Storm Shelter. If you have an underground shelter practice going in and out with your pet so it is a familiar activity/event for your pet.
Another problem is one I hear about often… Storm Anxiety in Dogs. Your normally sweet pup becomes a hot mess during a thunder storm… This is harder and I have no easy answers… so I am going to list some places you may find something that works for your pet/family. Not all things work for every dog so do your research and talk to your veterinarian for the best option for your family. This is just a sampling of what I found.
Patricia McConnell, PhD, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, (CAAB) has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is known worldwide as an expert on canine and feline behavior and dog training. Everything from behaivior training, music, scent, medications and more…. so do your research! Here site has several articles on dealing with Thunderstorms and anxiety.
Sometimes your veterinarian will issue medications. The
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/behavioral-medications-dogs
Several people have reported having success with either safety wrapping or ThunderShirt, uses gentle hugging to calm your dog or cat. With its patented design, ThunderShirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs and cats if they are anxious, fearful or overexcited.
I even found this video using a t shirt
As a rule I try not to repeat stories BUT I am not sure what the DOG is going on but my inbox, FB and cell have been flooded the last week with lost/found dogs. So with more funky weather this is a good time to remind everyone to do a Safety check. NO matter how careful you are it only takes one quick moment and your pet can be lost. So PLEASE take a little time this evening to make some simple checks to keep your pet safe!
- ID. Make sure your pet has accurate tags on their collar and that the collar is secure. Also if you have moved since your pet was microchip don’t forget to update that info.
- Inspect. Your fence line, gate latches and possible holes. Wind can make quick order of loose boards, faulty latches and weak posts. Holes in/under your fence can provide an escape route for your frightened dog.. so make sure they can’t get out.
- Sharpie. In instances of extreme weather like tornadoes or hurricanes it makes sense to write your cell number in sharpie marker on them, or inside their ear. In emergency situations shelter/rescue staff will look and may be able to contact you faster than waiting for them to be scanned for a chip.
- Records. I also keep a copy of my pets shot records on my email and cell phone. If you need to evacuate you will need records.
- Say CHEESE! Take a picture and keep it with you to help identify your pet and to provide info to rescue personal so they may identify your dog.
- Have a Plan. If you are in an evacuation area part of your plan should include supplies for your pets.
- Shelter in Place. Those of us with mulitple danes in the home have to take space into considerations. Is your shelter big enough for all your family and danes? Do you have leashes in your shelter space… our interior bathroom has leashes in the cabinet.
- Storm Shelter. If you have an underground shelter practice going in and out with your pet so it is a familiar activity/event for your pet.
Another problem is one I hear about often… Storm Anxiety in Dogs. Your normally sweet pup becomes a hot mess during a thunder storm… This is harder and I have no easy answers… so I am going to list some places you may find something that works for your pet/family. Not all things work for every dog so do your research and talk to your veterinarian for the best option for your family. This is just a sampling of what I found.
Patricia McConnell, PhD, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, (CAAB) has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals. She is known worldwide as an expert on canine and feline behavior and dog training. Everything from behaivior training, music, scent, medications and more…. so do your research! Here site has several articles on dealing with Thunderstorms and anxiety.
Sometimes your veterinarian will issue medications. The
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/behavioral-medications-dogs
Several people have reported having success with either safety wrapping or ThunderShirt, uses gentle hugging to calm your dog or cat. With its patented design, ThunderShirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs and cats if they are anxious, fearful or overexcited.
I even found this video using a t shirt