Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe On The Fourth Of July

It turns out this is one of the busiest days for emergency veterinary hospitals.

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The festivities surrounding a Fourth of July gathering can turn into a minefield of danger to your pets. From the noise caused by the firecrackers and other fireworks, to the food spilled from the picnic that your dog might decide to eat, potentially making it sick, there is a lot to think about regarding your pets safety.

Dogs that get upset with the noises from fireworks have been known to panic and crash through sliding glass doors. Staying out in the sun too long is also not good for our furry friends.

The doctors from BluePearl Veterinary Partners have compiled a few tips to help your pet stay safe and comfortable:

During fireworks, make sure your dogs or cats are in safe, indoor places where they cannot escape or get hurt. Turn on music or television for comforting background noise. You also can play a game with them or give them a favorite toy.
If your pets are especially nervous about fireworks, consult your family veterinarian about whether to give them anti-anxiety medicine. But this is a step you should take at least a day or two before the fireworks start popping so you can see how your pet will respond to the medication. Another option is to buy a specially designed, snug-fitting jacket which comforts dogs by applying pressure around their bodies.
After the family barbecue, don’t treat your dogs to leftover bones from steak, ribs, chicken or other human food. The bones often splinter and may become a choking hazard.
The safest policy is to avoid giving human food to pets because so much of it can be harmful to them. If you want your pets to celebrate along with you, buy them a few extra pet treats while stocking up on your own groceries.
Don’t let your pets stay outside in the heat for long periods of time, especially if they’re not used to it. If pets do get overheated, spray them down with water that is cool or room temperature – but never ice water, which causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin and makes things even worse.

Just take some time to plan ahead regarding your pets well being, and you'll be able to enjoy your Fourth of July activities.