It’s summertime and the livin’s easy, as the old familiar song goes. In our extreme climate, it’s not quite that simple. Just as we crave air conditioned comfort, so do our pets. Summer can be especially difficult for our dogs, so we asked our friends, Michelle Carroll of Critter Sitters and Dyanah Hermann Musgrave of ForTheHealthOfOurPets.com for their tips on keeping our fur family safe and comfortable in this heat. Here’s what they told us.
Michelle let us know:
As temperatures soar above 100°F here in Boulder City, we know how tough it is to keep our pups exercised and entertained. Many dog owners have had to scale back their regular walks to avoid overheating, burnt paw pads, or even heatstroke.
- Fruits like bananas, apples, watermelon, and blueberries
- Veggies like carrots, peas, green beans, and sweet potato
- Proteins like eggs, yogurt, salmon, and even steak scraps (unseasoned)
- Safe spreads like peanut butter (xylitol-free!), cottage cheese, and canned pumpkin
- Less likely to bark, chew, or dig from boredom
- Calmer and more relaxed indoors
- More confident and emotionally balanced
Using a stuffed Kong taps into your dog’s natural instincts to forage and problem-solve. It’s a powerful way to meet their needs when a long walk just isn’t safe.
Want Help Keeping Your Dog Engaged This Summer?
At Boulder City Critter Sitter, we recognize that life keeps going even when the temperatures increase. That’s why we provide personalized enrichment visits, including puzzle time, mental games, and scent work.
Whether you need:
- A quick midday visit to break up your dog’s day
- Someone to bring the fun while you’re at work
- Or a mental workout to replace that skipped walk…
We’ll be there fur you!
Got a pup who needs something to do today? Give us a call at 702-625-4448 or email by clicking michelle@bouldercitycrittersitter.com.
Dyanah told us:
The Fourth of July is around the corner. The fireworks will be BOOMING! Why do dogs hate Fireworks? The Fourth of July is the number one day for runaway pups. The shelters are full of pups who just ran. Over 50% of dogs have noise related phobias. Their sense of hearing is about four times as sensitive as ours. They can detect much quieter sounds than we can and they can hear frequencies two times higher than a human. This level of noise can trigger stress and the flight or fight impulse kicks in for a pup. They go into an “Avoid Escape” mode. They feel threatened, They may have had a previous negative experience with loud noises. Some breeds are more sensitive that other such as Carin Terriers, Pembrook Welsh Corgis and mixed breed pups. Labradors and German Shepherd dogs are the least scared of fireworks.
When the fireworks and flashing lights start it is so terrifying for them, they just want to run. They don’t know what else to do. We had a pup in the Vegas Valley that wanted to escape so badly he rammed his face against the door repeatedly which broke his snout. Imagine being so afraid that you smash your face into a door to get away from a noise!
So, what can we as good as good dog owners? Here are some tips!
- PLAN AHEAD
- Don’t leave your pup home alone. This is when destructive dangerous behavior and accidents can happen.
- Focus on safety.i
- If you can, go to an area where they cannot hear the fireworks, or see the flashing lights.
- Put on music that is calming.
- Lower the blinds, flashing lights can trigger a reaction.
- Use a swaddle or a thunder shirt.
- Don’t overreact! They can detect your anxiety which can heighten their fear.
- Secure doors and windows as escape is on their minds.
- Make sure they are microchipped (check that it is current and registered with your vet or chip company).
- Make sure they have on an ID with current phone number on it.
- Do not take them outside, even in your own confined yard, without a strong leash even in your back yard. We know of a pup who was a tiny pup who climbed a wall and took off because he was in the fight or flight mode.
In addition, intervene with calming Chill Doggies, essential oils, or veterinarian supplied medications. Remember the natural non synthetic items are less expensive and easier on the liver and kidneys. Also, items that are natural have less of a risk of overdose; The calming effect of the natural herbs will relieve the stress, calm the mind and allow the events of the evening be of no concern.
Also note that this is a stressful time so make sure their immune system is supported with Mushroom therapy in the form of Mushpuppies, Special Sauce and Mushponies. (horses too get terrified of fireworks). The Fourth of July is a big time for large family gatherings with lots of food. Be aware of feeding the pups from the table. The pup is stressed from the large event and the upcoming evening fireworks. The belly doesn’t need the added stress of a new unfamiliar food.
Finally, be aware that for at least 24-48 hours after the fireworks the pup is still in an on-guard mode. Any noise even a car backfiring can send them into a flight or fight mode. So keep the top 12 list on hand. Please reach out to me to discuss the options available. DyanahForTheHealthOfOurPets.com at 702-677-2567.
