4th of July Safety Tips for Puppy Parents
Fireworks
From small neighborhood celebrations to massive displays hosted by cities, fireworks take place all across the country on the 4th of July. While this is an exciting event for most people many dogs and other animals are scared of fireworks. If your dog isn't a fan of fireworks, keep them indoors and give them their favorite chew toy or something to keep them occupied during the event. You can also play music or turn on the TV, and close the windows and blinds to help dampen the sound and bright flashes from fireworks.
If you're going to be outside, it's important to leash your dog.
ID Tags
Making sure your pup's ID tag has your current contact information can help a lost pet return home. Having your pet microchipped is another step you can take. ID tags are very beneficial but can risk getting lost if your pet's collar comes off. Microchipping your pet is a safe way to ensure they can be easily identified by vets or shelters if they lose their collar and ID tags. If your pet isn't microchipped, contact your vet to learn more.
Backyard Barbecues
With hot barbecues, lots of food, and alcoholic beverages around, there are many opportunities for a curious pet to get into trouble. Ensure your pet is at a safe distance from hot barbecues to avoid accidents or burns, and always keep alcohol out of reach of an inquisitive pup.
It's important to keep an eye on your dog to ensure they don't get into anything that can be harmful if consumed. While foods like avocado, chocolate, and garlic are safe for people to eat, they are toxic if ingested by our canine friends. Other things to avoid feeding your dog include desserts, cooked bones, fatty foods, and table scraps.
Garbage bags and trash cans can be pretty interesting for our furry friends – and full of things we don't want them to ingest. Keeping your garbage in a secure space will also help keep your pup safe.
Summer Heat
Never leave your pet in a car when it's hot outside. The interior of a car heats up more quickly than the air outside, meaning even a few minutes in a hot car can be extremely dangerous for pets. If you're spending time outside, make sure your pet has access to shade and fresh water. Some dog breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs, are very sensitive to heat and should not spend much time in hot or humid conditions.
By keeping these four things in mind, you and your puppy pal can safely enjoy your 4th of July celebrations. If you have any questions about keeping your pet safe this holiday, ask the helpful experts at the Puppy Palace.