July 4th and your Greyhound

Post date: Jun 29, 2014 6:50:11 PM

I'm reposting this from an email Cindy recently sent out to our adopters/volunteers mailing list. --Erica

Please remember that your greyhound might be frightened by the noises and sights of the 4th of July celebrations.

• Remind your guests not to feed your greyhound, even though they might plead with those sad eyes.
• Keep all the doors secured, because a frightened dog can push through an unlatched door.
• If your greyhound should escape call us at 877-211-1451 and your local animal control as soon as possible. Always keep your greyhound's collar on with the GAGR ID tag.
• Provide a “safe” place so that “escape” and security is possible for a scared dog. The crate with its door open is always a good plan. Access to the favorite spot in the bedroom, closet, bathroom should always be available.
• Give your greyhound something enticing to focus on, which may help distract him from the noises outside. Try something really special that he rarely gets, like a meaty bone or a unique toy with ports for adding treats such as peanut butter or cream cheese.
• Make sure that fence gates are kept closed.
• Keep radio or TV volume up, which may deafen the sounds of fireworks.
• Close blinds and pull shades so that flashing lights are dimmed/eliminated.
• Allow the dog outside only when it can be supervised by someone from the family to whom the dog will respond. This is not the time for a guest to volunteer to “watch” the dog. A frightened dog may attempt to jump a fence that ordinarily provides security. Better Yet: Even if you have a fenced-in yard in which your dog normally has free run, take him/her out on a leash during times of loud noises and/or flashing lights. Even the calmest dog can panic and sprint/scale over a fence when frightened/spooked by lights or noise. Make sure that the collar is secure. Houdini capers are common in times of surprise or fear.
• Keep routines as normal as possible.
• Feed lightly if the dog does seem stressed.
• Provide water since many will want to drink more when upset.
• Take short walks and come back if the dog seems to be nervous. Most feel most safe in familiar surroundings.
• DO NOT TAKE THEM TO THE FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!
• Keep guests away from the dog's crate and surrounding area.
• CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN if you have real concerns for your dog's safety and/or welfare. There are a variety of options available to calm and make your dog feel safer during traumatic events like loud sounds and flashing lights.
• And if your greyhound is new to the family, and you don't know if s/he will become frightened, assume that it will, and take the necessary precautions. Better safe than sorry.......................

Many of our adopters have recommended "Thundershirts." Here is their website: http://www.thundershirt.com/. They are sold at local Petco stores.

Cindy Bauer

President

E-mail: contact@greyhoundadopt.org