Last year around this time, most of us had acquiesced to a life less fulfilling than before. We stayed indoors, learned a hobby, and started drinking wine with our pets instead of human company. We truly lost our sense of freedom all due to an icky virus. So, now that we are all vaccinated, we know that this Independence Day is going to be EPIC!
But before we indulge, let us not forget about our old drinking buddies, a.k.a. the fur babies. Below are the top dos and don'ts for keeping your pets comfortable this Fourth of July.
Do...
Keep dangerous items out of reach. Matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles, insect coils, tiki torch oil, sparklers, glow sticks, and fireworks all contain harmful chemicals that can cause illness or death if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. So, though these items may be fun and festive for us, keep them away from fur kids who don't know any better.
Be mindful of the heat. Your pet can't tell you if the heat is making them uncomfortable. If your fur baby is outside with you, look for signs that they may be overheating (excessive panting, drooling, lethargic behavior, slow or heavy breathing, etc.). And always provide a respite area in the shade and cool water.
Leave your pets home. If you're planning on visiting a friend or family member's BBQ, leave your fur baby home. Though it's tempting to bring them along, remember, they may not have as much fun as you when they're surrounded by new people and scary fireworks.
Make a little fortress for your fur kid. It is a safe bet to leave your fur baby in an escape-proof area of your home. Even if they are not at a party with fireworks, sounds of nearby fireworks are still very frightening to fur kids, and they may run off because of the sound.
Update your pet's tags and microchip. Though we hope you won't need it, it's best practice to make sure your pet's ID tags and microchip both reflect accurate contact information. Runaways due to fireworks happen often, but most pets are reunited with their parents due to good forethought and planning.
Don't...
Bring your pet to a large gathering or one that has fireworks. If you are dead-set on brining your fur kid with you to a party, just make sure it's a low-key one. Your fur kid may not enjoy the crowds like you do...and we've yet to meet a dog that loves the sound of fireworks.
Leave alcoholic drinks where pets can reach them. Despite all the drinking references, the truth is that companion animals do not process alcohol like humans do. If a pet accidentally ingests an inappropriate amount of alcohol it may cause severe physical problems and can potentially be life threatening.
Apply any sunscreen or insect repellent to your pet. Though these products are safe for people, there are chemicals in sunscreen and insect repellents that could result in serious injury to your pet, including neurological problems. Ingesting these products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.
Feed your pet table scraps. We know it's tempting to share, but avoid table scraps and bones from grilled meat. There are many foods that can upset your pets stomach, and many of them are used in seasonings! So play it safe and stick to kibble.
Bring your pet to a large gathering or one that has fireworks. If you are dead-set on brining your fur kid with you to a party, just make sure it's a low-key one. Your fur kid may not enjoy the crowds like you do...and we've yet to meet a dog that loves the sound of fireworks.
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