5 Dog Safety Tips for the 4th of July
Patriotism, family, friends and fire…an awesome combination indeed. While the Fourth of July may be our Independence Day, it is also a favorite American pastime that many of us will share with our pets. Remember these ASPCA tips while you partake in the festivities.
- Refrain from taking your dog to the fireworks display- While we greatly enjoy the event, a lot of dogs are very afraid of fireworks. Dogs can freak out, flee or even become aggressive. Keep them safely confined in an escape proof section of your home and do not leave them outside unattended.
- Keep poisonous drinks and foods away from dogs- Alcoholic beverages can intoxicate dogs and even cause them to slip into a coma. Click here for a list of commonly unknown toxins.
- Only use dog approved sunscreen and insect repellent on dogs- Human sunscreen can cause drooling, upset stomach, excessive thirst and lethargy if ingested by a dog but did you know that human insect repellent containing DEET can cause neurological problems?!
- Keep matches, lighter fluid and citronella candles away from your dog- Certain matches contain chlorates that can damage blood cells, cause difficulty breathing and sometimes even kidney disease. Lighter fluid and citronella candles are irritants that can cause gastrointestinal distress and maybe even depression of the central nervous system.
- Do not light fireworks around your dog- Beyond the obvious risks, fireworks contain toxins such as: potassium nitrate, arsenic and heavy metals.
Take out that grill, invite some friends, let your dogs romp and play but always remember, SAFETY FIRST!
What safety tips would you add to this list? Please comment, I would love to hear your thoughts.
*Johanna*
Source: http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7538445; http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/july-4th.aspx