Fourth of July Pet Safety

Fourth of July festivities are right around the corner, which means it’s time for fireworks and backyard barbeques. It’s important to remember that while many Fourth of July traditions are fun for humans, they can be very stressful for pets! Here are some tips to keep your pets safe while you enjoy your celebrations.

Fireworks  

Fireworks are beautiful sights to be seen, but the loud sounds can be very scary for our furry friends. Here’s what you can do to help.

• Create a safe, comfortable and familiar space for your pets to stay during the firework displays.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked and secured and ensure your pet has proper identification in the event that they run out of the house. 
• 30% more pets become lost between July 4th and 6th than any other time of year. If you haven’t already, consider microchipping your pet!
• Close all blinds and windows and consider using white noise or leaving the TV on to drown out the sound of the fireworks.
• Give your pet a distraction, such as a new toy or treat. 
• If you know that fireworks make your pet very anxious, speak to your veterinarian about medications that are available to keep them calm.
• Don’t love fireworks? Your pet will be happy to have your company if you choose to forgo the fireworks.
• Clean up the day after. Fireworks debris can make it into your yard even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself. Check for debris and clean up before letting your pets outside.

Backyard Barbeques

Backyard barbeques are one of the most fun ways to celebrate Independence Day! It’s always fun to include your pets (who wouldn’t want a pet-friendly bark-beque!?), but keep these safety measures in mind during your party. 

• People food is for people. Keep your cook-out spread out of reach from your pets and ask your guests not to feed them. Remember, alcohol, avocados, grapes, and onions are toxic to pets and bones (even cooked ones) can cause an intestinal blockage that can require emergency surgery.
• Keep pets away from Citronella and use insect repellent that is safe for pets. Citronella can cause severe respiratory problems if ingested and insect repellent that is not safe for pets can cause skin irritation and digestive problems if ingested. 
• Ensure that lighter fluid and matches are out of reach. These can cause skin irritation on contact, respiratory problems if inhaled, and gastric problems if ingested.
• Glow jewelry and glow sticks are a fun addition to any Fourth of July party, but be sure your pets don’t get ahold of them. Ingesting the glow pieces can result in excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation.
• The day after your cookout, check your yard for food scraps and potentially harmful debris before letting your pets outside. 

Your pets will appreciate your efforts to keep them safe and feeling comfortable. As always, we are here if you have any questions about Fourth of July pet safety. 

Find more Fourth of July safety tips. 

Call (616) 551-0510 with any questions or to make an appointment. Happy Fourth of July!