Doggone Etiquette —

July 4th Celebrations

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:          

Things that are fun for people are often no fun at all for you dogs. One of them is something called 4th of July Fireworks. There’s a huge BANG that is terrifying, then an enormous flash of colored lights in the sky. All the people look up and say, “Ohhhh. . . beautiful.” If it takes place in a park, it goes on for hours. If it’s next door or down the street, it doesn’t last as long. Wise dog that you are, you’d rather be in a bomb shelter than subjected to this form of incomprehensible people entertainment.          

There are other events you need to be careful about. For example, if you’re invited to a 4th of July picnic. Holiday picnics can be fun, especially if there are lots of kids to play with, but not all their games include you. Baseball bats are not chew sticks. Bats can hurt. A chewed up baseball mitt will give you a bad tummy ache. Barbeques are good (especially the hotdogs and hamburgers) but mind your manners. No stealing. Sit & Beg is the way to go. Kids’ hands may be closer to your mouth, but don’t steal their ice cream cones either.

A Word to the Dog’s Owners:  

Plan ahead and don’t take any chances over this holiday weekend. Rufus belongs in the house. If he shows any sign of nervousness at thunder, he will react the same way or worse at the first sound of nearby fireworks. Put him in his crate, or other confined space that HE considers safe with his favorite toy. Do not take your dog to any fireworks display because it is simply not safe. Every year dogs are terrified by the noise, race off and become lost.  It is a perfectly natural reaction to sounds that any animal would feel are unnatural and frightening. This is not what otherwise might be called hyperactivity – it’s just plain old self-preservation! Dogs are good at it.               

If you’re traveling over the weekend, be sure Rufus travels in the car either in a crate or harnessed to a seat belt.  (Yes, dogs can now use seat belts! Ask in the pet store.) Take water with you and sufficient food for your trip – and treats! Check the leash and collar to be sure they are not frayed and that his license and rabies tags are secure.  Here’s another little (just in case) doggy travel tip: in the glove compartment, keep a good clear photo of Rufus and write his license and micro-chip information on the back.                        

I covered the rule about never leaving a dog in the car, but here it is again because it is that important.  Never, ever, not even for “just a minute” leave Rufus in the car on a warm (not necessarily hot) day. Not even with the windows open. Not even parked in the shade. Also, never let Rufus hang his head out the car window. The thought of vet bills for the eye damage incurred should make you stop that one pronto.           

Go to a drive-in for lunch, and stop for dinner at night when the temperature has dropped and you can park in the shade. Leave the windows open a crack and check on the dog between courses. Lots of motels, B&B’s and inns today accept canine guests. Check it out when you make reservations. You might want to check it out with Aunt Martha, too, if you’ll be staying at her house. Manners make a difference so brush up on basic obedience.   

Some foods that are apt to be around the house during holidays are poisonous to dogs. For example, all chocolate in all forms including cocoa and chocolate drink mixes, raisins and grapes, onions and scallions, and several varieties of nuts (macadamia in particular). 

The biggest problem with all these warnings is the well-worn reaction that always rears its ugly head. Someone – anyone – in the family (or visiting friends) after the disaster, will say, “Oh, I didn’t know that.” Let this holiday be the start of a big happy summer! Be sure each member of the family, including each person just visiting, knows all the rules and the reasons for them.               

Until next time – Have a Wonderful 4th of July!

- Bardi

                            

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me! which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award this year.