It’s hard to believe that summer is around the corner, and with it, our favorite hot-weather holiday. Who doesn’t love the thought of friends and family gathering over a delicious barbecue and colorful fireworks? Although our July Fourth celebrations will likely look a little different this year due to the current pandemic, if you’re organizing a small get-together with pets, remember the potential hazards that may put your four-legged friends at risk. Consider the following tips for a safe and festive Independence Day:

Plan the menu with your pets in mind

It’s hard to imagine a Fourth of July party without popular summer barbecue foods like ribs, corn on the cob, and chocolate brownies, but many of these dishes can be detrimental to our pets, who may sneak a taste when we’re not looking. Rather than put your furry friend at risk, consider a pet-safe menu with the following substitutions:

  • Lean toward lean — Barbecue ribs and chicken wings can cause pets to choke or suffer from a gastrointestinal blockage that often requires surgery. Skip the bones, and opt for lean hamburgers or veggie burgers.
  • Cut the corn — Corn on the cob is another common cause of intestinal obstruction in pets. Consider cutting it off of the cob before serving, or add some into a salsa recipe so you can still enjoy that fresh corn flavor.
  • Go for fresh fruit — Desserts are often laden with butter, sweeteners, and chocolate, which can cause a variety of problems in pets, including pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, or neurologic problems. Refrain from serving these potentially dangerous dishes, and opt for fresh watermelon, and low-fat frozen yogurt.
  • Avoid the alcohol — Alcoholic beverages, like beer, wine coolers, and cocktails, have an alluring taste that many pets will lap up, if given the chance. But, alcohol drinks can cause depression, weakness, or coma in pets, so consider non-alcoholic drinks, such as mocktails or spritzers. At least, leave the hard liquor at home, and opt for drinks with an extremely low-percent alcohol beverage content. 

Put everything in its place

Pets can be sneaky. Foods and drinks may be kept at counter height, but that’s no deterrent for an agile cat, or a determined long-legged pooch. And, aside from the potential food hazards, outdoor parties present plenty of other risks for pets, such as bug sprays, citronella products, and used charcoal. While these items may not be enticing to people, pets are often attracted to their sweet or savory scents, posing a potentially toxic threat.

Ensure that charcoal is placed in a covered container, and dispose of used briquets immediately. Keep sprays and repellents in the closet, and take them out only as needed. Request that guests keep track of their own plates and cups. If, despite your efforts, you still can’t keep your pets away from potentially dangerous goods, consider keeping your furry friends in a bedroom or enclosed area, safe from harm. 

Forego the fireworks

For pets with noise aversion, fireworks are a top offender. Many pets become fearful at these startling sounds, and may bolt. In fact, more pets go missing on the July Fourth than any other day of the year. Not only can fireworks induce anxiety, but curious pets could suffer injuries or gastrointestinal problems, if they mistake them for a new chew toy. To keep your furry friends safe, refrain from using fireworks at home. Head out and enjoy the local firework displays, but leave your pet securely at home. 

Head to WesVet

In preparation for the big day, schedule an appointment with WesVet’s veterinary team. This is a great time to discuss fear or noise aversion. If you worry your pet may become anxious on the big day, we can go over the different options, and choose the right treatment for your individual pet. If your pet is not yet microchipped, we strongly urge you to consider doing so. Microchips can be inserted under your pet’s skin, like a vaccine, during a simple outpatient appointment. If your pet already has a microchip, ensure your contact information is up to date. Simple instructions can be found here.  

At WesVet, we wish you and your furry family a safe, fun, and festive Independence Day. With a few modifications, you and your pets can have an enjoyable holiday with minimal worry, but if you have any questions about July Fourth pet safety, contact us.