Who Doesn't Love Fireworks?

Well, you humans sure do have lots of holidays! We pups love to be included in most(especially the ones where we get extra treats!), but the ones with fireworks...not so much. With your "New Year's Eve" celebration coming up, I would just like to share a few tips to help keep your pups calm and safe in any explosive event(Don't forget that some people will continue to set off leftover fireworks for days after). My human uses aromatherapy, herbal remedies, and a few other savvy tricks during raucous festivities and thunder storms including, but not limited to:

1. Lavender oil. Dab a few drops around your dog's sleeping areas, and one drop on each ear tip. If they lay on other areas(couch, your bed, etc.) dab those, too. The calming scent will work wonders!

2. Chamomile tea. Brew a cup of your favorite herbal relaxing tea(chamomile, anise, lavender, peppermint, and catnip* work great for dogs) and pour it into their water and food. Just a wee bit in water, but you could also break open the bag and mix it into food. We love it and sleep like babies!

3. Gentle, relaxing music or TV. To contrast the loud noises(people and fireworks), play some nice, soothing music or put on a droning TV show like golf, fishing, or yoga.

4. Blankies. Just like a big ol' hug, a big, soft blankie or doggy shirt will help pups feel safe and secure. That's why they call it a "security blanket"! If you don't want them to shred the expensive ones, get used ones from the thrift shop.

5. The Dog Cave. Some of us dogs really like to hide under stuff because we instinctually seek out a "den"(Please note above photo of my sister and I under the coffee table). You can just set us up in a closed room with our beds, blankies, music, etc., or you could make us a fort out of more blankets!

6. Pre-festivity walk and play. The more exhausted we are, the easier it will be to relax and possibly sleep through all of the blustery chaos. If you can, take your pup/s on a nice, long walk. Even better if you can play for a little bit, maybe a little fetch? Any positive attention is always welcomed!

7. Bring outdoor dogs inside. Some humans prefer to keep their dogs outside, which is just fine. During the potentially terrifying and highly stressful events, it would be lovely if those wonderful little companions could have a peaceful, safe, quiet respite. Even the garage could be set up with their beds, blankies, or crates. The possibility of a scared pup running away from home is highly likely, so helping them to stay calm and feel secure is in everyone's best interests.

8. Up-to-date tags or chips. It is inevitable for a few dogs to take off during fireworks, thunder storms, or other disruptive events, so better safe than sorry you didn't have your information attached to your little runaway. While we sincerely hope this does not happen, wouldn't you feel better knowing that someone will bring your baby home?

In addition to these little helpers, I humbly request that you please leave your pups safely at home, and do not take them out to any festivities on this crazy, chaotic night! You humans may enjoy all the ruckus, but we dogs are simply terrified of those loud, cracking sounds! (Not to mention all of the drunk people stepping on us, spilling beer, etc.) So ppplllease spare us the trauma! Thank you kindly.

Happy Tails to you!