4th of July Safety Tips

The 4th of July is just around the corner. This can be a dangerous time for our canine companions! Here, a local Forest Hill, MD vet offers some tips on keeping Fido safe during the summer holiday.

Heat

Heat is a big pet safety concern at this time of year. Make sure Fido always has shade and fresh water. Also, keep an eye on your pet, and look for signs that he’s getting too hot. Panting is usually the first thing you’ll notice. If you see any red flags, immediately give your dog water and bring him to a cool area.

Food

Food is a big part of many holiday celebrations. It’s fine to offer your pet a special snack, but be careful. Many of the things you’ll find at barbeques are toxic to dogs. Some of the dangerous foods include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; pitted fruit, especially avocado; chocolate; caffeine; grapes, currants, and raisins; nuts, particularly macadamia nuts; mushrooms; alcohol; raw meat, dough, or yeast; meat on the bone; and anything that contains xylitol. Ask your vet for more information.

Fireworks

As you may know, lost pet reports often spike around the 4th. Many dogs are terrified of fireworks. No matter how loyal and loving your pet is, don’t assume that he won’t bolt if he gets scared. If you have a yard, make sure your fencing is secure, and get a gate that closes automatically. We also recommend limiting your dog’s outdoor time around the holiday. On the night of the 4th, bring your pooch inside before the fireworks start. Put him in his crate or in a quiet back room with bedding, toys, and treats, and turn a radio on to mask the noise. If your dog is very easily scared, ask your vet about using pet-calming products, like sprays and collars.

Trash

Dogs are fairly opportunistic, especially when it comes to food. Fido may get a bright idea about sniffing through the trash in search of leftovers. This can be quite dangerous, as garbage can contain many things that are hazardous to your pet. Bones, skewers, toothpicks, fat trimmings, can lids, tin foil, and plastic are just a few examples. Use trashcans with secure lids.

Please reach out to us, your Forest Hill, MD vet clinic, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are dedicated to offering great care!