Dog Safety for 4th of July

Now that summer is upon us, lots of fun memories await. Cookouts, picnics, beach days – they’re all great. In particular, nothing says summer quite like the 4th of July. All across the country, Americans celebrate Independence Day with day-long barbeques, beach visits, and of course, fireworks. However, even though these events are a lot of fun for humans, the 4th of July presents some unique dangers for your pets. Read on for some practical tips on how to keep your pet safe and happy this summer.

NO FIREWORKS NEAR PETS

It goes without saying that you should not light fireworks with your pet nearby. There are several reasons for this. First, the unpredictable nature of fireworks, particularly amateur ones, can quickly lead to injury. This is especially the case if your pet gets scared and runs into an area where firework debris can land on them. Most animals are frightened by the loud, booming sounds accompanied by a firework display. As a general rule, keep your pets inside the house if you plan to be around fireworks. You can also consider boarding your pet at the Good Dog Spot overnight during the 4th of July holiday if fireworks play a big part in your activities. 

BE CAREFUL OF ALCOHOL

If you plan on having alcoholic beverages out, keep a close eye on any pets nearby. While most dogs are not typically drawn to alcohol, accidents can happen and it’s best to be prepared. Alcohol toxicity can happen when your dog ingests too much alcohol for its body weight. To be safe, make sure any alcoholic beverages are out of your pet’s reach. 

NO CITRONELLA OR HUMAN SUNSCREEN

What’s one of the only downsides to summer? Bugs! Despite how annoying it is to get a bug bite (or several) avoid having or using citronella products anywhere near your pet. Citronella oil can cause skin rashes, irritation, or even gastrointestinal issues in your dog. A similar summertime concern for pet owners is sun protection. If your pup has light fur, it’s especially important to apply sunscreen, but make sure it’s for canine use only. Many sunscreens designed for humans have ingredients that are toxic to dogs if ingested.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR PET

Especially on a holiday like the 4th of July, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet. Loud noises like fireworks can easily startle them and they are likely to run away from the source. Heat exhaustion can also affect dogs, so if you’re planning on having your pup join you on a hot day, make sure to give them plenty of water and find creative ways to cool down.  Never leave a dog unattended in a hot vehicle. Keeping an eye on your pet throughout the summer season means less worry and more fun for everyone!

For more summer safety tips, stop by any of our locations or contact The Good Dog Spot today.