Happy Independence Day! This is a one of those holidays we enjoy sharing with family, and pets are no exception. However, the fourth can be a potentially dangerous time for our furry-friends, but if you take the proper precautions then everything should be fine.
Keep Your Pet Cool
If you live in New Jersey, then you know that we’ve already have had some scorching, humid weather. Extra precautions are needed with hot weather.,
- Don’t leave them alone outside for extended periods.
- Make sure they have plenty of water available to them.
- Provide them with shade
- Be aware of the temperature of asphalt so their pads don’t burn.
- Don’t leave them in hot cars
All in all, it is best to keep them inside as much as possible. If you have to have them outside for any period of time, please watch for signs of heat stroke.
If you do notice anything suggesting heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately.
Watch Your Food
BBQs are a Fourth of July staple. However, some foods typical of a BBQ can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Such foods include:
- Seeds/Pits
- Grapes
- Carbonated Drinks/ Beer
- Dairy Products
- Bones
- Corn Cobs
- Fatty Foods (ex. hot dogs)
If you think your pet has ingested any of these foods, keep an extra eye on them to look for any vomiting, abnormal behavior, or anything else out of the ordinary. Don’t be scared to call your veterinarian.
Avoid Fireworks
Fireworks are very scary for a lot of pets. They provoke an anxiety riddled flight or fight response since they are not able to expect them coming. They provide bright lights, loud noises and smells that your pet is not accustomed to. Since a dog’s sensory experiences are also more intense, fireworks are understandably frightening.
When their flight or fight response is activated your pet may: bark, hide, run, and some may be frozen in fear. During this event, your furry-friend may act abnormally. For example, a perfectly house trained dog may urinate on the floor.
Just make sure that they feel as comfortable as possible. Set up a special area for them with their favorite toy, some treats, food and water. Some white noise in the background could help drown out the booming of the fireworks. Anything to help reduce their stress and anxiety.
Talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of medication to help your furry friend if their fear of fireworks is extreme.
Make Sure Your Pet Has Identification
Whether they are over excited or scared from fireworks, sometimes pets can get out of the house. In fact, the fourth is one of the biggest days for pets to go missing. Proper identification could make a world of difference if your pet does run off.
The most common form of identification is ID tag. Make sure the tag is updated with recent address and best phone number to reach you with. Your pet’s name should also be included on the tag. However, this isn’t full proof since collars can come off.
Microchiping is the best form of identification. A small microchip under your pets skin can be read by any veterinarian. This will pull up your contact information so your best friend can be returned home. Thousands of pet have been successfully returned home thanks to microchips. Read one of our success stories here.
Following simple precautions could mean the difference between of a fun holiday or a disastrous one. Always contact your veterinarian or an emergency facility if something does go wrong.
We at Winslow Animal Hospital wish you a safe and happy holiday!
