Keeping Your Pets Safe and Calm on July 4th
With the Fourth of July coming up, I’m here to answer some common pet safety questions to help keep your furry friends safe!
Dr. Van, why are fireworks so scary for pets?
The main reason they're scary is that pets can't see where they're coming from, and it's a really loud noise. They have more sensitive senses than we do, with higher smell and better hearing. For them, all they hear is this huge boom, and they don't know exactly where it's coming from. So, it feels unsafe to them.
Is it okay to take my dog to watch fireworks?
I would say, like Danny here, she's excellent. She loves fireworks. She couldn't care less. If your pet has never had an issue with fireworks and they've been pretty close to your house, I think that's okay. But if you've never taken your pet, you may need to leave if it's not going well. I worry that if you did take them, they could end up being scared, and we don't want that, huh, Danny? She's very busy right now looking at the squirrels.
What should I do if my pet is afraid of fireworks?
The best thing I would recommend is if your pet is afraid of fireworks, consider a tight garment like a thunder shirt or a quiet bathroom where they can't harm themselves. If they're crate trained, that's another good option. You can put on calming music that really helps. Avoid saying, "It's okay," repeatedly, as this tells your dog it's okay to be afraid. Act like it's no big deal, and keep them in a calm, quiet environment. If it's severe, reach out to us or your veterinarian for sedatives.
Are there any foods I should keep away from my pets during these holiday cookouts?
I think Danny would disagree with me, but I would say hot dogs. Anything very fatty can upset the stomach. Also, avoid corn cobs, as they are a common foreign body we see and won't pass easily. High-fat foods should be avoided. Grilled veggies with a little salt and pepper are fine, but avoid onions and garlic. Make sure to clean up after barbecuing, as fat drips can attract pets and cause issues.
Should I be worried about my pets escaping during the holiday?
You should be cautious. If your pet is afraid of fireworks, set them up in a bathroom or small room. If you go outside, keep them on a leash. Even if Danny usually stays by my side, I don't want her to do anything crazy, so I keep her on a leash. If there's a loud boom, they might jump the fence, even if they've never done it before. Ensure they have updated tags and microchips. Prepare for the worst, but hopefully, the best will happen.
How can I help my pet stay calm during loud celebrations?
The biggest thing is to know if your pet is sensitive to noise and start with small measures like a thunder shirt and a quiet environment. If your pet is generally afraid of loud celebrations, consider offering sedatives. I tell people it's like going to the doctor; I don't love going to the dentist, so I use a sedative for comfort. If you notice any signs, it's worth getting something for those events. You got it, Danny. You need help? Oh, she needs help. There we go. Awesome.
When should I call the vet if my pet is stressed or injured?
If your pet is injured, go to an ER. They are open on holidays. If your pet is stressed by fireworks, give us a call. We can provide pre-visit sedatives or fireworks sedatives. Remember, fireworks don't end on the Fourth of July. If your pet is known to be affected, ensure you give sedatives continuously, as it's not just a one-time thing.
Happy Fourth of July. If you have concerns about your pet being stressed or worried about fireworks, please give us a call to pick up those sedatives.
The Fourth of July is a fun time for all of us—including our pets—so let’s keep them safe and stress-free during the celebrations.
If you have any questions about how to protect your furry friends or if your pet seems anxious or unwell after the holiday, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (303) 900-7765.
We’re here to help you keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe every day of the year!