by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

While we may love the 4th of July and all the pomp and circumstance – it may be a very different story for our four legged and feathered friends. Sudden loud fireworks going off nearby, loud parties, or just having more friends and family over can very easily stress out your otherwise well behaved pets.  I am one to always err on the side of caution to keep my dog safe.  To enjoy the 4th of July, here are some simple tips to help your pet and family make it through the weekend:

• Make sure you have a collar with ID tags on your pets at all times during this weekend.  Some owners like to take their pet’s flat collar off when they are in the house – but the first block buster that goes off could scare your pet so much they may bolt out your front door and take off.  Even the most well adjusted dog or cat could get scared easily.   Also be sure to have your pet’s microchip registered with your contact information.
• If you know your pet is terrified of loud noises, try using products like Rescue Remedy® or Canine Calm™ or in extreme cases contact your veterinarian for tranquilizer/valium pills ahead of time.
• Leave your pets home in a secured house.  Pets do not need to be at firework shows, it’s almost inhumane if you are not sure of how your dog may react.  Know your dog, some dogs don’t seem to mind, but think about their sensitive hearing.  And what if a firework goes rogue and comes close to your dog?  Anything can happen so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Crating pets that are used to being crated will add a layer of protection as well, keeping them confined and in a safe place they are used to.
• Having a 4th BBQ? Friends and family tend to want to feed your dog or cat while at a party, to avoid this ask them not to or have your pet in a safe cool room away from all the guests.  Check on the pet often, make sure he has fresh water and a comfy place to sleep away from the crowd.  (Lock the door if you can!)  Guests that are not pet savvy could accidentally open or leave the door open and the pet could escape. (Another reason crating works well!)
• Parades and pets.  Some pets may be fine with attending a parade with you, however the majority will not be used to the loud noises, crowds and tell tail signs that dog is stressed: are licking their lips, shaking, panting excessively, crying, pulling on the leash, and acting out (i.e. not their usuall behavior).  Again, know your pet, and don’t be in denial about what they can and can’t handle.  Some pets do not do well in large crowds, people, kids petting poking at them, loud sirens from fire trucks going by, etc.  If you see your dog is stressed – leave the parade – don’t comfort the dog with, “It’s ok” while petting the panicked animal – that will just make it worse.
• Bringing your dog out on your boat or too the beach? Bring plenty of cold bottled water, pet safe bug spray and sunscreen, extra leash and collar with ID, treats, a properly fitted doggie life jacket, and monitor them for overheating, bug bites, ticks and make sure their paws are not on hot surfaces for a long time – concrete and sand can be scorching- and of course bring poop pick up bags!
• Traveling for the 4th and bringing your pet?  Find out where the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic is at your destination.  Make sure there are no Breed Restrictions at your location.
• While en route use a safety harness that clips into the seatbelt of your car, or crate your pet while traveling.
• Have a first aid kit in your car especially for pets and bring extra pet food and water – you never know if your car breaks down you get stuck somewhere.
• Always have an up-to-date picture of your pet with you, i.e. on your phone in case your pet gets lost during the 4th.
• Store local animal shelter contact #’s in your phone in case you need to call immediately.

Having fun and enjoying the 4th of July is part of our human lives here in the US, but just remember it may not be normal for our pets who don’t understand loud noises, blasting, whistling fireworks and bright sudden flashes of light.  Have a happy and safe 4th!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

We are delighted to bring you our 2016 Summer Pet Fun, Finds and things to do with your pets here on Long Island and beyond!  Whether your staying at home, hitting the road, taking pet friendly doggie-daycations – we have a list of items, and as always to get the latest pet events happening weely, click here to subscribe to our Pet Events Newsletter!

If you have always wanted to own your own horse, learn about horse care and help a local horse rescue, this is your summer to get your cowgirl boots on and head to Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue in the Hamptons.  They have just launched a new program at their sanctuary called ‘A Horse Through the Holidays.’  How it works is that from Independence Day to New Year’s Day, you can experience life with a special horse at Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue’s breathtaking sanctuary.  This unique program is open to people of all ages and has a limited enrollment. There is a one time $1500.00 fee, that is actually tax deductible since Amaryllis is a 501 c 3 non-profit animal rescue.  With that $1,500 fee, all expenses are included like the horses food, sheltering, etc.  This is the perfect opportunity for those who want to learn about horses, have hands on experience and enjoy the beauty of nature in the Hamptons. Horse lovers can seize this incredible opportunity to love and be loved by a horse.  Amaryllis also offers additional educational programs available at discounted rates.

