Tips for keeping your pets safe this holiday weekend
information released
The 4th of July is a cherished holiday marked by vibrant fireworks, festive barbecues, and joyous gatherings with family and friends. While these celebrations bring excitement and fun for people, they can be a source of anxiety and danger for our beloved pets. Puppies.com, an online platform for dog lovers, recognizes the importance of keeping your furry friends safe during this festive season.
As you prepare for the 4th of July celebrations, it’s important to be aware of the unique challenges that fireworks and your favorite foods can present to your pets. By taking a few simple precautions, you can make the holiday enjoyable for everyone, including your four-legged best friend.
Tips for a Safe 4th of July for your Pets:
- Create a Safe Space: Fireworks can be frightening for dogs, with over 60% experiencing heightened anxiety during displays, which can lead to frantic behaviors and stress-induced health issues. Set up a quiet, comfortable area inside your home where your pets can retreat during the loud celebrations. Use things like blankets, toys, and soothing music to reduce anxiety.
- Keep Them Indoors: To prevent your pets from running away in fear, keep them indoors during fireworks displays. Ensure doors and windows are securely closed to minimize noise and prevent escape. If possible, avoid taking your pets to fireworks shows. The loud noises and crowds can be overwhelming and stressful for them. Another thing you can get for your dogs is an anxiety blanket. The sensation of the weighted blanket can provide a distraction from the loud noises and flashing lights of fireworks, helping to shift the dog’s focus away from the source of their anxiety.
- Identification Tags: Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date identification tags. In case they do get lost, proper identification will help them get back home quickly.
What NOT to Feed Your Dog:
- Hot Dogs and Burgers: These barbecue staples are often high in fat and can contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Stick to their regular diet to avoid digestive issues.
- Chocolate Desserts: Highly toxic to dogs, chocolate can cause severe health issues. hot dogs and chocolate desserts accounted for over 75% of reported incidents. Older dogs or those with heart conditions are at a higher risk of sudden death from chocolate poisoning.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for dogs, leading to intoxication, respiratory distress, and even death.
- Grapes and Raisins: These fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs. Ensure they are kept away from your pet’s reach.
- Onions and Garlic: These common ingredients can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
Some other things to be aware of when celebrating are party decorations and glowsticks. Glowsticks contain dibutyl phthalate which can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Party decorations can also be a choking hazard for dogs so make sure you keep them away from where your pets are roaming.
As we celebrate the 4th of July, it’s crucial to remember the well-being of our furry family members. By being mindful of their needs and taking simple precautions, you can ensure that your pets stay safe and comfortable amidst the festivities. Create a secure and calming environment for them, avoid feeding them food that can be harmful, and make sure they have a safe space. With these steps, you can enjoy a fun and worry-free holiday while keeping your pets protected and happy.
Angela, at Puppies.com said: “The 4th of July is a day of celebrations, but if you have pets, bear in mind that they don’t view the experience the same way you do. Definitely keep them close but be mindful of what is happening around you.”
About Puppies.com
Puppies.com is dedicated to connecting prospective pet owners with reputable breeders and providing resources for responsible pet ownership. Their mission is to ensure that every puppy finds a loving home and that pet owners are well-informed on how to care for their furry companions.
