how to help your dogs during New Year

We all know how stressful it is for our pets every New Year's Eve. Fireworks and Firecrackers, for the majority, are very frightening to them. What do you do to keep him calm when the festivities begin? What works?

• Exercise your dog earlier; try to have him tired out ready for the evenings.

• Is the house secure-windows closed, doors secured etc and both escape proof and safe should your dog panic?

• Draw the curtains/blinds to keep out visual reminders-flashing lights etc.

• Have some familiar calming music on or turn up the TV (not too loud) to help block out some of the noise.

• Make sure your dog has access to an area where he feels safe - a 'den' which is away from windows with his bedding and toys, put some of your clothing in here so there is a familiar comforting scent, don’t move his bed suddenly, if you are going to set up a safe area in a specific part of the house, do it a few weeks in advance to give him time to adjust and familiarize himself.

• Let your dog out to relieve himself in the garden, under your supervision, so that he will be more comfortable and not desperate for a pee when the noise intensifies during the evenings.

• Offer a stuffed Kong, toys and/or favourite chew toy to distract; giving him something to do can help relive stress.

• Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available and feed your pet a couple of hours before the fireworks in the evening to help relax him.

• If your dog is affected by the noise – do NOT ever punish him. If you go out and find your dog has been destructive whilst you were gone – don’t punish him, stay calm, tidy up any mess and have a cup of tea! It is a completely pointless to punish him, damaging & extremely unkind to your dog, the bond between you both is affected and likely to make him even more stressed out.

• Our first reaction to a nervous anxious dog is often to stoke, cuddle and soothe, but hold back as your dog will interpret this as praise – a reward. You and your family members need to remain confident, relaxed and cheery try distracting him and when calmed give a cuddle then so you are not reinforcing any unwanted behaviour.

• Try to yourself remain relaxed and upbeat – conveying the message that there is nothing to worry about.

source: http://www.endangereddogs.com/EDDRFireworks.htm and http://philippinepethaven.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-2611.html

first aid to firecrackers burn

This is an article I wanna share with all the people out there who are planning to fire some crackers during the celebration of New Year! I hope these tips will help them if ever they might caught an accident.. Guys, please do take safety precautions to avoid horrible things to happen. Let's meet new year 2010 with a smiling face not the opposite.

Immediate action on burns

* Burns due to firecrackers/fireworks, if minor, are treated like any other burn injury. It is important to minimize tissue damage as fast as possible by reducing the temperature of the burned skin.
* If a person's clothing catches fire, he or she should lie down and the flames should be put out by smothering with a heavy material. Or make the person lie down on his burning side.
* Remember, running only spreads the fire and should be discouraged.

What to do with the burned area

* Cool the burned area by gently pouring cold water over it or by holding it under running cold water for at least ten minutes. After cooling has been done, gently remove any covering from the burnt area.
* Remove any jewelry which may potentially constrict the affected area if swelling sets in.
* Applying lotion or butter or toothpaste to the burned area is useless and unacceptable.
* Cooling the skin with water may be done repeatedly to relieve pain.

Preventing Infection

* It is important to prevent infection of the burned area by covering it with sterile dressing to avoid touching it and so as not to prick the blisters.

* Burn ointment (e.g. silver sulfadiazine) may be applied to prevent infection.

Pain Relief

* Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can be taken to relieve the pain.
* If the burn is extensive and if any body part is cut or amputated due to the injury, immediate medical help is necessary. In this case, the affected area should be washed/ cooled then wrapped in a clean, non fluffy material during transport.



These are useful tips on what to do with burn injuries, but as the old adage goes: Prevention is better than cure. It is better to stick to trumpets or other party poppers which are non-explosive to celebrate the holidays rather than to risk suffering from injuries which can cost you your limbs or even your lives.

Source: www.smartparenting.com.ph