Getting out and walking more, is part of summertime and being a dog owner where you can both enjoy the weather and get exercise. You know the saying, a tired dog is a good dog!  If you just adopted a dog or puppy and you have a puller on your hands – it can be a frustrating walk – and even with training your dog may still pull you through the park.  I am sure many of you can relate to this.  A product on the market that will help you tremendously is the Freedom No Pull Harness by
2 Hounds Design. It’s unique design, features a patented control loop on the back of the harness, which tightens gently around your dog’s chest to discourage pulling and makes walking your dog an easy, more enjoyable experience for both of you.  strong enough to hold any size dog, from 14 lbs all the way up to 250+ lbs. The chest strap is lined with Swiss Velvet, which helps prevent rubbing and chaffing sores behind the legs and the straps are all turned out to prevent sores and raw spots along the seams.  This harness will give you better control of your dog and help you enjoy many summer outings with him.

After a long walk, romp at the beach or hike, your dog may be in the need of a bath. Nothing like being able to give your dog a bath outdoors, on your deck, patio or maybe even in your outdoor shower in the summer.  You will want to use a product that is eco friendly, toxin free, with essentials oils and botanicals to cleans, soothe and moisturize your dog’s skin and coat, and naturally repel pests.   My favorite new find is by Eco Dog Care grooming products and have used it several times for my dog Cody.  He is silkly soft and shiny for quite some time after his bath. Our dogs live with us – on chairs, couches and beds, (when they think we’re not looking) – ECO Dog Care designed their products with a light, clean scent so they’re welcome everywhere.  They also have a in-between product Simply Fresh, that you can rub onto your pets coat as a  substitute for a bath and knock out wet dog smells.

In the summer, many dog owners travel to show their dogs in dog show competitions, compete in dog sports and often need to crate them while at these shows in-between competitions.  The 02 Cool 5 inch crate fan will help circulate the air, keep your dog cool of course while you have your dog shaded safely from the sun as well.   With the addition of their crate bracket, your pet can enjoy the same level of comfort from O2COOL’s battery-operated fan when relaxing or traveling.   The fan features a: powerful two-speed 5″ fan offers quiet cooling; it’s easy to install bracket; simply hang on the door or crate side; compact folding design makes it easy to carry and store; fits most crates and carriers and only requires 2-D batteries.   They have additional products that will help keep your pet cool and hydrated, click here to see more.

Summer fun also means the season fleas and ticks are at their worst, especially ticks here on LI. The Evercare line of Pet Lint rollers can assist in this troublesome – and potentially dangerous – situation. When checking pets for fleas and ticks, pet parents can gently brush the lint rollers over their pet’s legs and belly to pick up some pests you may have missed. Keeping a Pet Lint Roller in your car or pet travel bag is a great way to get in the habit of rolling them over your own clothing after a walk in the park, beach or woods with your dog.  You may pick up a tiny tick and don’t see it – but the lint roller will grab it.  You can then fold over the sticky sheet over the bug and dispose of it!

Whether you are going on a camping trip, renting a house for the summer or just looking for a new dog bed, look no further as your dog will love The Dream Sleeper by Tall Tails. This bed is perfect for home, formatted to fit in most crates or kennels and even great for road trips in your car. Luxurious and durable fabrics pamper your pet with comfort.  It’s made out of 4″ thick soft, supportive 100% allergy-free fiberfill that has a reversible design providing adjustable comfort by flipping it over from a luxurious plush fabric to a durable twill.  The plush side provides warmth, while the twill side provides a cooler surface – perfect for warm days. It doesn’t hurt that it looks good too, comes in a few different colors to fit any decor as well.

We hope you have a fabulous summer with your pets and check out the products and events above.  Some products in this post were sponsors.  To learn how to become a sponsor of a post, please contact us at Info@LIPetPlace.com.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

The 30th Annual ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons) Garden Tour took place this Saturday in the towns of Wainscott and Sagaponack in the Hamptons.   I believe this is my 4th time going, I feel like this was the best year yet.

We joked at the first house, that we didn’t need to go to any other houses, because the Landis house was pure bliss, the gardens the pool, the view overlooking Georgica Pond, frankly I don’t even remember looking at the house at all!  It was exactly what you think of when you think of summering in the Hamptons – and why some people would just be happy staying at their homes – so much to do on that property, really no need to leave!

I have said it before, if you have yet to go, be sure to go next year – you will not be disappointed!  (And as a pet pro – it’s such a cool way to host a fundraiser for pets, because you tap into an entirely different crowd – not just pet parents. Wheels spinning yet with ideas?) 🙂  Enjoy the photos, link on bottom to access all pictures:

To see MANY more pictures of the amazing houses and gardens, CLICK HERE!