Potential Dangers to Your Pet On the 4th of July

We hope that everyone has a fantastic Independence Day and that you will be celebrating with friends, families, and pets. Here are four things to keep an eye on so you can keep all of the pets that you are celebrating with happy, healthy, and safe!

#1 FOOD

From strawberry and blueberry-laden trifles and corn on the cob to hot dogs and beer, the 4th of July is all about eating and drinking. Just remember that the food and drink you serve your guests and/or family members may be too rich or even poisonous to pets.

Specifically, some of the food and beverages you might be serving on the 4th of July that are potentially toxic to pets are:

• alcohol
• raisins
• grapes
• onions
• chocolate
• avocados

You might also consider checking out the ASPCA's full list of people foods that can be harmful to pets.

#2 WATER

Don't leave pets unsupervised around the pool, lake, or any other body of water. Pets can easily fall into the water and, while your pet might be a tremendous paddler/swimmer, many are unable to get out of the water and can drown from exhaustion. Just as with kids, you should make sure that any fencing around your pool locks well, and that any guests you have over know to pull the gate closed after entering. It's also worth mentioning that you should keep your pet from drinking the pool water, as it contains chlorine and other chemicals.

#3 HEAT

Pets can get dehydrated quickly if they are spending time outside in the summer heat. Give pets plenty of water and make sure they have a shady place to be able to escape from the sun and rest. Keep in mind that bradycardic dogs (with smushed-in faces) like bulldogs and pugs get overheated more quickly, so be particularly mindful if you have a small dog as a pet or a guest.

#4 FIREWORKS

Fireworks - whether it's a big show or even just a few that your neighbor lets off every year - can cause your pet to become anxious and easily startled. This increases the risk of your pet escaping and becoming lost. Be sure that your pet has a collar and ID tags and has a registered microchip with updated information.

If you've had your pet for a while and know that they are particularly prone to this kind of anxiety, you might discuss getting some anti-anxiety meds from our veterinarian. A stressed pet is an unhappy pet, so it's important to consider their dog and cat wellness when planning your festive fete!