We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful Cane Corso named Caesar
We got Caesar at 8 weeks, and he was 15 lbs, now at 14 weeks he’s up to 41 lbs. He loves chewing and is very curious about everything. He likes to shake a paw and gives “high 5’s”
Caesar loves going on walks with his friend Teddy, the poodle. We found out, by accident, that Caesar likes to swim, and there he was swimming around dog paddling.
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
While many cities and townships are phasing out fireworks, they are still a long weekend celebration for many people.
Fireworks can be scary for our pets, as they are loud unexpected noises with flashing lights that come without any warning. Here are a few tips that may help ease the anxiety that some K9’s may experience during that evening.
First, keeping your K9 inside, with doors and windows closed, even curtains drawn, will help dampen the noise from the firework festivities.
Walking your K9 before the fireworks begin and before it gets dark is ideal. When you return home, from your walk, you can offer a den-like enclosure or crate to help assist your K9 to feel a little more at ease. Remember dogs are den animals, and they feel safe and secure in their “den”.
If your K9 starts to pace or whine, YOU must stay calm and relaxed, this will reassure your dog.
If you try to overly coddle or comfort your K9, this will indicate to your dog, something is wrong and add to their stress. Remember dogs are very intuitive.
Each K9 is different regarding their response to the firework display and noise. Daisy, our yellow lab, hides. Jaxon our German Shepherd paces and pants, yet my dad’s hunting dogs are okay because they are desensitized to the noise because they are used to gunfire.
We found over the years, many of our dogs, all with different personalities, that classical music seems to help settle the most anxious of our dogs.
Keeping your K9’s water bowl full is a great idea for the anxious dogs, as they are constantly panting.
On the market there are different types of pheromones, which may help calm your K9. Theses pheromones are available in a spray, diffusers or even in a collar, that are all pet friendly. Ren’s carries most of these products.
There is also over-the-counter melatonin supplement that offer anxiety relief, but you MUST ask your veterinarian about appropriate dosage for your dog.
You can also speak to your vet about anxiety medications for your K9, if needed.
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