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Posts Tagged ‘Thundershirt’

The Fourth of July is Almost Here!

The Fourth of July is always a special day in Plain City. This year, the celebrations will take place on Wednesday, July 4, and will begin with the parade at 3:30 pm. The parade will line up to start at the north entrance of Pastime Park, leaving out down North Chillicothe Street.

Following the parade, Pastime Park will be the hub of the festivities. The Mr. and Miss Plain City Pageant for boys and girls ages 2 to 18 will take place at 4:30 pm. Starting at 5 pm, the stage will be lit up with entertainment including country rockers Billy Starrett and the Hired Guns, Lee Gantt, and Jordan Stock. The Twirling groups Starlight Twirlers and Auxiliary Creations will also perform. Special guest Jordan Headings will sing the National Anthem prior to the fireworks at dusk (approximately 9:45 pm).

There will also be tons of food, inflatables for the kids, and fun for everyone.

And, don’t forget, please take special precautions with your companion animals on this holiday. I know that many people bring their dogs to Pastime Park for the fireworks, but the day after July fourth is one of the most active days for local humane societies as escaped dogs are turned in when they are found running loose. If your dog is frightened of loud noises or crowds, please don’t bring them out to the celebration. For more info, read the blog posting I did last year about pets and the Fourth of July by going HERE.

There is also an incredible product you can purchase for your dog (or cat) if they are scared of fireworks. Called the Thundershirt, this product acts like an enveloping hug to calm dogs that dislike loud noises.

To see the full schedule of July fourth events in Plain City, go HERE.

Fourth of July and Companion Animals.

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, I want to remind people that their pets don’t enjoy fireworks and loud festivities as much as we humans do (actually, I don’t really like that sort of thing much, either).

When Joe and I have been up to Pastime Park for the fireworks and the parade, I’ve noticed a lot of people who bring their dogs along–some of them not even on leashes. All it takes is that first firework exploding in the air to spook even a very laid back dog. And when that happens, often the animal’s first instinct is to bolt.

Even dogs in their own homes can become frightened and leap fences, break through windows in a panic, or hurt themselves trying to escape the noises of public fireworks displays or even just back yard fire crackers.

So rather than bringing your dogs to Pastime Park this year, please leave them at home out of the heat in a safe, quiet spot (crate, bedroom, etc.) where they will not get scared and end up as one more missing pet.

Besides confining your dog to a “happy” place to reduce their fears, I have also been hearing about a new product that is supposed to help relieve stress in dogs that are afraid of thunderstorms and other loud noises (which would be perfect for fireworks). The Thundershirt for dogs wraps the dog tightly and applies a gentle pressure to the body.  The constant pressure of the shirt causes the brain to release chemicals that have a calming effect. The Thundershirt can be used for anxiety from loud noises, owner separation, travel, or other stressful events. It can currently be purchased at PetPeople (all locations), Moochies (all locations), and Mutts & Co. at 7549 Sawmill Road. Buy one now in preparation for the Fourth holiday.

Humane societies always have an increase in the number of lost pets coming into the shelter and being reported missing directly after Fourth of July celebrations. In fact, sadly, it is one of the busiest times for missing pets.

If you do decide to take your dog with you to the park, please make sure they are either microchipped or have a collar that fits well with identification tags attached. If your dog does get away, it will be much easier to relocate them if they have some way to be identified. If you cannot find them and the shelter doesn’t know who the dog belongs to, you may never see your beloved canine again.

Cats are also affected by the noises. Happily, most people don’t bring their cats to see the fireworks, but, even at home, the noises can cause them fear. My sister lives on Main Street here in Plain City and the fireworks are so loud and so close that the vibrations shake her house and panic her cats. She closes up her windows, pulls the blinds, and plays soft music and runs a fan to help relieve the anxiety caused by the rattling fireworks.

For more information on making Independence Day a happy affair for you and your furry babies, check out the links below.

Read the ASPCA’s tips HERE.

Read tips from the American Kennel Club HERE.

And from the Humane Society of the United States HERE.