Dear reader, Happy Fourth of July! It is grand to be an American. With all the festive activities in our town, it is easy to forget how stressful the fourth is for some of our BFFs. The excitement of parades and fireworks are something most of us look forward to but it is important to be sensitive to our dogs.
My darling Watson was terrified of the loud noises that fireworks make and the sirens that are blasted during the parade. I tried to desensitize him to the sounds by gently introducing recordings of thunder, sirens, fireworks and loud noises. He was OK with the recordings but when the real thing happened, he was a mess!
There are many reasons that a dog reacts to loud noises. Dogs have extremely acute hearing that allows them to hear sound at higher frequencies and from greater distances. Loud booms can be overwhelming and uncomfortable for them.
Sounds like fireworks or sirens are sudden and unpredictable. They are startling and can trigger a fight-or-flight response to a threat. Dogs have no frame of reference for the sudden happenings and may feel trapped with no way to escape.
Occasionally, a previous negative experience or traumatic event can fuel serious fear issues. As dogs age they may become more anxiety plagued and anxious. This is due to the physical changes going on in their brains.
What can you do to help your BFF stay calm during celebrations? As I mentioned before you can try to desensitize your pup by playing sounds of fireworks and sirens giving treats as you increase the volume.
Of course, you can take your pup for a long walk and some play time to tire him. Another strategy is to create a quiet, safe space preferably in a dark room with blankets to snuggle up in. Leave music playing for a distraction. Thunder shirts can be helpful to swaddle your pup securely.
Calming treats are helpful to alleviate stress. There are lots on the market that are safe and work. Trazadone is a prescription medication for pups to weather out the celebration. The best bet is to consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
Wishing you and your BFF the best Fourth ever!
ATTENTION
Reno Aces are collaborating with CAPS on July 27 at 1 p.m. for a fun day of baseball plus a free hat. Details at fevo-enterprise.com/event/Churchillanimal8.
Board members. We need energetic, enthusiastic, community-minded folks. We meet once a month on the second Tuesday, at 5:30 in room 201 at the County Offices located on Taylor Street. Our next meeting is July 8. We are also looking for committee members. Call 775-423-7500
LOOKING FOR A HOME
Puppies! We have two adorable nine-week-old mixed breed puppies who are super cute!
IN NEED OF
• Monetary donations to help with vet costs, operations, and necessities.
• Dog food, kitten food, bleach, dish and hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper, 13-gallon trash bags, gloves, hard chew toys, and printer paper.
• Volunteers to walk dogs, socialize cats, and other shelter tasks. You can apply on our website capsnevada.org/apply-to-volunteer or call at 775-423-7500.
• Aluminum cans. Please drop them off at CAPS.
• Our Chewy wish list can be found at: capsnevada.org/donate-supplies
SHOUT OUT TO
Nancy and the Fallon Rotary Club for their generous donation of water. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!
COME SEE US
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CAPS is located at 5894 Pasture Road. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.
DON’T FORGET
• July Holiday: July 4 celebrate with your BFF.
• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net.
• Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.