|
| |
Should You Bring Your
Pet?
As the country dons its red, white and blue to
celebrate Independence Day, nothing says patriotism like a good old-fashioned
barbecue with a side of fireworks. But beware pet parents, what’s fun for people
can be a downright drag for our furry friends.
 The
ASPCA recommends keeping your pooch indoors as much as possible during backyard
parties and Fourth of July festivities, even if he is a pro picnicker. From
toxic food and beverages to raucous guests and fireworks, the holiday weekend is
a minefield of potential pet problems.
“Even the most timid dog can leap a six-foot fence if he’s spooked by loud
noises,” says Dr. Pamela Reid, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Behavior
Center. If your dog shows signs of distress from fireworks or boisterous
revelers, Dr. Reid suggests giving him a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter.
“The consistent licking should calm his nerves,” she says.
The ASPCA offers some more expert advice to keep your pet singing, “Oh Say Can
You See,” all the way to the fifth and beyond:
 |
Keep your pet on
the wagon. Since alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, place all wine,
beer and spirits well out of paws’ way. |
|
Avoid scraps
from the grill. Stick with your pet’s normal diet—any change, even for a day,
can result in stomach upset. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate,
grapes and raisins are
especially toxic to pets.
|
|
Avoid lathering
your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the
four-legged kind. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea,
excessive thirst and lethargy.
|
|
Stay fire-smart.
Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter
fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous
system.
|
|
Be cool near the
pool. Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake—not all dogs are
expert swimmers! Also, pools aren’t large water bowls—they contain chlorine
and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.
|
As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous from the
picnic table,
please contact your vet or the
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
at (888) 426-4435.
Thanks for Protecting your Pets!
Happy 4th of July!
|
BAYTOWN
HUMANE SOCIETY