by Vicki Rae Thorne, certified aromatherapist & herbalist, founder of Earth Heart® Inc.
Did you know?
More dogs run away on July 4th than any other day of the year.
Here are 6 suggestions to create a calm safe home for your dog during the 4th of July festivities:
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On Leash.
Keep your dog on a leash when in or out of the home to prevent bolting from unexpected noises or flashes of light.
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Safe Space.
Keep your dog in a crate or small room during festivities. Make sure favorite toys and foods are available. Swaddle with an anxiety wrap if needed.
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Pet ID.
Be sure your dog is wearing a visible up-to-date ID tag on the collar. Carry a current photo of your dog with you.
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Exercise.
Take a long walk, play hard and make sure your dog’s bladder and bowels are empty before festivities begin.
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Mask Noises.
Play soft gentle music in the room where your dog is staying. Close doors, windows, and shades to dampen loud noise and bright lights.
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Stay Calm.
Spray the room or crate pillow as needed with a calming mist (such as Canine Calm® from Earth Heart® Inc.). Scolding only confuses the dog and reinforces fearful behavior.
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Best wishes for a calm and safe 4th of July from Earth Heart® Inc.

About Vicki Rae Thorne:
It was love at first smell when Vicki attended a weekend intensive on essential oils in 1992. She’d been diagnosed with fibromyalgia after a whiplash injury 4 years earlier, and was inspired to start making massage oils and bath salts to address her constant pain and stress. Because she was pregnant and had a 5-year-old, everything had to be safe for everyone, and Vicki applies that same level of responsibility to formulating for dogs. Vicki is a member of the American Herbalists Guild, Alliance of International Aromatherapists, and Women in the Pet Industry Network.