July Fourth brings to mind cookouts, pool parties, and impressive fireworks displays, but the festivities can be dangerous and stressful for your pet. Our Bayview Animal Hospital team wants you and your pet to enjoy the patriotic holiday, and we asked some pet friends to explain their July Fourth experiences to help demonstrate the perils your pet may encounter.
Carlson, a 2-year-old tuxedo cat: “I was relaxing on my owner’s computer keyboard when several strangers invaded my home. I didn’t know why they were there so I dashed out the door when my owner wasn’t looking and didn’t stop running until I found a quiet place to hide.”
Bayview Animal Hospital (BAH): Unfamiliar guests can be upsetting for pets, and many of our furry friends go missing on July Fourth when they panic and run away from crowds or fireworks noise. Luckily, Carlson was microchipped, so when he was turned in to the animal shelter, his chip was scanned and he was reunited with his owner. Microchipping your pet is the best way to provide permanent identification, which greatly increases their chances of being returned to you if they go missing. Once your pet is microchipped, keep your contact information updated in the microchip registry so you can quickly be identified as your pet’s owner. In addition to their microchip, your pet should always wear a collar and identification tags that have your current contact information. Ensure the tags are legible and firmly attached to your pet’s collar.
Lady, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever: “Many people came to see me today, and they brought lots of yummy treats. I found a platter full of meaty goodies and helped myself, but then I didn’t feel so well.”
BAH: Any sudden change in your pet’s diet can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) upset. In addition, the fatty dishes served at July Fourth celebrations can trigger pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening situation, while several common foods, including onions, grapes, chocolate, alcohol, and xylitol, are toxic to pets. Fortunately, after suffering from a bellyache for the rest of the day, Lady recovered well. Tips to protect your pet from dangerous July Fourth food offerings include:
- Containing your garbage — Keep all trash in sealed containers to prevent dumpster diving.
- Notifying your guests — Ensure your guests know not to feed your pet table scraps.
- Checking for discards — Throw away all abandoned plates and cups as soon as possible to ensure your pet doesn’t eat or drink an off-limits substance.
- Feeding your pet — Feed your pet their usual meal before the party so they aren’t hungry, and provide pet-safe treats so they don’t feel left out when people are enjoying yummy July Fourth fare.
Billy, a 7-year-old bulldog: “We went to the park for a picnic. I was so excited to be around so many people and doggy friends, but I got extremely hot and felt sick. My owner made me leave and go to the veterinarian.”
BAH: Heatstroke is a dangerous condition, and pets can overheat quickly because they can’t sweat like humans. In addition, brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs, and senior and overweight pets are at increased risk for heatstroke. Billy had to spend the night in the veterinary clinic to receive intravenous fluids, but he was able to go home the following afternoon. Tips to protect your pet from the July Fourth heat include:
- Leaving your pet at home — Your pet may be more comfortable at home under the air conditioner, especially if they are at high risk for heatstroke.
- Never leaving your pet in the car — Numerous pets die every year when left in an unattended vehicle. Temperatures skyrocket quickly to dangerous levels, and parking in the shade or cracking the window is not enough to keep your pet safe.
- Providing water — When on outings, take bottled water and a portable water bowl, and offer your pet a drink at regular intervals.
- Taking breaks — Pets can get excited, especially in a crowded situation like a July Fourth celebration. Ensure your pet takes frequent breaks in a quiet, cool area so they don’t overheat.
- Monitoring your pet — Monitor your pet for heatstroke signs such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea, and collapse.
- Seeking veterinary attention — If your pet overheats, start cooling them using lukewarm water, and seek veterinary care immediately.
Betsy, a 5-year-old border collie: “I was napping after a rousing game of fetch when loud bangs and whistles suddenly woke me. Lights were flashing, and the noises went on forever. I was terrified!”
BAH: It sounds as if Betsy has a noise aversion triggered by fireworks. This condition is serious and can lead to significant emotional trauma and potentially cause health issues. Addressing the problem is critical to prevent your pet from suffering. Potential management strategies include:
- Environmental management — Confine your pet to an area without windows, providing all the resources they need. Keep music or white noise playing to muffle sounds from outside, and offer a food-puzzle toy to help distract them from the commotion.
- Behavioral modification — In some cases, desensitization and counterconditioning techniques can help noise-averse pets if started weeks or months before July Fourth. This process involves playing a fireworks soundtrack that triggers your pet’s response at a low enough level that they remain calm. While playing the track, feed your pet or play their favorite game to help them create a positive association. Gradually increase the volume at each session to help desensitize them to the noise. If at any time they react anxiously, turn the volume back to a safe level and wait until the next session to try to increase the volume.
- Pharmaceutical help — In some cases sedatives or anti-anxiety medications or supplements may be necessary to help a pet cope with noise aversion.
If your pet has an aversion to fireworks noise, contact our Bayview Animal Hospital team so we can determine the best strategy to help you and your pet enjoy the July Fourth festivities.
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