Message From Our President – June 2024

With any luck hopefully the monsoons will rain upon us frequently this summer and before we know it — unfortunately, so will noisy firecrackers and fireworks. This is important information — especially if you are first time greyhound adopters.
Thunderstorms
While thunder might be scary, invisible static electricity causes more panic. According to one study, about one-third of dogs have anxiety, and thunderstorms are at the top of the list of anxiety-inducing situations. Recent studies by scientists and veterinarians in clinical research indicate that the booming sound of thunder is just a small part of what upsets dogs during electrical storms.
Static electricity can make dogs feel uncomfortable, especially the feeling of it tingling through their fur, prompting them to run around the house whimpering, looking for places to hide. Dogs may experience numerous shocks from static electricity during thunderstorms. This explains why they tend to run toward the rooms and places in your home that are grounded like basements, bathtubs and other enclosed spaces. The bathtub is an excellent place for your dog to remain before, during and even after a storm passes — as it can take a while for your dog to stop feeling the effects of the storm, even after the rain, thunder and lightning have passed. The porcelain of the bathtub effectively blocks electricity from traveling, and this is likely why dogs often jump in the tub when they feel a storm approaching.
Other possible solutions include dog jackets like a ThunderShirt or Anxiety Wrap. In order to be effective, you have to put the garment on before the action starts. Wiping your hound lightly with unscented dryer sheets might be another solution to be used infrequently. You do not want your hound to lick the residue.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
Never NEVER take your hounds to a fireworks display. Some neighborhoods are more plagued by legal and illegal firecrackers and bottle rockets that shoot in the air with ear-splitting explosions on Fourth of July and days before and after.
Expect the unexpected.
This is a good time to use a proper fitted harness when walking your dog in the neighborhood; be sure to give them plenty of exercise so they are tired. Do not leave your dogs unattended in your backyard while doing their business around this time. It’s even best to keep them leashed. One year a greyhound jumped over a fence upon hearing nearby firecrackers.
If you have a dog door, keep it closed during this time whether home or not. Close the blinds or curtains to prevent flashes of light and keep the lights on as well as loud music or TV. If you’re hosting a party, keep your dogs indoors in a room, perhaps with a crate and a frozen Kong. Keep them away from bolting out of open doors.
If your dog already feels safe in the bathtub, bathroom or walk-in closet, let him go there. A ThunderShirt or Anxiety Wrap or Happy Hoodie Calming Cap might also help.
Be sure your hound is wearing up-to-date tags and his GPS device; don’t go for a walk at sunset.
Both you and your hounds might benefit by relaxing music during fireworks.
In either scenario, it’s up to you to remain calm. If you are stressed, your hound will pick up your vibe and be more stressed. You might also contact your vet for more suggestions.
Now is a good time to talk to your vet. Don’t wait until the day before.
Jeanne Gacke is President of Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption and can be reached at president@sagreys.org.