America’s birthday is just around the corner, and you know what that means: barbeques and fireworks! Unfortunately, both of these things can present hazards for our canine pals. Read on as a Champaign, IL vet offers some Fourth of July pet safety tips.
Keep Pets Cool
Independance Day can be a scorcher! Make sure that your furry friends always have plenty of water, and that they have access to cool, shady areas and/or rooms with climate control. Fido may also enjoy being sprayed with a hose or playing in a kiddie pool. As for Fluffy, try putting a frozen towel on her bed.
Bring Fido In Before The Booms
Many of our furry companions are absolutely terrified of fireworks. That fear can spark their fight-or-flight instinct, causing them to bolt. Sadly, lost pet reports often spike after Independence Day. Bring your four-legged friend inside before nightfall. If your canine pal is nervous of loud noises, turn a radio on to mask the sound. Pet calming-products can also be beneficial. Ask your vet for tips on using these. Fido and Fluffy should also be microchipped and wearing tags, just in case.
Offer Safe Foods
Grilling out is definitely on the agenda for many people. You can offer your pet something special, but you’ll need to stick with safe foods, such as plain, cooked meat, fish, or chicken. Our four-legged pals can be quite persistent beggars! Don’t let Fido or Fluffy have anything that isn’t safe. Some dangerous foods include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes and raisins; avocado; chocolate; meat on the bone; pitted fruit; and alcohol.
Keep Up With Parasite Control
Fleas, ticks, and other parasites are out in droves in summer. Keep up with your furry buddy’s preventative care! This is especially important if your holiday gathering will include other dogs.
Other Hazards
Bug spray, torch oil, lighter fluid, pesticides, cleaning agents … these are just a few chemicals that are dangerous to pets. Fido and Fluffy can ingest these just by walking through them or getting some spilled on their fur and then licking it off. Trash is also an issue, particularly for those with dogs that aren’t shy about digging through the garbage for someone’s half-eaten chicken leg. Use bins with secure lids.
Has it been a while since your pet has come in? Contact us, your Champaign, IL animal hospital, today!
