Happy 4th of July! Tips to Help Pets Handle Fireworks

See “Calming Aids” below:

APPLE VALLEY — Every summer, local pet owners face the challenge of keeping their animals safe as temperatures rise and illegal fireworks echo across the Victor Valley.

Pet owners have reported their dogs cowered in fear or escaped yards and ran away as the sound of illegal fireworks began the weeks preceding and following the Fourth of July.

Gina Whiteside, animal services manager for the Town of Apple Valley Animal Services Department, told the Daily Press nearly 90 percent of the calls they receive during the summer holiday season are for stray dogs in traffic.

Whiteside said many of the animals jump fences, dig holes and escape property through small gaps in barriers. She added that oftentimes pet owners are caught off guard every summer when the sound of fireworks begin ringing out.

The 12th annual Spring Valley Lake Association Family Festival is scheduled for Saturday and some pet owners, such as Margie Collins, 67, are already taking precautions.

“I finally learned my lesson with my three dogs after a few of these firework shows,” said Collins, a 10-year resident of SVL. “After two of my dogs ran away, I started giving them a mild sedative and crating them in a room with loud music.”

Many pet owners said they give their animals over-the-counter “calming aids” (see Calming Aids and Natural Supplements below)

Pet experts suggest animal owners place their pets at a local kennel if they can’t care for them at home. For pets that are especially anxious, owners should consult their veterinarian.

In anticipation of the Independence Day holiday, the Apple Valley Shelter is offering free pet microchips through June 30 for residents living in Apple Valley and in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County only.

The Apple Valley Animal Shelter offers the microchip service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at the shelter, 22131 Powhatan Road, for all Apple Valley residents and anyone in the unincorporated county areas. For more information, call 760-240-7000, ext. 7554.

Calming Aids:

Try something like a pet wrap. Use an old scarf at least 4 times as long as the width of your pet. Wrap them like this: 

Many animals enjoy the comfort of being held close, but some do not. Even if you are available to hold them, you might not be able to hold them as tightly as an aid like this can. Set aside a scarf or rag for this purpose and try it next time you expect severe weather.

For every day anxiety it may be worth purchasing some natural products to soothe frayed nerves. Pets with dementia, Cushing’s Disease, Lyme Disease and severe arthritis or other chronic pain syndromes  can benefit from natural Amino Acids in supplements or in the diet.

There are 5 brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) which are made from Amino Acids which are found in proteins. Julia Ross, M.A. is an expert in using Amino Acids in her clinical practice (on humans, these supplements are also very effective on animals)

Picture credit: Pinterest

1. Endorphins, our naturally comforting pain killers
2. Serotonin, our natural anti-depressant and sleep-promoter
3. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric-acid), our natural tranquilizer
4. Catecholamines, our natural energizers and mental focusers
5. Glucose; adequate levels keep our brains fuel supplies stable (that means few cravings and little moodiness)

According to Julia Ross, M.A. the key neurotransmitters are made of amino acids. There are at least twenty-two amino acids contained in high protein foods such as fish, eggs, chicken, and beef, including the nine amino acids that are considered essential for humans. Other foods, such as grains and beans, have fewer aminos, so they need to be carefully combined to provide a complete protein (for example, rice and beans, or corn and nuts). Even then these foods contain much less protein, and the carb content is much higher.

Dr Karen Becker, a renowned Holistic Veterinarian recommends the use of supplementation of L-Tryptophan for the production of Seratonin, the  chemical which gives animals (and people) a feeling of contentment and calm.

Tryptophan is one of the large neutral amino acids (LNAA) that can cross the blood-brain barrier depending on how much free tryptophan and other LNAA are available in the body.

Increasing dietary tryptophan through supplementation can increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which has been shown to reduce aggression and improve recovery from stress in some animals. Even though tryptophan is found in protein-containing foods, it is in relatively small supply compared to other LNAA. And in fact, a high protein meal actually decreases the ratio of tryptophan to other LNAA. This is why dietary supplementation is recommended. (complete article)

Natural Supplements:

Gaba (Gamma-amino butyric acid) in sublingual form is an instant tension reliever. Give your dog a tablet to chew* and within seconds you will see a change in demeanor if Gaba is needed by his body.  (For toy breeds you will want to cut the pill in quarters.) Gaba Calm is a sublingual made for humans, but safe for pets. The ingredients are safe and the quantity of Gaba is low as compared to most human supplements.

So you see you have options for anxiety in your pet. Be prepared and keep supplements and a scarf or long rag on hand. Tie Fido up before the fireworks begin, or the thunder starts to rattle your windows. Keep Gaba Calm and Pet Relaxant (for Cats and Dogs) in your pantry and enjoy the fireworks with your pets this year.

Prayers for Pets offers many resources for your pet’s well being this season. So wave a flag and enjoy the fireworks with your friends and neighbors!

*Allow no food or drink for fifteen minutes after tablet is chewed. The orange flavor is recommended, the mint is very strong.

Credit: Hesperia Star and Mercola.com