Press Releases

MAT RELEASE — FIREWORKS AND NEIGHBORHOOD NOISE
Fireworks and Summer Storms Don’t Have to be so Scary for Family Pets

April 25, 2008 – Summer has arrived and the Fourth of July is just around the corner.  For families that means barbequing outdoors, family get-togethers and fireworks, but for family pets it can become a stressful time from increased neighborhood noise, storms and fireworks.

“The summer can be a difficult time for pets with family barbeques bringing around more visitors and the loud noises of fireworks especially in July.   However, recognizing these changes in your dog’s environment and planning ahead can decrease the amount of discomfort your pet experiences,” said Dr. Debra Nickelson, D.V.M.  “Using pheromone based products such as Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone), is perfect for overly-agitated dogs helping them remain calm in unfamiliar or stressful scenarios.”

“My dog Edy is fairly calm overall, but whenever there is thunder or loud noises he shakes uncontrollably, whimpers and hides in our bedroom,” says Eric Kardesh pet parent of a two-year old Vizsla.  “To make him feel calm, I always make sure his favorite blanket is in his crate, with a fresh application of a pheromone based product, which helps him feel safe and protected.”

To make your pet feel more at ease this summer during firework displays, neighborhood get-togethers and thunderstorms plan ahead with these simple solutions:

Before you leave:

• Keep your dog indoors in a confined and secure area, such as their crate while you are gone to help your dog feel safe and secure while decreasing destructive behaviors due to stress. 
• To avoid any accidents make sure you give your dog adequate time to go the bathroom before you leave the house.
• Put a favorite toy or blanket with your dog for added reassurance.
• Pheromone based products, such as Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® can be a useful tool helping to calm and soothe dogs having trouble coping with the stress of loud noises from outside when they are home alone.  Applying this product to a blanket inside your dog’s crate or on their bandana will reduce any general hyperactivity, barking or nervous chewing that may occur. 
• Keep the shades closed and turn on the TV or radio to drown out noise from fireworks or loud outside activity.  “Usually I’ll find someone to pet sit during the Fourth of July,” said Rachel Van Buskirk.  “But when I can’t find anyone for the day, it seems to help if I leave some music to distract my dog from outside noises.”

If you’re planning on taking your companion with you for fireworks or neighborhood festivities, it is important to make sure you are prepared.  To ensure your dog and those around you remain safe, make sure to use these tips:

Out and About:

• Keep your dog on a leash or in an animal carrier at all times. 
• Do not leave your dog in the car that can heat up significantly leading to serious health consequences, even death.
• Double-check to make sure your dog is wearing current identification and tags in case your dog should stray.  If possible, consider a microchip for you dog which can be scanned if found by a shelter.
• Make sure to bring some treats and a water bowl to keep your dog hydrated while you are outside.
• Know your dog’s temperament.  If your dog is not good around children or familiar with crowds consider leaving your dog behind for the safety of everyone. 

Pet parents looking for additional tips and advice can visit http://www.petcomfortzone.com/pet-adviace.php for more information. 

More Tips and Information/Sidebar:

First steps to take if your dog escapes:

• Act immediately – Remember the longer you wait to act, the further your pet may travel, encountering greater risks.   
• Make sure to check the surrounding areas thoroughly whether it’s around your house or in the neighborhood your pet was lost.
• Call your local animal shelters.  There’s a strong possibility your lost dog could have already been picked up by animal control. 
• Put up easy to read signs in the vicinity your dog was lost including a description/photo of your dog, a phone number and any additional relevant information.  It doesn’t hurt to add a reward just be sure not to list a specific monetary amount.
• Contact your local daily newspaper to place an ad for your lost pet.