Celebrating The 4th With Our 4-legged Friends

The 4th of July is one of our nation's most celebrated holidays; filled with fun backyard activities, barbecues, and booming firework displays lighting up the night sky in recognition of the birth of our great country.  But unlike people, animals don’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of fireworks with happy celebrations. 

 
Animals are often terrified of fireworks and may panic at all the loud pops and bangs they produce.  The American Humane Association reports that, as a result, July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters.  Why?  A 2005 press release stated that, the day after the 4th of July, animal shelters are “inundated with pets that panicked at the noise of firecrackers and fled into the night; winding up lost, injured or killed.” 

 

If you want to include your pets at a 4th of July celebration, take safety precautions to ensure that your dog or cat is protected from some of these common hazards.

 

1.  Noise Phobia:
An extreme fear of a sound, such as firecrackers or fireworks, can cause our pets to act aggressively during this fearful event.  Pets can injure themselves while trying to escape or when looking for a place to hide.  If your pets are going to be home alone on the 4th of July, reduce the noise level in your home by running a fan, playing the radio, or closing the windows and doors to help block out any troubling  noise.  Pet owners can also create a safe place where their pets can retreat to when they feel threatened.  Some animals find refuge in small spaces, such as a closet or their crate.  Consider putting their favorite blanket and toys in these areas to create a sense of security for them while you're out.

 

2.  Food Toxicity:
Barbecues can offer tantalizing treats for animals; however, most of them are toxic  to our pets.  Fatty and rich foods such as hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, and baby back ribs can reek havoc on your pets' stomach, often leading to indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, etc.  Raw meat and fish contain bacteria or parasites that are extremely dangerous to our pets and can even be fatal.  Onions and garlic, common ingredients in many foods, are toxic to dogs and cats and can lead to fatal poisoning.  Discarded bones from ribs, steak, or chicken can cause an obstruction or lacerations of your pets' digestive system.  Make sure to keep pets away from alcohol; wine, beer and other spirits which are extremely toxic and often cause life-threatening seizures or respiratory failure.

 

3.  Pet drowning:
Many 4th of July parties are held pool-side, at the beach, or on a lake with pets tagging along.  Thousands of animals die in drowning incidents each year.  These incidents can be avoided if the following safety measures are taken.  Don’t assume your pets know how to swim; familiarize them  with water from a young age.  Supervise your pets at all times while they’re around water and be sure they have an easy way to exit the water.  Never leave your pets unattended at the beach as they can easily become overpowered by tides and currents.  If you're taking your pets on a boat, buy a lifejacket made specifically for your four-legged companion.  This simple but effective accessory just might save your pets' life

 

4.  Lost pets:
Pets can easily become separated from us during holiday festivities; too many people at a party can create confusion, a back door may accidentally be left open, or your dogs could get pulled in the opposite direction while swimming unattended at the beach.  Pets left at home may also become anxious during a firework display and find a way to escape from the house.  Make sure your pets wear a durable collar with up-to-date information on the identification tags.  Getting microchips for all of your pets is another way to increase the chances that they are reunited with you should they become lost.

 

Unfortunately, even with the best safety plan in motion, accidents can still happen.  If there is an emergency with your pets, don’t wait to have them treated; locate a 24-hour veterinary clinic if your family veterinarian is unavailable.  

 

Perhaps the safest and best way to celebrate this 4th of July with your pets is to exclude them from the festivities altogether.  Instead, find a safe, secure spot in the home for your pets while you go out and enjoy the loud bangs, bright lights and spectator fun.  You may think your beloved pets will feel left out but, trust me, they'll appreciate the quiet a whole lot more than you’ll enjoy all the noise!

 
Here's to a safe 4th of July for all!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!