How in the world it’s July already?

Jennifer Vanderau
Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter

(7/2019) Yes, Dad, I know all about the passing of time and the science behind how the days and months work, but I just don’t know how 2019 is already half over. Is it a symptom of getting older? Does the speed of time somehow perpetually increase as a person’s existence on the planet increases?

I mean do you remember how LONG third grade seemed to last? Seriously. The elementary school days just seemed to slug by. Maybe that’s because as kids we always wanted it to be summer time so we could play badminton and ride bikes.

Sadly, as adults, our days are filled with way more responsibilities that seem to make time go by in a blink.

Is getting older the true and only perpetual motion machine?

That’s definitely one for my pop and me to debate the next time I stop over to mom and dad’s house. I’ll put it on the list.

I do enjoy are the long days right now. I love that it’s light out almost to 9 p.m. I also get a kick out of the fireworks. Those bright sparks of light high in the sky always used to fascinate me as a kid and not much has changed.

Getting the day off in the middle of the summer and having picnics and barbecues is pretty much always my idea of a good time, too.

But the fireworks can be a little intimidating for man’s best friend.

You wondered how I was going to get this back around to animals, didn’t you? Admit it! Hee hee.

When it’s summer time and the living is easy for humans, it can be tough on our pets.

Fireworks are the first that can really freak your dog or cat out. Because animals don’t have the ability to truly understand what’s going on, the loud, bright flashes and noises can really scare them. Chances are if you have a pet that’s afraid of thunder, then fireworks aren’t going to be much better.

Be absolutely certain before the fireworks begin that your animals are inside. Shelters around the nation can see an influx of animals after Fourth of July celebrations because animals get so spooked, they run away from home and get lost. Sometimes the ending can be even more tragic.

I’ve talked to a lot of people who have found success with something called a Thundershirt for dogs. I know, it sounds slightly medieval, but it's actually a shirt of sorts that wraps tightly around a dog and gives him a sense of comfort through his anxiety. The concept is like that of swaddling a baby – having something that wraps securely around their middle can help some dogs feel more safe and protected. Keep in mind, like just about everything in life, it has helped some pups, but had little to no effect on others, so it depends on each individual canine as to its effectiveness.

Some folks have found that during the Fourth of July, their animals feel most secure in the bathroom – usually that part of the house has no windows, so they won’t be able to see the flashes of fireworks and it may make the booms a bit less shocking as well.

Your best bet, regardless of how you help your dog or cat through the fireworks display is to make sure they have identification on them – collars and tags and all. That way, on the off chance that something strange happens and they do get out, their chances of getting back are a little better.

If you are having a barbecue or some other celebration at the house where company is coming, please don’t forget your pets. If your four-legged friends aren’t good around company, please don’t force the issue. The same goes for children. If your dog or cat doesn’t do well with the small humans, keep them separated – it’s best for everyone concerned.

Remember that human food and adult beverages are absolutely not good for our pets. In fact, some alcohol is actually toxic, so make sure your babies don’t get into that stash.

Insect repellant for humans should NOT be used on our pets. There are a lot of products on the market that are safe for dogs and cats – and therapeutic grade essential oils can work wonders for keep the bugs away from humans, canine and feline alike. Ask my mom or dad sometime about me and lemongrass at their house one summer. Totally amazing.

The heat and humidity are aspects of summer that seems to get worse for me every year as I get older. It can be especially hard for our pets. Remember, they are essentially wearing a fur coat. Can you even imagine it? Ugh. It’s too much for me to even think about.

Our pets also don’t sweat like we do. Which for me, would seem like a benefit, but during this time of year can actually kill them. Animals pant to cool off. Panting sends cool air over their tongues and helps reduce their internal temperature. Because they pant, their heart rate also increases. When they can't get relief from extreme heat, that constant need to pant is what can send them into heat stroke and eventual cardiac arrest.

We all need to make sure we’re hydrated right now. Water is an important part of life throughout the year, but it’s really necessary in the summer. Be sure the water dish for your dog or cat is full at all times so they can rehydrate if they need.

Also, as strange as this one sounds, think about your dog’s toe pads. Hear me out on this one. Have you ever tiptoed, no shoes on, across your paved driveway to get the mail in the summer? My guess is if you tried it once, you probably never did it again. It’s hot. Scorching. When we have shoes on, we don’t really notice it (depending on the thickness of the sole). Pups don’t have the protection of Nike or Reebok, so be considerate on your walks and make sure the asphalt isn’t too hot for their paws.

I’ve always lived by the adage that life is better in flip flops (as a kid, they were pretty much my only footwear when school was finished) and summer is the best time for my favorite shoes. As you’re enjoying everything this time of year brings, always keep your four-legged friend in mind so the memories will be good ones.

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Jennifer Vanderau is the Director of Communications for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter in Chambersburg, Pa., and can be reached at cvasoc@innernet.net. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, call the shelter at (717) 263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org.