Avoid Fourth of July Pet Hazards

By Dr. Karen Halligan

UPDATED: 2:12 pm CDT July 3, 2003

Independence Day is upon us. Everyone in America will be celebrating this national holiday. That means barbecues, parties, lots of noise and fireworks! Unfortunately, your pet doesn't understand all the festivities and some dogs even have fears of loud noises -- especially fireworks.

Here are some tips to help your pets survive the Fourth of July.

Hot Weather
  • Dogs can overheat outside from all of the excitement. It's best to keep your pet indoors during all the celebrations.

Loud Noises
  • If your pet is afraid of loud noises, especially fireworks, place them in a safe room and turn the TV on or have music playing for them.
  • If your pet has a phobia to loud noises, call your veterinarian ahead of time and ask about getting sedatives. Most vets will want to have examined the pet within the last six months before prescribing tranquilizers.

Pet Identification
  • Make sure all pets have current I.D. tags on. With increased household traffic, pets sometimes slip outside and without tags you may never get them back.

Food, Beverage And Treats
  • Don't give in to the temptation of feeding your pet party food. It's bad for them and you may even end up in the emergency room. This includes ham, turkey, pork, beef, bones of any kind, dips, chips, and all sweets.
  • Ham and other meats may come packaged with string wrapped around them. When you remove the string or packaging tie it up in a plastic bag and dispose of it outside in the trash can immediately.
  • If you want to include your pets in the festivities, buy them red, white or blue dog or cat treats.
  • Do not allow your pets to play with items not specifically made for them. Items such as plastic or foil wrapping and six-pack beverage holders can be dangerous to pets.
  • Do not give your pets alcoholic beverages of any kind. Instead give them their regular treats and lots of love!
  • Remember to caution others (both kids and adults) not to give pets anything except their normal treats. Guests may not always be aware of how dangerous it is to give pets bones or table scraps.
  • Be careful as pets will get into the garbage and get very sick. Just make sure all of your trash is secured away from your pets.

Pet Clothing
  • If you plan on dressing your patriotic pet, make sure they are clothes made for animals. Otherwise they could harm your pet.