For most Americans, the Fourth of July is a celebratory occasion. Firework shows, cook outs, boating, camping… All spectacular ways to kick back and salute the birth of our nation. Since many people acknowledge their pets being family members, it could seem fun to include them in the festivities. While this might seem like a good idea, it could conceivably have a bad outcome for your pooch. July 5th is marked as animal shelters’ busiest day, due to panicked pets fleeing from the noise of firecrackers. Vets are busy also, with injuries, poisonings, and upset stomachs. Here are 10 tips garnered from the ASPCA for keeping your furry friend protected and happy this Fourth of July:
1. Keep pets indoors: Even if your dog is accustomed to being outside, it could become frightened and flee from fireworks and other loud party ruckus. In their attempt to find a safe and quiet space, they could become lost, run over, or injured.
2. Do not use insect repellent or sunscreen that isn't specifically made for pets: Just because it isn't poisonous to humans doesn't make it dog friendly! Toxics side effects of sunscreen are drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and excessive thirst. DEET is a common insecticide and can cause neurological damage to your pets.
3. Alcohol is poisonous to dogs: Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach! Even a small amount of alcohol can cause your pup to become dangerously intoxicated. This could cause them to go into a coma or die of respiratory failure. Even beer is off limits; fermented hops and ethanol are poisonous to both dogs and cats.
4. If you are attending a fireworks display, leave your dog at home: A crowd of people watching a display of beautiful lights sounds like fun to humans but is not at all a good time for your dog. The combination of loud noises and too many people will freak your fur baby out.
5. Proper identification is a must: If your pet does manage to escape, proper ID goes a long way to getting them back to you. ID tags with their name and your up to date information are a must. Microchipping your pet is a great idea as well, since collars can slip off and get lost.
6. Say ‘No’ to glow jewelry: Dressing your furry friend in festive attire can be fun, if your pet allows it but refrain from adorning them with glow jewelry. They liquid is not toxic, but if your dog chews up the jewelry, it can cause gastrointestinal irritations and the plastic could cause an intestinal blockage from swallowed pieces of plastic.
7. Keep your pet out of the way of fireworks: Curious pets could be seriously damaged from fireworks. Their paws and face could be burned and serious damage could be done to their insides if a lit firework is swallowed. Even unlit fireworks pose a danger – Some contain potentially toxic substances like arsenic and potassium nitrate.
8. Stick to your dog’s normal diet: It can be tempting to indulge your dog in delicious holiday food but this could seriously upset their stomachs. Even if you avoid known toxic ingredients, just changing your pup’s diet for one day could cause severe indigestion and diarrhea.
9. Lighter fluid and matches are harmful to pets: Matches contain chlorate and if ingested, it could cause labored breathing, blood cell damage, and kidney disease. Lighter fluid can cause skin irritation on contact, gastric problems if eaten, and respiratory problems if inhaled. Be sure to keep these out of reach!
10. Citronella products contain toxins: Citronella candles, oils, and insect coils can cause serious respiratory illnesses if inhaled, like pneumonia and if eaten, they can harm your pet’s nervous system Keep your pet at home and indoors in a quiet, secure space. This is the easiest way to ensure your pup has a safe and happy Fourth of July! Happy Independence Day from Doggie Vogue!
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