More pets are lost on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. Beyond that, it is usually a highly stressful time for our pets, and leaves them severely anxious and afraid because of the noise, commotion, and amount of activity. There are also other common dangers that you should be aware of. We want to help you make this holiday as safe, fun, and worry-free for both you and your pets. In this article, you’ll learn easy tips that you can follow in order to make sure that your pet is happy and safe this holiday!

1 – Sedatives

Pets that get very anxious from the fireworks and commotion can benefit immensely from a prescribed sedative or calming agent – such as Zylkene. Before we can prescribe your pet a sedative though, your pet is required by law to be up to date on their annual exam. If it’s been over a year, just give us a call and we’ll get you in before the 4th! Also, it’s important that you never give your pet anti-anxiety medication or sleep aids that are meant for humans, as this could be incredibly dangerous for your pet.

2 – Microchipping

Your first priority should be making sure that all of your pets are microchipped. If a pet does escape and they are brought to a veterinary facility or animal shelter, the first thing done is microchip scanning. If the pet has a microchip implanted, the owner’s contact information is immediately available to the facility. This is crucial, as a large amount of collars get damaged or lost when a pet escapes, whereas a microchip is a permanent form of identification. It is a quick, inexpensive, and relatively painless procedure. If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, please call us and set up an appointment.

3 – Never use fireworks around pets

Often times, fireworks are curious and interesting to pets when they are lit, before they begin making a lot of noise. If given the opportunity, pets will often investigate, which can cause burns, trauma, and even serious injury if the pet gets too close. Don’t let pets around used fireworks either, as many fireworks use toxic substances and heavy metals in their chemistry.

4 – Setting up a safe environment

Keep your pet at home, and create an escape-proof and relaxing room for them, preferably in a quiet part of the house. If you plan on having guests over, make sure that your pet isn’t able to run out when doors and gates are being opened. In their dedicated room, turn on a familiar television station, or play continuous and soothing classical music to help mask the noise of nearby fireworks. This is very important, because the loud noises will cause your pet to seek safety, and often causes them to desperately try to escape.

5 – Alcohol is toxic to pets

Keep your dog or cat away from alcohol at all times. This includes alcohol-infused dishes, such as rum-soaked cakes or other deserts. The kidneys of pets are not equipped to process alcohol like people can, which means even a small amount can result in a dangerous situation for your pet. Alcohol poisoning in pets can happen quickly, and can result in symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to coma, kidney or heart failure.

6 – Keep away from table food

Barbecues are very common on July 4th. And while most people enjoy barbecued food immensely, many common foods can be unhealthy or even dangerous for pets. Some common foods to keep away from your pets are:

• Raw/Undercooked meat
• Avocado
• Citrus
• Chocolate
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Cherries
• Apple seeds
• Caffeine
• Coconut
• Nuts
• Onions
• Garlic
• Yeast dough

7 – Substances that are dangerous

There are many common substances and liquids used on the 4th of July that are dangerous to pets. Make sure to keep your pet away from any of the following:

• Insect Repellant (that isn’t made specifically for pet use)
• Glow Jewelry
• Lighter fluid
• Matches
• Repellants that contain Citronella (such as oils, candles, and insect coils)

If you have any other questions about how to best enjoy the 4th of July while keeping your pet safe, give us a call or ask us during your next appointment! We’ll talk to you soon!