Mt Vernon Dog Show

Dogs don't react well to fireworks

MOUNT VERNON — Dogs and fireworks don’t mix and it’s because of fireworks that the July 4th weekend is the top weekend of the year for lost pets.

Knox County Dog Warden Jim St. Clair said there are things you can do to minimize your dog’s reaction to fireworks, which can sound like thunder and trigger the same fears. Remember that a dog’s hearing is about 10 times more sensitive than a human’s and the noise of fireworks can be physically painful.

He passed along some tips compiled by Columbus Area Animal Rescue to help your dog cope with fireworks:

•Bring pets indoors before dark; do not leave your dog outside. Panic can enable a dog to jump a fence that would normally contain it and tie-outs can cause serious injuries, including strangulation and death.

•Take your dog on his evening walk before the fireworks start. It only takes one boom for a dog to panic, bolt and yank the leash out of your hand.

•Ask neighbors with “outside dogs” to put the dog in a garage or shed. If they refuse, make sure the chain or tie-out is not long enough to get to a fence. Every year, dogs on tie-outs jump fences and hang themselves.

•Close your windows and doors. It will help dampen the sound for your dog and could prevent your dog from jumping out a window or running through a screen door.

•Provide a safe, quiet place for your pet to hide, such as a closet or small bathroom. Provide a dog bed or lots of blankets and get your pet interested in this place before the fireworks.

•Give a “kong” (a heavy rubber toy with a hollow space for a treat such as peanut butter) or similar interactive food toy to keep your dog occupied during the fireworks.

•Turn a TV or radio up loud enough to help block the sounds of the fireworks. You can also use a noise machine.

If your dog has a history of problems with fireworks or thunderstorms, talk to your vet about possible medications to help calm your dog. St. Clair said some dog owners have been known to give their dog acepromazine (a sedative) during fireworks, but that drug causes increased sensitivity to sound.

Random Thoughts on Random Things: Weekend? What weekend?

As noted, TODAY starts the 2011 Linn County Fair. Horse/Pony game show-Ms only has one entry in that with the egg-n-spoon class. Then it's back home to wash chickens for the poultry show on Thursday. In between she and Dad are finishing up the final touches on the rocket and getting things packed for entry in horticulture and her visual arts project. Which I might add, is super cute this year. Took an idea from a tv show and expanded on it. Photos after judging, which is tomorrow. Then poultry entry Wed, show Thursday, Friday clip horses, Saturday draft horse pull and draft demo, set up dog after the goat show is done. Sunday dog show, Monday horse show. MONDAY was the day for bargins though! David found his feed grinder at Hanson's Grove-which he some what regretted our parking spot as he had to carry it all the way back! The Ms found a breyer she didn't have and even got a deal on it-she's learning the fine art of wheelin'-n-dealin'. To Mt Vernon and the Lincoln Hwy Show--found my plant stand, two collie statues, a ring at the Silver Spider, homemade short bread, and hum, what else, oh, David found heehee- a handle for the gate--made out of an old Ford wrench. Then to Marion for more deals--we were dragging and it was only noon! Home-puppies are now in general population and Merlot is not liking it. Over possesive is an understatement with her. Nap time for humans, actually we spent about an hour with our feet soaking in the wading pool while The Ms teased Max with the hose-he was banned to the outside until he dried off. Secure all dogs, head to Central City for fire works.

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