While July 4th celebrations are fun for humans, the festivities we in indulge in can be hazardous for our pets. Whatever your plans may be this weekend, here are some tips for keeping our four-legged family members safe.
Resist the Temptation to Share Holiday Treats
The smell of rich, fatty meats sizzling away on the grill is often more than a food-motivated dog can bear. I’ve even treated canine burn victims who have stolen food from barbeques while the food was cooking, and the grill was still on! Close grill tops when the grill is not in use, and keep an eye on known food thieves.
Many of the treats we enjoy on the 4th are way too high in fat to be safely shared with our pets. Hot dogs, steaks, burgers and ribs are just some of the reasons for July 5th visits to the vet. While none of these foods are toxic, they are not part of our pets’ daily diets. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset, or even pancreatitis - a condition that can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Discard Cooking Debris In Pet-Proof Receptacles
Whether it’s barbequed ribs or grilled chicken, many of our holiday favorites contain bones that our pets find irresistible. Bones can impact in the intestines or stomach, causing dangerous blockages that can only be removed surgically. Another surprisingly common hazard is corn on the cob. While corn itself is not toxic to pets, they love to chew on the cobs. These too are indigestible and can cause blockages if ingested. Do not pour cooking grease on the ground, as pets will eat anything it coats. Rocks, twigs and golf balls are just a few of the greasy goodies I’ve removed from canine stomachs.
Be Mindful of Exposure To Water and Sun
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Our pets do not tolerate heat as well as we do, so monitor their outdoor activities closely. Provide plenty of shade and fresh drinking water, or even a kiddie pool for cooling off. Pets in South Florida are also at risk for drowning in pools, so know where your pet is at all times, especially if they are older or cannot see well.
If the party is happening at a dog-friendly beach, do not allow your pet drink saltwater. This can lead to hypernatremia, or saltwater toxicity, and can get very serious very quickly. Provide plenty of opportunities for your pet to drink fresh water, and provide a source of shade. Never use sunscreen products labelled for humans on pets, as it can be irritating to the skin.
Secure Pets During Fireworks Displays
The busiest intake day for shelters around the country is July 5th. Estimates run as high as 30 to 60 percent, with a shelter in Massachusetts reporting an 80 percent uptick on July 5th, 2014. If those statistics aren’t sobering enough, here are some more. Fewer than 13 percent of lost dogs and 2 percent of lost cats are ever reunited with the families that lose them.
Simply put, fireworks are so terrifying for pets, that many of them will bolt from the house in a blind panic to escape what they perceive as an artillery barrage. Our pets do not understand our fascination with fireworks, and their hearing is far more sensitive than ours. Fireworks are explosions. Is it any wonder that our pets don’t like them? They probably don’t understand why we do.
As the fireworks get started, place cats in a separate room with lots of hiding places. Leave closet doors open, allow access to areas under beds and behind furniture, and make it abundantly clear to guests that this room is off limits.
Consider crating or boarding anxious dogs if you cannot confine them to a separate part of the house. Turn on the television or some classical music to drown out the noise, and provide them with interesting activities to occupy their minds.
For cats, try food puzzles or an interactive toy. Dogs are often content with a Kong toy that has been stuffed with canned food and placed in the freezer. These keep our dogs busy for hours. Do not bring dogs to fireworks displays, as they are likely to panic and get away from their handlers.
Most importantly…
Have a safe and happy holiday! It only takes a few minutes worth of forward planning to make sure the festivities are enjoyed by everyone - including our animal companions!
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