Month: July 2016

Yesterday, we went back to The Animal Medical Center (AMC), where Nora had her amputation done when she first arrived in the US. This time we went for a dental evaluation. Nora has a few chipped teeth that need to be repaired. According to both our regular vet and the dentist at AMC, all but one tooth only need minor enamel repair, but one might need a root canal. We won’t know for sure until the dental x-rays are taken before the procedure. She will also get her teeth cleaned. The dental is booked for September 14th.

She has shown no signs of discomfort or pain, but with dental pain animals often eat and play like normal in spite of pain…..so we can’t wait to have her mouth fixed.

Fireworks…….the celebratory tradition for the 4th of July that, though fun for most people, is horrifyingly scary to pets. In our neighborhood, knuckleheads like to shoot off fireworks every couple of hours at night both weeks before and after the 4th – which has turned Nora’s life into pure hell. She is TERRIFIED of the sound, and will hide in her crate or in a corner, shaking like a leaf. She also refuses to leave the house for walks, or even to relieve herself. It’s heartbreaking to watch, but all we can do is act normal as to not give her any additional confirmation that this is something to fear.

She has been taking both L-Theanine and Melatonin as supplements for her anxiety for a while now, but even that can’t take the edge off when the fireworks go off.

Enter George…..one of our cats, and Nora’s best buddy. Last night after nothing had worked to calm her anxiety, we saw George walk into her crate and lay down with her. A little while later her hyperventilating and fear seemed to have subsided a little. Still scary, but less so with friends there looking out for you….

Hoppy 4th of July to all of you….

make sure your pets stay indoors, safe and sheltered from the worst of the fireworks noise.