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Are Your Pets Scared of Fireworks?

PetSugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00:03 -0700

Happy Fourth of July! I've shared my tips to prep pets for firecrackers, but for those of you who can hear them from your homes, are your pets ever affected?

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To the Rescue: Fireworks Are Scary!

PetSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Fireworks can be very frightening to a dog . . . even deadly! Since 'tis the season of sparklers, I'm offering some quick tips to help your pets cope with these scary sounds.

While it's fun to include dogs in your activities, this is one they should definitely sit out! Please keep your animals inside during the noisemaking. If you've got a pet that goes out, make sure he does his business before the display, or can wait until after it's done.
Close all doors, windows, curtains, and blinds. Turn on the television or radio to drown out the noise (as best as possible).
Try to distract your pet with special guests, brand-new toys, or rare treats right before the display starts . . . if possible in a room furthest away from the noises like a basement.
If your pet takes off into hiding, let him be. Trying to lure out a frightened creature while the scary stuff's still happening is not a good idea . . . and extra stressful!

There are many soothing products you can get from Feliway and Dog Appeasing Pheromone to special fireworks CDs, either to purchase or as free downloads (when you right-click). To use these audio effects with a pet, start playing at a low volume and build up to normal volume over time. If you play repeatedly, furry friends can get desensitized to the noise (at a level from inside the house).

Remember, if it's loud to you, it's definitely too loud for your dog – canines can hear sounds at an ultra-high frequency (like those "silent" dog whistles) and can register sounds three times greater than your ear can – keep your pets safe!

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Scaredy Dog

PetSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 03:00:43 -0800

North is normally a pretty quiet pup that only occasionally barks at a knock at the door or a ringing telephone. However, a guaranteed, ten-minute tizzy starter is the buzzer at my building's entranceway. My friends know to always phone but never ring when they arrive, but for deliveries or unexpected guests, I'm left no choice but to answer the door while I'm trying to talk him down.

This is the same pup who is virtually unaffected by fire trucks (unless we're crossing the street), thunder, and fireworks . . . but, in addition to the door buzzer, he hates the slamming of metal shop gates. My best guess is the loudness – and closeness – is what always sets him off. Is he all alone here in his silliness or do you have pets that react to loud, surprising noises? Please share with us in your comments below!

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Would You Buy a Black Light?

PetSugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:10:06 -0700

Although pets can be caught in the act of an accident, if you're not home, how do you know if that couch smells a little pee-y because a potty break took place . . . or due to your overactive imagination fearing that very occurrence? While you may most associate black lights with those velvety, fluorescent posters, the special ultraviolet rays can reveal urine, vomit, and other substances not visible to the naked eye. When held a couple of feet above carpets, sofas, chairs, or sheets, a black light can reveal a yellow-greenish color if stains are present.

Animal Phobias: What Are You Scared Of, Part II?

PetSugar — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:00:33 -0800

Did you ace the last quiz on pets people could be scared of? This quiz is a bit more challenging as it delves deeper into terms for animal phobias - from fears of chickens to all sorts of insects, check yourself . . . if you're not too scared, that is!

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Animal Phobias: What Are You Scared Of, Part I?

PetSugar — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:00:21 -0800

Although I was definitely a nyctophobic child (who insisted on sleeping with a nightlight), my love for animals started even at that age. Since I know not everyone loves kitties, puppies, and other pets as much as I do, I've picked fears of common creatures seen as pets for this quiz. Do you know the words or feel the fears yourself? Test yourself - you may just learn something new!

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Do Tell: What Is Your Pet's Zaniest Fear?

PetSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:00:09 -0700

I can't help but giggle as the lil smooshy seems determined to launch a sneak attack on this unsuspecting flutterer . . . if Paul could just get over his fear of the ~~beautiful~~ big, bad butterfly that is. Now North only walks all the way around grates on the sidewalks and jumps over puddles but, if it moves, my brat is determined to catch it. What about your pets? I'd love to hear your animals' fears and phobias below – the sillier the better!

I Need Your Help . . . How to Deal With "Happy Pee"

PetSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:00:26 -0700

Over the weekend, I met a Maltese with a bit of a pee-pee problem. The owner scooped her up, apologized profusely when I wanted into the apartment, and admitted she had no idea how to predict or stop this.

Flashback to a childhood friend of mine: we knew to knock on her door and immediately step back so her pooch would come outside to greet us . . . and thus pee on the steps, not in the foyer. This accidental piddling often occurs around new voices and people in the home - some believe it's a nervous reaction that comes from fear, while others term it "happy pee" since it often happens around strangers/excitement. If you've experienced this submissive behavior, share your thoughts on it, and how to deal, in the comments below!

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I Need Your Help . . . Co-worker Won't Stop Breed Stereotyping!

PetSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:15:26 -0700

This insanely adoro pooch is named Harley – personally, I don't see how could you not love her cute face?! Well, seems her owner BloodyFuFu faces the problem that (sadly) many pittie owners see: people who want nothing to do with this breed based on things they've "heard."

Since they're in a pet-friendly office, several people bring dogs and she's worked with several co-workers to help them see how sweet her pooch is . . . but one has been scared of Harley since the pup was rescued two years ago and passed that fear on to her own dog. BloodyFuFu shares in the Pet Peeves group:

I can tell my dog's intentions from the pitch of her bark to her movements to her posture and I know that Harley sees this other dog as a potential playmate. The problem is really that due to fear, this woman sees Harley as a threat, her dog sees Harley as a threat, and she doesn't see when her dog is the aggressor or make any attempts to control her dog. I feel bad for trying to correct my dog for wanting to play, but I don't know what else to do. This woman also recently moved offices so now she is right next door and it seems like this will be a major issue. What can I do about someone that is unwilling to look past stereotypes and be comfortable with my dog? I don't want constant tension between the dogs, but if the owner is unwilling the dog is unwilling.

Please offer any advice below!

Kitty Lovers, Just Say "No Thanks" to Easter Lilies!

PetSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:00:26 -0700

I've shared doggy dangers lurking in your Easter basket, but I wanted to remind you about a popular holiday flower that should never be brought into a home that includes cats.

Easter lilies are one of the most poisonous flowers for kitties. In fact, just one or two leaves or flowers can fatally harm a feline so, even if you think your pet will show no interest in this plant, please take no chances. This lily (along with Tiger, Asiatic, and other varieties) causes depression then vomiting, loss of appetite, and loss in body weight with the first symptoms showing up within 30 minutes . . . and acute renal failure coming at about 48 hours post-ingestion.

Please brush up on the ASPCA toxic plant list (and have their poison control hotline on hand) and rush any pet you fear has gotten a hold of this stem to the doctor immediately!

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