Tips for a “Pet”riotic Celebration

America’s birthday is just around the corner. As you celebrate the long weekend with barbecues, parades and fireworks, be sure to take a few precautionary measures to ensure a safe and happy holiday for you and your pets.

• Beat the heat! Remember, if you’re overheated, your dog is definitely overheated too. Try to save strenuous outdoor activities for the cooler time of day and carry water with you for your dog. If he or she starts to display signs of heat stress – excessive panting, weakness, dark coloration of the gums – immediately wet your dog’s coat, place him in a cool area with a fan blowing on him, apply ice to the foot pads and call your veterinarian.
• Be cool near the pool. Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake—not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also, pools aren’t large water bowls—they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.
• Beware of bugs! Fleas and ticks are in full swing during the summer, and spending a lot of time outdoors for the holiday can put your pet at risk. Flea bites result in itching and all of your dog’s scratching can result in skin lacerations and secondary infections. Ticks are carriers of Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other infectious diseases. The best treatment is prevention, and there are plenty of great products available! Ask your veterinarian what product will work best for your pet’s lifestyle.
• Travel like a pro! If you’re traveling with your pet for the holiday – or at any point throughout the warm season – NEVER leave him or her in the car, even if the windows are open. If you must stop in your travels, either have someone stay with your pet inside the car with the air conditioning on, have someone stay with your dog outside, or leave your pet at home.
• Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.
• Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for those with four legs. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. Ask your veterinarian what brands are best to keep your pet safe from the sun and insects.
• Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pet’s normal diet—any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset. Certain foods like onions, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.
• Alcohol is poisonous to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws’ way.

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your veterinarian or Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services at (585)424-1277.