Keep Your Pet SAFE
This July 4th
Keep Your Pet SAFE
This July 4th
Keep Your Pet SAFE
This July 4th
This July 4th
As the country dons its red, white and blue to celebrate Independence Day, nothing says patriotism like a good old-fashioned barbecue with a side of fireworks. But beware pet parents, what’s fun for people can be a downright drag for our furry friends.
Dr. Dave recommends keeping your pooch indoors as much as possible during backyard parties and Fourth of July festivities, even if s/he is a pro picnicker. From toxic food and beverages to raucous guests and fireworks, the holiday weekend is a minefield of potential pet problems.
“Even the most timid dog can leap a six-foot fence if he’s spooked by loud noises,” says Dr. Pamela Reid, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. If your dog shows signs of distress from fireworks or boisterous revelers, Dr. Reid suggests giving him a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter. “The consistent licking should calm his nerves,” she says.
Here is some more expert advice to keep your pet singing, “Oh Say Can You See,” all the way to the fifth and beyond:
- Keep your pet on the wagon. Since alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws’ way.
- Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pet’s normal diet — any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset, then vomiting and/or diarrhea. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.
- Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.
- Be cool near the pool. Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake — not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also, pools aren’t large water bowls — they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.
- Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system. Also, Many dogs are terrified of fireworks. The loud noise of fireworks can send these dogs into a state of panic. Some dogs have even had seizures during fireworks. Many dogs are. The loud noise of fireworks can send these dogs into a state of panic. Some dogs have even had seizures during fireworks.
What can you do to help keep your pet stay calm during the fireworks this weekend?
Here are some suggestions:
- 1. Consider not taking your pet to the fireworks display. Make sure that your pet will be calm at home, or stay home with your dog during the fireworks. Keep your pet confined in a comfortable location if possible.
- 2. Don't try too hard to reassure your dog during a fearful event with petting, soothing words, or extra attention. This can sometimes exacerbate the problem by reinforcing your pet's fearful response.
- 3. Some pets are very sensitive to people's moods and may be influenced by the way that you react to the noise. It is best to act happy and upbeat or to redirect your pet's attention to some absorbing activity.
- 4. If you must leave your pet at home alone during the fireworks, consider what would make your pet most comfortable. Bring your pet indoors. Would he feel safest in a crate? Try turning on the radio, television, fan or air conditioner as "white noise". Make sure you provide a comfortable hiding place or "safe place" for your pet in case he is scared during the fireworks.
- 5. Pet anxiety studies have shown that music can have a calming effect on a stressed out pet. I would recommend the Music My Pet CD. This musical CD was created for the specific purpose of calming pets. The classical music tracks were arranged to have a smooth soothing dynamic from beginning to end. And the music is performed using only those instruments that have been proven to have a calming effect on pets (like the harp, flute and piano). Try playing the CD before the fireworks begin to get your pet into a relaxed state, and continue playing it throughout the fireworks.
So, the best way to deal with this issue is to be prepared. Before the fireworks begin, anticipate your pet's reaction to these loud noises. Whenever possible try to avoid exposing your pet to fireworks. If this is not possible, do everything that you can to make your pet feel more comfortable and secure. Talk to your pet in a light, cheerful tone that sends a comforting message that the noise is no big deal. Encourage your pet to find a quiet restful place to wait out the noise.
As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous from the picnic table, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
