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Fourth Of July Hazards

FOURTH OF JULY HAZARDS

July 4th is quickly approaching and all of us as Advanced Veterinary Care wish you and your pets a wonderful holiday!   For humans, July 4th means barbeques, beach visits, pool parties, and fireworks.  Unfortunately, for pets, these same activities present dangers that could result in illness or Injury.  In our continuing effort to help your pets live longer, happier lives, we offer the following tips on keeping your pet safe this holiday.

Holiday Parties:  Remember that pets have delicate digestive systems and changes to their diet could cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even a dangerous condition called pancreatitis.  A burger or hot dog that falls on the ground may seem like a nice treat for your dog, but you are better off throwing it away.  Chicken, steak and rib bones present choking hazards and may cause severe gastroenteritis.  Also, remember that alcohol is toxic to pets.  Even health fruits and vegetable may sometimes cause problems, as produce such as grapes, onions, and even some avocados can be toxic to animal companions.  
The party atmosphere itself can be difficult for pets too. Pets may be fearful of strangers or may even just be overwhelmed by the number of people around them.  Noise, loud voices, or music at high volumes may also cause pets distress.  Pets suffering from fear or distress may hide, cower, or even bite, so protect your pet from these stressors as much as possible. 
If you are able, contain your pet in an area away from the party.  If your pet mingles with the guests, make sure they do not indulge in any untended plates or drinks.  If you have reason to believe your pet may have ingested something harmful, call or bring them to a veterinarian immediately.

Beaches and Pools:  Beach visits and pool parties are a San Diego staple.  While many dogs love the water and are excellent swimmers, this is not always the case.  A life vest can help ensure your pet stays afloat while preventing them from over exerting themselves while swimming.  When using a life vest, just make sure to take it off when the pet is not swimming, as dry life vests can cause overheating. 
When at the beach, make sure that the surf is not too large and that you are not in an area with riptides.  Bring fresh water and do not let your dog drink the salt water, as it can dehydrate them, make them sick, or even cause "salt water toxicity," which is a medical emergency. 
When at a pool, make sure your dog knows where to get out of the pool, observe them at all times around the pool, and do not let them get over-tired.  Provide fresh water, as pool water can also make a pet sick.  Lastly, never throw or push a pet into the pool or water.  This can be extremely traumatic for the animal and cause a lifelong fear of water.

Fireworks: Possibly the most traumatic event for pets on the Fourth of July is fireworks.  It is reported that more pets escape their homes on July 4th than on any other date, and July 5th sees the most lost pets logged into shelter than the rest of the year.  This is largely because many dogs run away in a panic to escape fireworks.  In fact, fireworks can be so upsetting for some dogs that they jump through a window or over a six foot fence out of sheer panic or in an attempt to escape the noise and booming vibration.   To help your pet survive the holiday include keeping them home, closing all the windows and doors, leaving a television or radio playing to drown out noise, keeping them in a small secure space, and staying home with your pet.  For dogs with an extreme fear of fireworks, all of the above, products like the Thundershirt, and even sedation may be required.

he most important thing you can do to protect your pet (even indoor pets) is to make sure they are microchipped and have a collar with your contact information on it.  We strongly recommend your pet have both.  July 1 is National ID Your Pet Day, which serves as an annual reminder to make sure your pets’ identification tags and microchip information is current.  Other things you can do to help your pet survive the holiday include keeping them home, closing all the windows and doors, leaving a television or radio playing to drown out noise, keeping them in a small secure space, and staying home with your pet.  For dogs with an extreme fear of fireworks, all of the above, products like the Thundershirt, and even sedation may be required.

If you have any questions regarding how to keep your pet safe this Fourth of July, or any other day, please do not hesitate to contact one of the doctors or staff at AVC.  Remember that at AVC, our first line of defense is always prevention.

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