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Pet Precautions: 4th of July Safety Tips

Chuck is excited for the 4th of July!

Chuck is excited for the 4th of July!

Independence Day. The 4th of July. The milestone of summer – with fireworks and barbeque and quality family time. Regardless of what you may call the day, your furry friends would probably describe the event more along the lines of “a very loud day where humans act strange and disappear for hours while booming noises shake the walls.”

To help make the day more comfortable for your pets and ensure they stay safe throughout the festivities, remember these guidelines:

  • Only apply insect repellent around your pets if it’s marked safe for animals. Most insect repellent is dangerous if consumed by an animal. Especially in chemical repellent with DEET, the substance is highly toxic and can make your pet extremely ill. It’s best to apply the insect repellent when you are outdoors and away from animals. Alternatively, you can look into purchasing an animal-safe, chemical-free repellent.
  • Be careful with the food you drop. After applying the repellent, you’re ready to fire up the grill; however, it’s important to make note of foods you drop around your pets. A great barbeque is made even more delicious by garlic and onion, but never drop those aromatic veggies around your animals or risk a trip to the vet.
  • Be careful with the food you feed to your pets as well. It may seem sweet to throw a hunk of raw meat off the grill to your dog, who is staring at you and waiting for food. Raw meat should never be fed to an animal, as the bacteria levels are too high and could make them ill. If you want to give your furry friend a taste, buy a special treat or fully cook meat before giving it to him.
  • Never give your pet an alcoholic drink – not even a sip. It isn’t a joke to feed your dog a beer or your cat a margarita. Alcohol can be dangerous and life-threatening if consumed by an animal. Think of your pet like a young child, keep your adult beverages out of reach at all times.
  • Keep your cats indoors throughout the day. The 4th of July can be a confusing time for a cat. If you have an outdoor feline, consider bringing her inside for the day. If you must keep your cat outside, take updated photos in case she gets lost and be sure to provide ample amount of food and water by your door.
  • Keep your pets at home. It may be tempting to take your animals outside to watch the fireworks, but this should be avoided. Fireworks cause anxiety and fear in cats and dogs, which can cause them to become panicked. If loose, many will wander far from home. When the fireworks start going off, dogs and cats both become disoriented and seek shelter away from the noise. Be sure to keep your pets at home. Turn on the television for some background noise and provide a special treat.

The 4th of July can be an exciting event for most people. However, always think of your furry friends as the day fast approaches. Purchase a special treat, give your pets a lot of love, and then feel free to have fun with your family. Before doing so, always follow these tips so your pets can stay safe.

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