How to ensure your pet’s safety this 4th of July

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Fourth of July is known for its festive celebrations like parades and fireworks, but how will your pets react?

Between barbeques, entertaining guests, traveling, and watching the fireworks, it’s important to keep your eye on your pets.

Fireworks

If your pet has a fear of or dislikes loud noises, something as simple as turning on soft music and moving your pet into an interior room with no windows can be helpful while fireworks light the sky, according to the ASPCA. It is important to give your pet a space where they feel comfortable and calm inside and away from the excitement.

You can also think about giving your pet a toy to keep them busy inside, such as a Kong or a chew.

Noise phobias are not as common in cats, but they can and do happen, however, cats tend to hide when they are frightened. Checking in on your cats, having some quiet music on, and keeping them indoors during the fireworks are always helpful.

Drinks

It is very important to remember to never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them because if ingested, your pet could become intoxicated and weak, severely depressed, or go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure could also happen in severe cases.

Fire safety

Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of pets’ reach as certain types of matches contain chlorates that could potentially damage blood cells and could lead to difficulty breathing, or even kidney disease. Lighter fluid could irritate the skin and can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression in ingested. If inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

Food

If you change your pet’s diet on the 4th of July, even for just one meal, it can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals with more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. Foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt, and yeast dough can all be toxic to your pets.

Weather

Too much sun, heat, and humidity, can be dangerous to pets. Keep your pets inside when it’s extremely hot/humid, and make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when they are outdoors. Also, do not leave pets outside for extended periods when it’s hot.

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