Santa Clarita, Calif., June 30, 2014 — Independence Day is a time for celebration, reflection and remembrance. However, for pets, this holiday is considered one of the most stressful. From fearful fireworks and toxic glow jewelry, to noxious lighter fluids and stomach-upsetting grilled meats, this holiday is no fun for pets, especially for dogs. With the holiday fast approaching, Animal Behavior College (ABC)https://animalbehaviourcollege.ca/ encourages pet owners to prepare now and take extra precautions to ensure they protect and keep their four-legged friends safe and secure.
“Food and fun that makes the Fourth of July celebration so enjoyable can wreak havoc on our pet’s health,” said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. “The key is to make plans before commemorative activities take place to eliminate distress and prevent potential health hazards.”
ABC offers the following five tips to keep pets calm, safe and tranquil during your celebration:
Prepare in Advance. Make plans in advance to ensure pets are microchipped with current contact information and are wearing a secure collar with appropriate identification tags. Tags should include your name, phone number (preferably your mobile number) and the name and contact information of the microchip company. This will prove helpful in locating your pet in the event he becomes lost or manages to escape.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable and Quiet. Observance activities can overexcite your pet, while festive foods and treats meant for humans can harm your pet’s health. If possible, safely secure your pet away from the soiree. Be sure to communicate clear instructions to guests not to feed your pet, as doing so could cause inflammation of a digestive gland and can be very painful and serious. Alcohol is toxic to dogs and cats. Never leave unattended alcoholic beverages within their reach.
Watch Your Pet Around Children. Some dogs have difficulties interacting with children. They become anxious, stressed and exhibit verbal behaviors and actions such as growling and biting. To avoid negative situations and signs of trouble, closely monitor the interaction between the dog and child. If the dog ignores your command and becomes too aggressive, move him to a secure area or crate.
Hire a Pet Sitter. With an abundance of activities and guests to tend, hiring a pet sitter is an option. Pet sitters adhere to your pet’s routine, provide exercise and walks, administer water and feedings and spend quality time. This personalized care not only relieves owners of guilt and worry, but also gives them an opportunity to relax and fully enjoy their guest and festivities.
Move Pet to a Quiet, Soothing Area. If a pet sitter is not an option, consider moving your pet to a safe place such as a crate, quiet room or escape-proof part of the house. Be sure to check occasionally to ensure there is plenty of water.
No Fireworks for Fido. For dogs, fireworks and reverberations leave them feeling agitated, startled and stressed. Keep dogs away from fireworks displays and noisy celebrations. Instead, create a peaceful environment by blocking outside sights and sounds, closing blinds and curtains, leaving on the radio or TV and providing their favorite toy or blanket.
Lastly, should your dog get scared and escape, contact your local animal shelter and animal control agency right away.
Animal Behavior College offers three certifications: Dog Obedience Program (DOP), Grooming Instruction Program (GIP) and Veterinary Assistant Program). Additionally, ABC offers a variety of continuing education programs (CEPs) on several subjects including, cat management and training, pet nutrition, pet massage, pet sitting and training shelter dogs.
For more information about Animal Behavior College, visit our website at www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com.
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About Animal Behavior College
Animal Behavior College is the premier international vocational school specializing in certified animal career training programs. ABC has created a powerful team of skilled advocates who are devoted to nurturing the human-animal bond through dog training, veterinary assisting and pet grooming. The founders of ABC have spent years developing and perfecting affordable career programs, which combine home learning with hands-on training externships with professional mentors. To date, more than 24,200 students have enrolled in ABC programs and the alumni group boasts the largest number of certified dog trainers in the United States.