Avoid Having A Freaked Out Fido On The 4th!

While we are having a festive fourth- barbequing, a day at the beach, drinks and fireworks displays – our pets can be at serious risk of poisoning or running away from home.  July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters.  Firecrackers scare pets and they flee, resulting in getting lost or even killed.  Below are some tips to help keep your pets safe and sound so you can enjoy your holiday.

Keep your pet home and indoors at all times.
It is safer to keep your pet at home rather than bringing them to a neighbor’s gathering or to any celebrations.  The noises and crowds can scare them and they will be forced to seek shelter.  DO NOT lock your pet in the car.  This can lead to heat stroke or even death.  When at home, keep them inside.  If they are outdoors they may be tempted to jump a fence in an attempt to find safety.  Inside, crate them if they are used to that, or keep them in a room where they feel safe.  Block out sights and sounds by closing windows and blinds – play some soothing music.

Be sure your pet is properly identified.
In case your pet gets frightened and runs off, it should be fitted with a microchip – be sure your information is current.  An ID tag with your name and telephone number is helpful, but can fall off and get lost.  Microchips are a permanent solution for identifying your pet.

Do not use insect repellant or sunscreen on your pet that isn’t specifically meant for your pet.
The ASPCA lists the poisonous effects of sunscreen on your pet as, “…drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.” DEET, a common insecticide, may cause neurological issues.

Keep citronella insect control products away from your pets.
Oils, candles and other citronella-based repellants are poisonous to pets.  Ingestion can produce stomach upset and even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia.

Keep Lighter Fluid and Matches Away from your Pets.
If exposed to lighter fluid, your pet may sustain skin irritation on contact, respiratory problems if inhaled, and gastric problems if ingested.  Chlorates are a harmful chemical substance found in some matches that, if ingested, can cause your pet difficulty in breathing, damage blood cells or even cause kidney disease. 

Do not put “Glow” jewelry on your pets or let them play with it.
The luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, but excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestion, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic tubing.

Do not leave alcoholic beverages unattended or give them to your pet.
Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If your pet drinks alcohol, it could become intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma.  In severe cases they can die from respiratory failure.  Even beer can be toxic, fermented hops and ethanol are also poisonous to pets.

Do not feed your pet table scraps and snacks. 
Even one meal that is different than the norm can cause diarrhea and indigestion.  Don’t forget that beer, onions, chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially deadly as well.

Never light fireworks around your pets!
While lit fireworks can cause severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Some fireworks contain potentially toxic substances, such as potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

If know your dog will be anxious or upset – I highly recommend using a ThunderShirt.  A ThunderShirt applies a gentle, constant pressure that has a dramatic calming effect for over 80% of dogs.  Experts believe that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system, possibly by releasing a calming hormone like endorphins.  Using pressure to relieve anxiety in people and animals has been a common practice for years.   Alicia Pet Care Center carries them in sizes XS – XL (949) 768-1313.