4th of July With Pets: Your Survival Guide
The 4th of July is a summer highlight. It’s an ideal time to get together with friends and family and take in an evening fireworks show after a day spent barbecuing. It can also be a fun “pet holiday” for your pet if proper precautions are taken. Here are some of the biggest 4th of July pet dangers and how to avoid them:
Burn and Heat Stroke Risk
There are a number of summer pet hazards related to overheating. Heat stroke warning signs include panting, fever, lethargy and heavy drooling. If you notice these symptoms, get them out of the heat as quickly as possible. During your gathering, provide plenty of water to drink and a small pool they can cool off in. Keep pets a safe distance away from campfires, grills, and fireworks.
Poisoning
Pets love to taste what’s on our plates, but it’s often not great for them. While a bit of cooked meat is probably fine, fatty foods are often too rich for their systems. Grapes, garlic, raisins, onions, and chocolate can be toxic to pets. If you suspect poisoning, bring your pet into your Austin veterinarian Dessau Veterinary Clinic or an animal hospital.
Disease and Parasite Risk
When pets are outdoors or around other animals, there is a higher risk they will pick up a parasite or diseases like rabies or distemper. Keep pets away from wooded areas and make sure they are up to date on all vaccinations and parasite treatments.
Firework Noise and Becoming Lost
Pets are often very frightened by the explosions caused by fireworks. It can startle and scare them enough that they run away and become lost. Bring pets indoors during the fireworks show. Ensure your yard is fenced when they are outdoors during the pet holiday cookout, or keep them on a leash. Consider having pet’s microchipped to dramatically increase the odds they will be returned to you.
Contact Us for Treatment From Our Austin Veterinarian Dessau Veterinary Clinic
At Austin veterinarian Dessau Veterinary Clinic, we combine compassionate care with the latest in veterinary treatments and technologies. Call us today for more pet ideas or to schedule an appointment.