With the Fourth of July approaching, it’s important to keep your animal companion’s safety in mind. After all, this holiday is one of the most hazardous out of the whole year! Below, a Conyers, GA vet tells you how to keep your pet safe from some of the most common dangers.
Don’t bring your pet along to the local fireworks display—they’ll likely be terrified of the deafening booms and sharp crackles, potentially running off into the night. It’s safest to leave your pet at home in a secure room, where they’ll be safe and sound.
When lighting off firecrackers, sparklers, and the like at home, keep your pet indoors. Not only can these products startle a pet just as easily as big-league fireworks, they can burn an unsuspecting pet who accidentally gets too close.
Will your pet be included in this year’s picnic or barbecue? Remember that plenty of common party foods—garlic, onions, chives, shallots, leeks, scallions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, candy, gum, caffeinated foods and beverages, certain types of nuts, salty foods, fatty items, and much more—aren’t safe for pets. Keep a close eye on the food at your gathering to make sure that your pet can’t chow down.
If you’ll be including alcoholic beverages in the festivities this year, make sure that your pet doesn’t have a chance to imbibe. Alcohol is very dangerous for pets—it can result in poisoning even in very small amounts! It turns out that alcohol affects pets just like it affects us; the difference is, serious health problems can occur much sooner. This goes for liquor cocktails, beer, wine, and champagne. Don’t leave drinks unattended.
It wouldn’t the Fourth of July without hot weather. If your pet will be spending time outdoors this holiday, make sure they stay safe. That means providing them a dish of cool, fresh water to drink from at all times in order to stave off dehydration. It’s also important to allow your pet back indoors frequently, where they can cool off in air-conditioned comfort.
With hot weather comes dangerous outdoor pests like ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and parasitic worms. Keep your pet on seasonal or year-round preventive medications to prevent any problems. If your pet needs these safety measures, call your vet’s office for help.
Want more safety tips for July Fourth? Contact your vet in Conyers, GA.
