For Americans, July 4th is a time known for pride, exuberance, and festivity. But while we happily celebrate the nation’s independence, the day can be confusing and downright frightening for our pets. More pets are lost on July 4th than any other day of the year, so please keep these Independence Day pet safety tips in mind.
Stay shady. Like humans, dogs can suffer from heatstroke, so keep your dog in shaded areas whenever possible. Remember that dogs cool off primarily by panting and sweating through the pads of their feet, so they need extra help staying cool in warm weather. Protect your pet from the heat by keeping them shaded when temperatures rise.
Stay hydrated. Make sure you have plenty of fresh water on hand to quench your dog’s thirst, especially during and after backyard games or a walk in the heat. Keep a large bowl of water in a shaded spot to keep it cool, and consider filling it with half water and half ice for extra refreshment.
Plan for the fireworks. Fireworks are no fun for many pets, and loud, unfamiliar noises combined with bright flashes of light can easily frighten dogs and cats. Even pets who have never tried to escape before may react unpredictably when startled, sometimes jumping higher or running faster than usual. Make sure your pet is wearing a properly fitted collar with current identification tags, and consider microchipping as an added precaution in case your pet becomes frightened and gets loose.
Watch the drinks. If you and your pet are attending a Fourth of July picnic or barbecue, remember that alcoholic beverages can be dangerous if ingested by pets. Never leave a drink unattended, since alcohol poisoning in pets can cause severe weakness, depression, or in serious cases, respiratory failure.
Mind the menu. Be aware of what friends and family might be sneaking your dog under the table. As tempting as it may be to share holiday food, items like onions, avocados, grapes, and raisins can be toxic to dogs. Let guests know ahead of time that table scraps aren’t a good idea for your pet.
Skip the glow sticks. While the substance inside glow sticks and glow jewelry isn’t highly toxic, ingestion can still cause excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation, and swallowing larger plastic pieces can lead to an intestinal blockage. Keep these products away from your pet, and avoid using them as pet accessories.
Be careful with sunscreen. Unless a product is specifically designed for animals, never apply sunscreen or other lotions to your pet. These products can cause skin irritation, and since pets often lick themselves while grooming, there’s also a risk of poisoning through ingestion.
Watch the grill. Certain grill-lighting products contain chemicals that can damage blood cells and cause breathing difficulty or kidney problems if ingested. Lighter fluid can also irritate skin and cause gastrointestinal upset if swallowed, or breathing problems if inhaled. Make sure whoever’s manning the grill keeps these products safely out of your pet’s reach.
If your pet does become sick or injured during your Fourth of July celebration, call San Juan Veterinary Hospital at (505) 326-2205 right away. Have a fun and happy Fourth of July!