Fourth of July Safety for Dogs

Are you looking forward to the Fourth? Many people love the summer holiday: it’s a great chance to spend time with friends and family, perhaps grilling or swimming. America’s Birthday does pose some very serious dangers to our canine buddies, however. Below, a Lakeville, MN veterinarian offers some advice on keeping Fido safe on Independence Day.

Water Safety

If you’re headed for the pool or beach, keep Fido’s safety in mind. If you’re bringing him to a pool, immediately show him where the pool exit is, so he can get out if he falls in by accident. If you’re going boating or to a lake, keep your pooch away from areas with strong currents and/or wakes, and keep a lifejacket on him. Never leave your dog unsupervised near water.

Grilling

Who doesn’t love a summer cookout? Just be sure not to let your dog have any unsafe foods. Some of the things that are dangerous for Fido include avocados; grapes, currants, and raisins; garlic and onions; pitted fruits; alcohol; nuts; and anything containing xylitol. We recommend using secure trashcans and throwing leftovers out immediately. Don’t let your furry pal get any barbeque skewers or bones, either: these things are very dangerous for dogs. Last but not least, keep your four-legged buddy away from the grill: fire and pets are not a good mix!

Heat

July can get pretty hot! Make sure Fido has plenty of water, and get him out of the sun if he starts panting. Also, keep your pooch on soft surfaces as much as possible, so he doesn’t burn his paws on hot tar or asphalt.

Chemicals

Bug spray, lighter fluid, glow sticks, sparklers, and sunscreen can all be toxic to our furry friends. Keep these things well out of Fido’s reach.

Fireworks

Fireworks can be very scary for our canine buddies. Every year, many dogs get frightened and run away during fireworks celebrations. Keep Fido safe and secure by putting him inside, in a quiet back room, when the fireworks start. Put a radio or TV on to mask the noise and soothe your pet. Just to be on the safe side, we also strongly recommend making sure your pup is microchipped, and is wearing current ID tags.

Please reach out to us, your Lakeville, MN animal clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!