Posts Tagged ‘new years’
Tranquilize your dog on New Years
December 26th, 2009
a way to escape!Dogs and fireworks don’t mix well. During this time of year, many dogs live in several days worth of terror and anxiety and many go missing. These are a few tips to help to ease doggy through this noisy time and keep him safe.
I don’t know about everywhere else but Hawaii has a huge new years tradition of blowing everything up that money can legally buy and for some people what money can illegally buy. It’s really fun to watch the next door neighbor’s 20 minute private arial display. The noise and smoke at midnight are awesome as everyone simultaneously blows up their 10,000 chinese fire cracker strings. This year the firework of choice seems to be a mini bomb that explodes and echos like thunder and sets of car alarms and dog barking alike. Needless to say not every dog can handle the war scene of New years in Hawaii.
Anecdotally, I’ve heard of people traditionally getting their dogs hammered before new years to keep them happy. Others contact their vet for tranquilizers. Probably others use cold medicines like benadryl to make their dogs wonky. While I’m pretty sure all of these methods work to keep doggy quiet and unable to run in circles and knock things over, I don’t think I can recommend getting your dog intoxicated!
If an owner judges that tranquilizers may be needed to help keep doggy from becoming a quivering puddle of puppy, it is important to make a call to the vet. Ask them what options you have and how to use the tranquilizers. I have been advised to give my dogs benadryl before for allergies and found that it also makes dogs sleepy. This may be an easy option but be sure to consult the vet to find out the appropriate dosage. There are also other tranquilizers that a vet can prescribe to help conquer anxiety.
I’m sure not everyone in the country is going to literally burn a couple of hundred dollars but some people may be having holiday parties that doggy may not be invited to. In either event, there is a need to create a safe and quiet environment for the holidays. If the dog already has a crate that it enjoys move the crate to a quiet room that’s out of the way. A room that has several obstacles to escape is preferable as many dogs run away from home out of fear during new years celebration. If doggy doesn’t already have a crate, owners can help by creating a doggy den for doggy to feel safe in. A fast way to create a small den would be to cover up a table with a blanket or even get a big cardboard box.
On new years eve, taking doggy for a vigorous, and long walk might help wear doggy out before the fireworks start. During the evening doggy can be allowed to hang out in the chosen room. If you have chosen to tranquilize your dog, follow the directions and choose the appropriate time to administer those.
Turning on a radio or tv could help to block out some noise. Close all of the curtains and windows especially if there is going to be a lot of smoke in your area. Leave a bowl of water for puppy. Feed puppy before leaving her in her safe room. Try to time it so that puppy can go potty right before things start to heat up. Puppy may not be so keen on going to the bathroom with tons of fireworks and smoke blowing up all around her. Make sure to keep the door closed to prevent escape. Also doggy may appreciate a nice bone to chew to keep busy.
As a last suggestion, make sure puppy is wearing a collar and their tags. With all of the commotion of the holidays dogs frequently go missing and their absence may not be noticed for hours. If the dog has no tags the chances of being happily reunited with your pet goes down. Even if puppy is indoors, dogs are smart and may find a way to escape!
