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JULY 2019 / SOUTHERNLIVING.COM
32
PETIQUETTE
Fourth of July Frights
Calm anxious dogs during fireworks displays
BY GRACE HAYNES
A dog who struts alongside D.C. politicians needs a noteworthy
name. Mary Todd Lincoln, a 7-year-old Cavalier King Charles
spaniel, embraces her namesake. She goes to work with her
owners at the Senate and walks with them in the underground
tunnels around the Capitol. Serving as the maid of honor at
her owners’ wedding, this pooch wore a flower crown as a
nod to the original Mrs. Lincoln, who used to sport them on
special occasions.
PET OF THE MONTH
The Puppy Politico
Meet Mary Todd Lincoln, Washington, D.C.’s
most fashionable four-legged history buff
act natural; pets are more
likely to stay calm if you
do too. Or put your dog in
a safe space (like a crate).
Ask an animal behaviorist
or vet about behavior
modification techniques
to desensitize pets to loud
noises. “For example, play
a recording of fireworks
at a low volume while
engaging in a fun activity,
like tug-of-war. Gradually
increase the volume. If
he shows signs of fear,
turn it down until the
reaction stops. Then start
increasing the volume
again,” says Dr. Freeman.
SIGNS OF FEAR
Don’t expect oohs and
aahs from your pet over
fireworks shows. Dogs
feel threatened by loud
and sudden sounds; it’s
why many develop noise
phobias to things like
thunderstorms. “Com-
mon signs of anxiety are
panting, pacing, hiding,
trembling, and trying to
escape,” says Dr. Mark D.
Freeman of the Virginia-
Maryland College of
Veterinary Medicine.
SOOTHING SOLUTIONS
When fireworks go off,
FETCHING FIND
Keep pets hydrated on hot days
with this portable, leakproof water
bottle that slides easily into a
backpack pocket. BARK BOTTLE
FOR DOGS, $15; thebarkbottle.com
LOOKING SO COZY
Ever wonder why dogs curl up into a ball while
they sleep? That’s just a basic instinct kicking
in. This position protects their stomachs and
other vulnerable organs while they snooze.
FAVORITE FIRST LADY: In addition
to Mrs. Lincoln, this dog also
loves Nancy Reagan, who had
a Cavalier named Rex.
YUMMY LOCAL TREAT: Puppy Pops
from The Dairy Godmother in
Alexandriaå
INSTAGRAM: @marytoddthecav
HOMETOWN: Alexandria, Virginia
TOP DOG-FRIENDLY SPOTS: The Wharf,
Georgetown Waterfront Park, and
the patio at Millie’s restaurant
DISTRICT SPORTS TEAM: Washington
Nationals
