Independence Day is all about food, fun, friends, and fireworks, but many popular holiday festivities can pose a threat to your pet. To keep your four-legged friend calm, happy, and safe during your July Fourth celebration, follow our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team’s list of do’s and don’ts.
DO administer appropriate parasite prevention to your pet
As dusk falls and mosquitoes swarm your patio looking for a hot meal, you likely will be tempted to spray you and your pet with the entire contents of the insect repellent can. However, insect repellents that contain DEET can cause neurologic problems in pets, so stick to veterinary-approved parasite preventives. These products can safely thwart heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites, and also potentially minimize the bites on your pet from bloodthirsty pests.
DON’T serve your pet an alcoholic beverage
As the festivities kick into high gear, liquor may start to flow, but any alcoholic beverage should be paws-off for your furry pal. Pets and alcohol do not mix and pets, especially toy- and small-breed dogs, can quickly be affected by alcohol poisoning. Ensure you keep all cocktails out of your pet’s reach and you quickly mop up spills.
DO keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pet’s reach
Whether you’re setting a bonfire ablaze, firing up the grill, or igniting fireworks, keep matches and lighter fluid away from your pet, as these items can cause breathing issues, pneumonia, red blood cell damage, kidney disease, and central nervous system depression.
DON’T put glow sticks on your pet
While your pet no doubt looks cool in luminescent jewelry, they can suffer gastrointestinal (GI) irritation if they chew glow sticks, or an intestinal blockage if they swallow chunks of glow jewelry.
DO create a quiet, calm environment
July Fourth festivities can create chaos in your otherwise calm home environment, which can unsettle your pet and cause a great deal of anxiety. If you plan on hosting a large crowd, set up a safe, peaceful spot for your pet where they can escape from the overwhelming party atmosphere, and relax while riding out the fireworks show. Create a calming environment with a plush bed, long-lasting treats, and your pet’s favorite toys, and by plugging in a pheromone diffuser. Play white noise or turn on a pet-friendly TV show to help drown out ear-splitting booms and the raucous crowd.
DON’T share cookout scraps with your pet
Tossing your dog a bone seems like a great idea when you have plenty of rib or steak bones left over from your cookout, but bones, barbecued meats, and corn cobs can cause your pet serious problems, like pancreatitis, GI upset, or blockages. Resist giving your pet any leftover cookout foods, and ensure you secure the trash can so your furry pal can’t sneak any scraps.
DO ensure your pet has plenty of fresh water
Texas summers are hot, and July is no exception. Pets can rapidly overheat in the scorching summer sun, so keep them cool and comfortable with plenty of fresh water. Better yet, keep your pet in the air-conditioned indoors, except for quick trips outside. If your pet needs outdoor exercise, stick to the early morning cooler temperatures and avoid the blazing afternoon conditions.
DON’T forget to update your pet’s collar ID tags
Fireworks-related fear results in more pets going missing during July Fourth celebrations than any other time of year. Should this happen with your pet, help guarantee a happy reunion by updating their collar ID tags with their information (e.g., a new phone number), and ensuring the tags are clearly legible and securely attached. For added protection, have your pet microchipped or, if they are already microchipped, verify that the contact information is current.
DO exercise your pet before the fireworks show
The local fireworks grand finale is no time for your pet to take a bathroom break. Exercise them before the first boom of the night to prevent accidental freak-outs.
DON’T wait until the last minute to request noise aversion medication
If your pet turns into a mess of quivering limbs, whimpers in panic, or leaves a puddle of urine when the fireworks start, they likely have a case of noise aversion. The fireworks’ ear-splitting whistles, shrieks, and bangs can send your four-legged friend into a frenzy, but medication can ease their distress. If you know your pet is sensitive to loud noises, contact our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team and request a prescription now.
July Fourth can be a terrifying day for pets, but it doesn’t have to be. Contact our team to discuss anti-anxiety medications that can soothe your pet’s noise aversion, so they can relax during the fireworks show.
