4th of July Pet Safety Tips
The 4th of July is a holiday full of food, friends, and fireworks, and many Americans look forward to it all summer. But for pets, the chaos, unfamiliar smells, and sheer amount of noise can make it one of the most stressful and dangerous days of the year.
Whether you're having a quiet holiday at home, hosting a backyard BBQ, or heading out to watch the fireworks light up the night sky, you've got some planning to do to keep your furry friends safe.
Here's what the team at Allure Veterinary Partners wants you to know about getting your pet through the day safely.
1. Fireworks Aren’t Fun For Everyone
Humans love the crack and sparkle of fireworks in the night sky. But for pets, they can be downright terrifying. The loud booms and bright flashes can cause pets anxiety and panic, which can lead them to run away from home or get into dangerous situations.
If you know your pet hates fireworks, it's best to keep him inside in a quiet, calm room with the windows closed.
Consider leaving the TV on a kids' channel, playing calming music, or turning on some white noise to help mask the sounds outside.
If your pet is extra-sensitive to fireworks, talk to your veterinarian about potential anxiety treatments in advance.
2. Keep an Eye on the Thermometer
July is one of the hottest months throughout much of the United States, California included. Heatstroke is a serious risk for pets, especially for dogs. If you're spending a lot of time outside, make sure Fido has plenty of cool, fresh water and an abundance of shade to stay cool.
Avoid walking your pet during the hottest parts and never, ever leave them in a parked car. Bringing a pet along to a fireworks show and leaving them in the car is a terrible idea\! Leave them home instead.
Heatstroke can come on fast, and symptoms like excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting mean it’s time to get to a vet ASAP.
3. Be Careful During Cookouts
It’s easy to let your guard down during holiday meals and feed your pets scraps off the grill. But lots of popular 4th of July treats can be dangerous for pets.
Common toxic foods your pet might bump up against during the holiday include chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and anything with artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
Bones from grilled meat can splinter and cause serious internal damage if your pet swallows them. Make sure guests know not to share food with your pets, and keep trash tightly covered and out of reach.
4. Keep Microchip and ID Info Current
Sadly, the 4th of July is one of the most common days for pets to go missing. If your pet gets scared and runs away, a collar with an up-to-date tag or a microchip could be the reason they make it home safely. We can also look for a microchip if a pet is found, or if the owner is unsure if the pet has a microchip.
Make sure everything is up-to-date well before the big day arrives.
If you need to get your pet microchipped or looked at for anxiety medication, our friendly team at Allure Veterinary Partners can help. Call us at (916) 680-9975 to schedule an appointment today!