Fireworks, barbecues, beverages, pool parties… all of these things that we look forward to the 4th of July for spending time with our friends and family. Well, what about our four-legged family members?
Fun for humans can mean dangerous and even fatal to our pets. While we are eating something right off our Weber grills, laughing with our friends and raising a glass to our country, the family dog may just be sitting by our feet, desperately hoping for some human food (Please resist those puppy, we see many food bloat and pancreatitis cases the day after 4th of July).
They also probably don’t recall the fireworks show last year- all those loud explosions that may as well be guns going off close to them. You may think you’re in the clear if you left your pet at home and didn’t bring them to the big fireworks show. However, your neighborhood friends using piccolo petes and firecrackers will still put plenty of fear into the heart of your pet. All this noise is very scary and confusing for a small animal, and if they are not in a safe and secure place in your home, can often cause them to flee.
This is why July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. Here is an extensive list of tips to help keep your pets safe and sound so you can enjoy your holiday.
KEEP YOUR PET HOME AND INDOORS AT ALL TIMES
It is safer to keep your pet at home rather than bringing them to a neighbor’s gathering or to any celebrations. The noises and crowds can scare them and they will be forced to seek shelter.
DO NOT lock your pet in the car. This can lead to heat stroke or even death.
When at home, keep them inside. If they are outdoors they may be tempted to jump a fence in an attempt to find safety. Keeping them inside is often not enough if they want to flee, so we recommend crating them if they are already crate trained, or blocking them in a room where they feel safe. Block out sights and sounds by closing windows and blinds, and play some soothing music to drown out the sounds of fireworks.
BE SURE YOUR PET IS PROPERLY IDENTIFIED
In case your pet gets frightened and runs off, it should be fitted with a microchip – be sure your information is current. An ID tag with your name and telephone number is helpful, but can fall off and get lost. Microchips are a permanent solution for identifying your pet. We microchip here at Alicia Pet Care Center, and we recommend booking that appointment as soon as possible so we have availability before the 4th of July.
Our very own Dr. Wheaton had a pet that escaped during 4th of July, but they were reunited at the shelter the very next day thanks to a microchip with current information.
ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN FOR ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS
If your pet has a known anxiety to thunder, fireworks, and loud noises, we have found Trazodone to be a safe and effective tool at calming anxiety.
If your pet has never used it before, we recommend testing how they react with very small doses a few days in advance of the 4th. Be sure to book an appointment if you think your pet could benefit from anti anxiety meds, or calling your vet to fill their prescription days in advance of the 4th to ensure you have time to test it, and we have time to fill the meds!
Trazodone is an incredibly safe and inexpensive drug for pets, and we’ve seen many positive effects over the years for anxious pets especially during the 4th.
DO NOT FEED YOUR PET TABLE SCRAPS AND SNACKS.
Even one meal that is different than the norm can cause diarrhea and indigestion. Just as the 5th of July is busy for animal shelters with lost pets, the 5th of July is busy for animal hospitals with food bloat and pancreatitis cases. Nothing worsens a hangover quite like your pet having diarrhea!
Don’t forget that beer, onions, chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially deadly as well. You can read what to do if your pet eats something poisonous here.
DO NOT USE INSECT REPELLANT OR SUNSCREEN ON YOUR PET THAT ISN’T SPECIFICALLY MEANT FOR YOUR PET.
The ASPCA lists the poisonous effects of sunscreen on your pet as: “…drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.” DEET, a common insecticide, may cause neurological issues.
KEEP CITRONELLA INSECT CONTROL PRODUCTS AWAY FROM YOUR PETS.
Oils, candles and other citronella-based repellants are poisonous to pets. Ingestion can produce stomach upset and even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia.
KEEP LIGHTER FLUID AND MATCHES AWAY FROM YOUR PETS.
If exposed to lighter fluid, your pet may sustain skin irritation on contact, respiratory problems if inhaled, and gastric problems if ingested. Chlorates are a harmful chemical substance found in some matches that, if ingested, can cause your pet difficulty in breathing, damage blood cells or even cause kidney disease.
DO NOT PUT GLOW JEWELRY ON YOUR PETS OR LET THEM PLAY WITH IT.
The luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, but excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestion, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic tubing.
DO NOT LEAVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES UNATTENDED OR GIVE THEM TO YOUR PET.
Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If your pet drinks alcohol, it could become intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. In severe cases they can die from respiratory failure. Even beer can be toxic, fermented hops and ethanol are also poisonous to pets.
NEVER LIGHT FIREWORKS AROUND YOUR PETS!
While lit fireworks can cause severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Some fireworks contain potentially toxic substances, such as potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
If know your dog will be anxious or upset – we highly recommend using a ThunderShirt. A ThunderShirt applies a gentle, constant pressure that has a dramatic calming effect for over 80% of dogs. Experts believe that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system, possibly by releasing a calming hormone like endorphins. Using pressure to relieve anxiety in people and animals has been a common practice for years. We carry them in sizes XS – XL.
To Sum it Up…
The best plan is to exclude your pet from holiday activities. If you listen to step one and find a secure spot for them at home while you go out and celebrate, your pet will thank you for it and you will be thankful to come home to find your pet safe and healthy!
About The Author
Tim Wheaton, Office & Media Manager | A part of the APCC team since September of 2013 as the Office Manager and Media Manager. His career previously had been steeped in the Title Insurance Industry for over a decade. He has managed staffs in multiple industries, locally and overseas. His marketing and Social Media skills were learned as he manages his own photography business & podcast called “Daddy Unscripted” about being a dad.
Read More About Tim
There is no coincidence in the shared last name. Tim is Dr. Wheaton’s younger brother and has been around APCC and the staff since its inception. Life has come full-circle in that way, as Tim and his brother used to spend nearly every day during summers in their youth at their Dad’s veterinary practice in Corona Del Mar. Dr. Wheaton was always the son destined to follow in their father’s footsteps, while Tim was always the more creative-minded one of the two.
Tim and his wife have two kids of their own and two furry children (Rusty & Audrey), sibling cats adopted from The Pet Rescue Center in 2011.
Tim will be keeping you up to date with APCC happenings via social media – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram – with pictures, pet health tips, travel tips and ways to keep your babies happy and healthy.