Keep Pets Safe During 4th of July Celebrations - Acadiana's Multi-Media News Station

Keep Pets Safe During 4th of July Celebrations

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As the country celebrates Independence Day, beware!

What's fun for people can be a downright drag for our pets.

The ASPCA recommends keeping your dog and your cat indoors as much as possible during backyard parties and 4th of July festivities. From toxic food and beverages to raucous guests and fireworks, the holiday weekend is a minefield of potential pet problems.

"Even the most timid dog can leap a six-foot fence if he's spooked by loud noises," says Dr. Pamela Reid, vice-president of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. If your dog shows signs of distress from fireworks or boisterous revelers, Dr. Reid suggests giving him a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter. If your cat is in distress, put him in a quiet room with water, food and a cozy bed.

The ASPCA offers some more expert advice.

  • Keep your pet on the wagon. Since alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws' way.
  • Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pet's normal diet — any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.
  • Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.
  • Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.
  • Be cool near the pool. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake — not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also, pools aren't large water bowls — they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous from the picnic table, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. And be sure to check out our more complete list of holiday pet care tips for a safe and happy Fourth.

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