The July Fourth holiday is a time for celebration, fireworks, and family gatherings. While humans enjoy the festivities, it can be a stressful and dangerous time for pets. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some simple tips to help protect your pets, focusing on common July 4th hazards and how to prevent them. Keep reading for our tips to ensure your furry friends have a calm, safe and secure holiday.
Understanding the Risks of July Fourth for Pets
Fireworks and Loud Noises
Fireworks are a staple of July Fourth celebrations but for pets, they can be a source of significant anxiety and fear. The sudden, unpredictable loud noises and bright flashes of light can startle pets, leading to anxiety, flight risk or health issues. The loud noises and bright lights can cause pets stress and even lead to pets running away in fear. You may have noticed your dog’s reaction to the loud fireworks include trembling, excessive barking, drooling, and trying to hide or escape. Prolonged stress from fireworks can exacerbate underlying health conditions in pets, particularly those with heart problems or respiratory issues.
Hazardous Foods
Holiday gatherings often involve delicious food, but many common July Fourth foods are dangerous for pets. Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, and alcohol can be toxic to dogs and cats. Other menu items that can be dangerous for dogs include grapes and raisins, which even in small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs. Barbeque is a popular food option during the holiday but bones and fat trimmings should not be shared with your dog. Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries, while fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis.
Outdoor Dangers
Fourth of July with your dog can mean spending extra time outdoors, resulting in your pet encountering hazards like open flames and toxic plants. Barbecue grills, fire pits, and fireworks can cause burns or start fires if pets get too close. Many plants used in landscaping or as decorations can be harmful to pets if ingested. Common toxic plants include lilies, azaleas, and sago palms.
Citronella candles, insect coils and tiki torch oil products if ingested can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets, so always keep them out of your dog’s reach. And if you’re celebrating the holiday near a pool, lake, or the ocean, ensure your pet is supervised. Not all pets are natural swimmers, and even good swimmers can get tired or encounter strong currents.
Tips for Ensuring Pet Safety During July Fourth
Now that we’ve addressed some concerns that could arise when celebrating summer holidays and outdoor events, we’re going to share some simple solutions. Here are our top five tips to keep your pet this July 4th weekend.
- Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, comfortable room in your home where your pet can retreat during the festivities. Fill the space with their favorite toys, blankets, and a cozy bed. Playing soft music or using a white noise machine can help drown out the sound of fireworks. Keep your pets indoors during fireworks displays, even if they are accustomed to being outside, the sudden loud noises can cause them to panic and run away. Make sure all doors, windows, and gates are securely closed.
- Emergency Preparedness: Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. Be prepared by knowing the location and contact information of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Keep a pet first aid kit handy, and familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures for pets. Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with an up-to-date ID tag. Microchipping your pet provides an additional layer of security, as it increases the chances of being reunited if they get lost.
- Avoid Hazardous Foods: During July Fourth celebrations, keep all food and drinks out of your pet's reach. Inform your guests about the dangers of feeding pets human food and provide plenty of safe pet treats instead. Don’t forget to offer fresh water all day.
- Manage Anxiety with Calming Products: Consider using calming products such as anxiety wraps, pheromone sprays, or CBD oil designed for pets to help your pet during the noisy celebrations. Our Soothing Stress Relief Spritz combines eucalyptus and peppermint to naturally calm your pet. If your pet has severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian before the holiday. They may recommend prescription medications or other treatments to help manage your pet's stress during the festivities.
- Supervise Outdoor Activities: If you plan to spend time outdoors with your pet, always supervise them. Keep them on a leash and away from potential hazards like grills, fireworks, and toxic plants. Ensure they have access to fresh water and a shaded area to stay cool.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure pet safety during the July Fourth holiday and help your furry friends stay calm and secure. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing accidents and keeping your pets comfortable. Celebrate responsibly and make this holiday a happy and safe experience for everyone, including your beloved pets.
