July 4th and Your Pets

Things to Keep in Mind This Holiday Weekend

4^th of July is just around the corner, and beyond barbecues and pool parties, it means it is time for another refresher on safety for your pets during this holiday weekend of fun. Petland is here to remind you of the possible dangers and concerns to your pets over the upcoming summer holiday. 

BBQ Picnics

As you grill and eat lots of BBQ, your dog will undoubtably be watching you with hopeful, wanting eyes. Avoid letting your pet eat table scraps or a whole plate left alone on the picnic table. The fat trimmings of meats and any bones leftover can be very dangerous to your pets. 

Try to keep pets inside or at home for any large picnics, but if they are outside, keep a watchful eye on them to ensure they are not consuming anything that will make them sick. If you feel bad leaving your dog out of the fun, consider purchasing a butcher bone or pork ear from a Petland store so they can have something tasty to crunch on right beside you. 

Be familiar with the foods that can be poisonous to your pets. Some potentially harmful ones that may be found at a July 4^th picnic include chocolate, alcohol, onions, salty foods, and overly sugary sweets. Keep these foods far from the reach of your pets. 

Water Dangers

Pools, ponds, lakes, and oceans are great for humans, and some dogs. Not all dogs are strong swimmers, and they should not be invited into the water. For the dogs that do enjoy swimming, make sure you are with them when they swim a few laps.

Dogs typically will not go into a large body of water if they are unable or uncomfortable with swimming, but you should always watch your dog around water—especially if you have never seen them swim before. 

On the other hand, cool water is a great way for your pet to cool off. Consider using a baby pool or setting up a sprinkler for your pet to enjoy in the heat. 

Fireworks

It would not be the 4^th of July without any fireworks, but unfortunately your pet is unlikely to enjoy them as much as you do. The loud and sudden noises can scare your pets and cause extra anxiety. This is often worse in the pets who are left alone at home during the show. 

There are ways to help comfort your pet during firework shows. The first option to consider is a Heavenly Hounds Relaxation Square. This is a product sold at Petland that is offered in a tasty peanut butter flavor for your pet to eat before the show begins. This special treat will help relieve stress and anxiety during the fireworks (or any bad summer storm) while promoting relaxation in your dog. 

A second option available at Petland are ThunderShirts. These are widely-popular shirts for dogs that wrap around them to relieve anxiety and help calm them down in a variety of stressful situations—including fireworks.

Consider trying a Heavenly Hounds Square, a ThunderShirt, or discover more options at your local Petland before the fireworks begin. 

Additionally, the fireworks typically cause one of the highest rates of lost pets per year. As pets become scared of the noises and lights, they may run away. Make plans to secure your pets and make sure you have all your tags and microchip information up-to-date.

General Outdoor Concerns

If you are out and about on walks, remember that the pavement is incredibly hot for the paws of your pets. Try walking on grass or during the morning or evening hours to avoid painful burns. 

If you are going on any adventures, make sure you are keeping up with your chosen method of flea and tick prevention for your pet. If you go into tall grasses or woody areas, check your pet’s fur and legs for any ticks that may have attached during the journey. 

July can produce some hot temperatures in many parts of the country, so it is important that you prevent heatstroke in your pets by providing plenty of fresh water, shade, and the opportunity to go inside to a ventilated and cool environment. 

Your pets will be excited to have everyone home for a long weekend, and with this information, you will be prepared to ensure their safety and well-being throughout all the festivities! Happy 4^th of July!