PHOENIX – June 30, 2006 – Families across America celebrate the Fourth of July by enjoying fireworks – the bigger the display and the louder the explosions, the better. For the family dog however, this patriotic holiday can be a source of extreme fear and stress. Shaken by loud noises and unfamiliar smells, frightened dogs often resort to unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, scratching, and fleeing from the yard or home.
“The Fourth of July holiday is full of noises and smells that can frighten and confuse our pets, often causing them to act out in ways they normally wouldn’t,” said Tammy Senter of Farnam Pet Products. “It is important for owners to recognize the stressors in their pet’s environment, how it can affect them, and most importantly, how to prevent the pet from hurting themselves or others.”
To help avoid undue stress on dogs, the experts at Farnam Pet Products (www.farnampet.com) have developed the following tips for owners to prepare their pooch for firework displays or other loud summer noises such as the occasional thunderstorm.
- Never ignite fireworks around your pets.
- During firework displays, keep pets indoors in a confined and secure area with shades closed. Turn on a TV or radio for added distraction.
- Make sure your dog has ample opportunity to empty its bladder and bowel before the worrisome noises begin.
- If you do take dogs out where there will be fireworks, keep them on a leash and/or in an animal carrier at all times.
- Play a game or distract attention away from storms or fireworks to calm hysterical behavior.
- Keep dog tagged with current and proper identification in the event your pet should stray.
Effective treatment of stress and noise sensitivities for dogs includes the use of pheromone therapy, such as Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) which mimics the comforting pheromones produced naturally by a nursing mother dog. Clinically tested and veterinarian recommended, Comfort Zone with D.A.P. makes a dog feel secure and comfortable, while reducing the animal’s urge to act out destructively.
“Comfort Zone is a valuable tool in creating a harmonious environment for both the pet and their family, not only during boisterous holidays, but all year around,” said Senter. “When used in conjunction with positive training and attention, Comfort Zone will help alleviate stress-related behavior and keep more pets in loving homes and out of shelters.”
About Farnam Pet Products
Celebrating 60 years of sharing your passion for animals, Farnam Companies, Inc. is a leader in the animal health products industry. The Phoenix-based company specializes in behavior modification products, parasite and insect control products, nutritional solutions for animals and products that promote the human/animal bond. For information in the U.S. call toll free at (800) 234-2269, direct at (602) 285-1660 or go to www.farnampet.com on the Internet.
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D.A.P.® is a registered trademark of CEVA Santé Animale
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