Surviving Fireworks Season

The fourth of July is almost upon us. While it is a time for many dogsters to celebrate the independence of our nation, for many American dogs the 4th of July is the most terrifying holiday of the year.

Don’t be afraid to give your dog comfort. As we discussed in fearful dog week, the idea that one reinforces fear through comfort is a myth. Be your dog’s advocate – do whatever you can to make her feel better during the storm.

Consider implementing some of the calming aids we discussed in fearful dog week, including sound therapy and perhaps a ThunderShirt.

Avoid taking your dog to a fireworks display. If you must leave her on the 4th, put her in her safe place and leave soothing music playing in your absence.

Keep your dog on leash at all times when outside for walks or potty breaks, even if you are not near a formal fireworks display, even if you are in your own backyard or neighborhood where she is reliable off the leash.

People may set fireworks off at family BBQs or picnics, so it’s best to leave your dog home if you’ll be attending these events. If you insist on taking your dog, keep her on leash! One of the most reliable dogs I ever knew off leash ended up disappearing and never being seen again when someone unexpectedly set off fireworks at a bonfire his owners had attended. Frightened dogs are unpredictable dogs – use management tools to keep your dog safe.
Hopefully, these tips will get your dogs through the holiday with minimal stress.

The following three internet resources may be helpful to you in understanding how best to help your dog through Independence Day and summer thunderstorms.

1. Lisa Spector of “Through a Dog’s Ear” for Dog Star Daily: 8 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm on July 4th

2. Patricia McConnell, PhD and canine behaviorist: Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

3. Last, but certainly not least, is a project undertaken by British behavior professional and fellow Dog Star Daily blogger Karen Wild. Karen has created what is the most thorough resource I’m aware of on addressing fireworks phobia specifically, www.dogsandfireworks.com.

"This Dog Was Locked In a Truck on a Hot Day"

Great article from Dr Jon at petplace.com

The other day a client called me and she was very upset. She was at the mall with her kids and they saw this poor dog locked in a truck. It was a hot day - just a few days ago - and she didn't know what she should do.

The window was barely cracked. The truck was parked in the middle of the parking lot and the sun was beating down on it - the truck was NOT even in the shade - and the dog looked very hot and tired. They were all very upset and she wanted to know what she should do.

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked this question. Unfortunately this happens too often. People think that they'll only be gone a few minutes and that the dog will be fine in the car. Some believe that "cracking the window" will make it OK. In reality, it is NEVER OK to leave a dog alone in a hot car, not even for a few minutes. I can't tell you how many cases I've seen where the owner returns to find the dog severely overheated. Heat stroke can happen very quickly and in many of these cases, it is just too late to save the dog.

Heat Stroke is a condition arising from extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit), which leads to nervous system abnormalities that may include lethargy, weakness, collapse or coma.

Allowing a dog to remain in a car with closed windows on a hot summer day is probably the most common cause of heat stroke.

Normal dogs dissipate heat from their skin. In addition, panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract and is an effective method of heat dissipation. But when these mechanisms are overwhelmed, hyperthermia and heat stroke usually develop.

At this time of year, it only takes minutes for a dog in a closed car or truck to suffer from heat stroke. Treatment is possible but difficult, and even with treatment many dogs die. For more information on heat stroke - go to: http://www.petplace.com/heat-stroke

So...what should you do if you see a dog that was left inside a truck or car? The reality is, the dog can die in a matter of minutes. That dog needs help. In a case like this where they were at a shopping mall, I recommend calling mall security. You can even call your local humane society or animal control to get their recommendations.

Leaving an animal alone inside a hot car is pet abuse. Here is an article telling you what to do if you suspect pet abuse. Go to: http://www.petplace.com/what-to-do-if-you-suspect-pet-abuse


Let this be a lesson. NEVER leave your dog in the car (even with the windows partially rolled down) - not for any reason at any time. During warm weather, this is the most common cause of heat stroke.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon


P.S. What if you were the one who saw this dog locked inside that truck on a sunny day? What would you do in this situation? Take our poll.

Meet Swanky Pets, Truman!

This handsome fellow is Truman from Youngstown, Ohio. We think he looks dapper in his Mod Squad collar. His mom, Jackie sent us the nicest email:

"We love the new collar. Attached is a photo of Truman wearing it for your contest. Truman is about one and a half years old. He is from the local dog pound and has quickly become one of the loves of my life. I chose the Mod Squad collar for him because he is COOL. When I went to the pound last year, I wanted a puppy, but Truman sucked me right in with all the right moves--wagging his tail, sitting on my lap, almost saying "Hey, what more could you want?". This picture shows him looking out our front window (his favorite spot) at a storm approaching--as you can see, he has the "I dare you" look in his eyes. Truman is always calm and cool and definitely a lady's man. "

What a great story and we're so happy you and Truman found each other!!

Today's Featured Print: Beach Umbrella!

Today's featured print - 'Beach Umbrella!' The perfect Summer dog collar!

This crisp, cool Summer print reminds us of colorful beach umbrella colors. Featuring colorful stripes in orange, watermelon, kiwi green and more against a crisp white background which really makes it pop!

Your dog will turn heads at the beach or bark park, wearing this stylish Summer print. It's available for made-to-order collars, leashes & harnesses.

Stylish Summer Print Dog Collars!

Are you looking for fun & fresh new Summer style dog collars, harnesses and leashes?

Check out our new, stylish Summer Prints. Fun, Summer-themed prints for your dog or cat.

Today's featured print is called 'Juicy!' --- set against a cool, green background this print features slices of watermelon. It's getting cooler already! This super-cool print is available for collars, harnesses & leashes all made-to-order so you can get exactly what you want for your pet.

Don't delay! We're featuring a Buy 2 promotion, which allows you to get lots of super-cute styles at a very low price!

Meet Swanky Pets, Lucy and Lilly!

Aren't these two girls just the cutest??? I received cute photos (for more check out our Facebook page) from mom, Tabbetha along with this email:

"Meet Lucy and Lilly Muller....Lucy is a 10 lb long haired dash hound and Lilly is an almost 5 lb short hair weenie dog-they are sisters.

Lucy aka LouLou is our girly girl yet a rebel-that is why she got the pink skull and cross bones collar. Always wants what her sister has and likes to be in charge.

Lilly aka Peanut is a drama queen-that is why she got the snow leopard collar. She may be small but she loves to tease her sister and will drag her by the ear across the room if she needs to prove a point to her.

We love the swanky wear so much we bought them the sun dresses and had their nails painted. :) Cant wait to purchase more so they have a wardrobe each."

June Promotion: Buy 2, Get 1 FREE!!!

We are extending our Buy 2 Get 1 Free promotion for the month of June. Here's how it works: Order any 3 items and you will receive a refund for the cost of an equal or lower-priced item(s).

Initially, you'll see the charge for all items when you checkout, but we will manually credit the cost of the free item(s) within 48 hours. As always, our low flat-rate shipping $3.25 allows you to get lots of 'swanky'wear to your door at a very low cost! (International shipping may incur additional shipping costs)