The Fourth of July is a wonderful holiday where many of us gather together and celebrate with family, friends, food, and fireworks. This Independence Day, keep your furry friends safe and comfortable amidst the fun and celebrations with these tips:
- If you are attending a cookout, it’s best to keep the food to yourself and reward your pet with a treat instead of table scraps. Pancreatitis, a serious and sometimes fatal inflammation of the pancreas, can result from dogs consuming greasy, spicy, and/or fatty foods. Foods with bones and corn on the cob can also pose a risk of choking or obstruction.
- Be cautious of citronella candles, insect repellent, weed killers, and other pesticides that are toxic to your pet. If your pet is bothered by outdoor bugs, contact your veterinarian about pet formulated insect repellent.
- Fireworks are fun for us, but are scary for our pets. According to the American Humane Society, the 5th of July is the busiest day of the year for most shelters. Pets afraid of the fireworks flee their homes and are often found many miles away, unable to find their way back home. To help keep your pet safe and secure, it's best to leave your pets inside at home when you attend firework displays. Before you leave to watch the fireworks, make sure your pet has their favorite toy and a crate, or a safe area to take comfort in. Keep your windows and curtains closed and turn on the television or a white noise machine to help drown out the loud noises. Also, make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag and microchip with your current contact information just in case your pet manages to escape.
- After the festivities end, make sure to clean up any leftover food and firework debris that can pose a threat to your pet.
