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Dogs and Fireworks: A Top Ten Survival Guide
Montverde, FL
Monday, June 25, 2007
International Association of Canine Professionals provides help for Independence Day
June XX, 2007 – The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) knows that with the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, dogs across the country will react with fear and anxiety to all the firework celebrations.
"The noise of fireworks can be extremely stressful for dogs," said Cyndy Douan, president and director of education of the International Association of Canine Professionals. "The dog professionals at IACP recommend these top ten strategies to America's dog owners, to help them through all the Fourth of July festivities"
1. DO expose your dog to loud, unexpected noises on a regular basis, especially leading up to a long weekend where fireworks are used. Drop pot lids, toss a soda can with a few pennies in it, slam a door: anything to get your dog accustomed to being startled, so he can practice recovering quickly.
2. DO NOT bring your dog with you to a fireworks celebration.
3. DO provide your dog with a safe, comfortable place that will help her feel more secure amid the scary sights and sounds. Close the blinds to keep out the flashes of color in the sky, and turn up the television or some music to help muffle the sounds.
4. DO NOT lock your dog in a crate; a panicked, frightened dog can easily injure himself in a crate.
5. DO ask your veterinarian if an herbal remedy or prescription sedative may be appropriate for your dog.
6. DO consider giving your dog a highly valued chew toy before the fireworks celebration begins, which may help to keep her mind off the disturbance.
7. DO attach a "house leash" to your dog, to act as an extra long handle, should your dog try to escape or run away.
8. DO NOT comfort or "baby" your dog if he is afraid. Dogs take their cue of how to behave from their owners; if you are acting "strange" by offering soothing words and gestures, your dog may interpret your actions as praise for being frightened, or a confirmation that the fireworks are truly scary.
9. DO act as normal and as "matter of fact" as possible, to help your dog understand that there is nothing to worry about.
10. Most importantly, DO ensure your dog is wearing proper identification in case he manages to escape.
"More dogs escape during holiday celebrations than at any other time," said Ms. Douan. "With a little preparation and an understanding of how to help dogs through their fears, dog owners can help prevent their pet from becoming a statistic this Fourth of July"
Cyndy Douan is President and Director of Education of the International Association of Canine Professionals, a group of trainers, veterinarians, kennel operators, dog walkers, retailers, and other professionals dedicated to the well being of dogs. With an IACP member, you know you're in Safe Hands. Visit the IACP website at www.dogpro.org.
– 30 –
For more information:
Jill Skorochod
Director, Public Relations
International Association of Canine Professionals
IACPpromo@timeandpatience.com
416.487.4292
June XX, 2007 – The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) knows that with the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, dogs across the country will react with fear and anxiety to all the firework celebrations.
"The noise of fireworks can be extremely stressful for dogs," said Cyndy Douan, president and director of education of the International Association of Canine Professionals. "The dog professionals at IACP recommend these top ten strategies to America's dog owners, to help them through all the Fourth of July festivities"
1. DO expose your dog to loud, unexpected noises on a regular basis, especially leading up to a long weekend where fireworks are used. Drop pot lids, toss a soda can with a few pennies in it, slam a door: anything to get your dog accustomed to being startled, so he can practice recovering quickly.
2. DO NOT bring your dog with you to a fireworks celebration.
3. DO provide your dog with a safe, comfortable place that will help her feel more secure amid the scary sights and sounds. Close the blinds to keep out the flashes of color in the sky, and turn up the television or some music to help muffle the sounds.
4. DO NOT lock your dog in a crate; a panicked, frightened dog can easily injure himself in a crate.
5. DO ask your veterinarian if an herbal remedy or prescription sedative may be appropriate for your dog.
6. DO consider giving your dog a highly valued chew toy before the fireworks celebration begins, which may help to keep her mind off the disturbance.
7. DO attach a "house leash" to your dog, to act as an extra long handle, should your dog try to escape or run away.
8. DO NOT comfort or "baby" your dog if he is afraid. Dogs take their cue of how to behave from their owners; if you are acting "strange" by offering soothing words and gestures, your dog may interpret your actions as praise for being frightened, or a confirmation that the fireworks are truly scary.
9. DO act as normal and as "matter of fact" as possible, to help your dog understand that there is nothing to worry about.
10. Most importantly, DO ensure your dog is wearing proper identification in case he manages to escape.
"More dogs escape during holiday celebrations than at any other time," said Ms. Douan. "With a little preparation and an understanding of how to help dogs through their fears, dog owners can help prevent their pet from becoming a statistic this Fourth of July"
Cyndy Douan is President and Director of Education of the International Association of Canine Professionals, a group of trainers, veterinarians, kennel operators, dog walkers, retailers, and other professionals dedicated to the well being of dogs. With an IACP member, you know you're in Safe Hands. Visit the IACP website at www.dogpro.org.
– 30 –
For more information:
Jill Skorochod
Director, Public Relations
International Association of Canine Professionals
IACPpromo@timeandpatience.com
416.487.4292
Martin Deeley
President
International Association of Canine Professionals
Montverde, FL
407-469-2008
407 469 7127
