In a few days, you’ll probably be celebrating our nation’s independence with your family. You’re also likely to include your pet in the festivities, but it’s important to make sure they stay safe! Use these tips from a Myrtle Beach veterinarian to do just that.
Don’t Take Pets to Fireworks
Some families like to take their dogs to local fireworks displays to include them in the festivities of the holiday, but it’s best to leave your pet home. Dogs don’t find the loud booms and bright flashes of fireworks as entertaining as we do-in fact, it probably terrifies them! Save yourself the worry of your pet escaping in fear by leaving them at home in a well-secured room.
Home Fireworks Precautions
Setting off sparklers or firecrackers in your driveway at home? Make sure your pet is secured a safe distance away. These products can burn a pet if they were to get too close. Plus, they contain harmful chemicals like arsenic. If a pet were to chew on them, poisoning could result!
Picnic Safety
Your standard July 4th picnic contains all sorts of harmful foods for pets! Fatty table scraps, salty foods, avocado, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, candy, and baked goods can all cause serious health symptoms in pets, so keep a close eye on your pet if you bring them to the picnic. Also remember that alcohol is very dangerous for dogs and cats-don’t let your pet come in contact with beer, liquor, wine, or champagne.
Sun Hazards
There’s a good bet that your pet will be spending time out in the summer sun this holiday. Make sure they avoid dehydration and heatstroke by providing them with a bowl of fresh water and a shaded area. You may even consider buying a dog- or cat-formulated sunscreen to apply to exposed skin, like that on the tips of the nose and ears. Your vet can recommend a quality product.
Proper Identification
Sometimes, your pet can run away or get lost in the shuffle of the holiday, despite your most careful efforts. Your best backup plan is proper pet identification. If your pet needs his ID tags or microchip updated, call your Myrtle Beach vet’s office right away to set up an appointment.
