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July 4 safety
Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it.
Whether or not you’re planning your own Independence Day celebration, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after Fourth of July festivities.
Preparing in advance:
- Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up -to -date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
- If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
- If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up -to -date.
- Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.
- If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems. Some pets may need medication. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
- Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Are pasture fences secure enough to keep horses or other livestock confined? Evaluate your options, and choose the safest area for your animals; and make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.
Safety during July 4 celebrations:
- Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
- Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape -proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
- Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
- If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
- Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
- Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
- Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
- Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from these common foods that are actually toxic.
- Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
- Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
- If you’re travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.
- Follow safe food handling and hygiene practices to protect your family and guests.
After the celebrations:
- Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
- Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
- If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.
Fourth of July First Aid Kit Preparation
The Fourth of July is a great opportunity to spend the day with family and friends. But with all the commotion, pets could accidentally hurt themselves, even if you're keeping them safe indoors. Before the long weekend, learn what to keep in your dog's first aid kit so everyone has a relaxing holiday.
First Aid Kit for Dogs
The ideal first aid kit for dogs should include items that the dog owner feels comfortable using. Some dog owners are trained in first aid and can make their kits more elaborate. But, for the average dog owner, the following list will make an adequate first aid kit:
- Three rolls of three -inch gauze
- Gauze pads, a variety of sizes is ideal
- Adhesive tape (nonstick)
- Self -clinging wrap
- Antibiotic salve
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Alcohol and alcohol wipes
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Liquid diphenhydramine elixier (Benedryl)
- Eye wash liquid or sterile water
- Cotton balls
- Paper Towels
- Bath towels
- Large plastic garbage bags
- Veterinarian contact information, including emergency clinics and poison control numbers
In addition to these items, a blanket or large towel can be used as a stretcher to transport an injured dog. Empty, cleaned, two -liter soda bottles can be filled with warm or cold water to warm a cold animal or cool an overheated animal. Cold water also helps to reduce swelling. If these extra items cannot fit into the first aid kit, they can be kept nearby for easy access.
The first aid kit items should be stored in an easy to open, transportable box that has a handle. Plastic tackle or toolboxes work well. They have compartments or trays that help organize the first aid items. Clearly label the box "Dog First Aid Kit".
For items that have a shelf life, be sure to date the item with a permanent pen and replace the item before it expires. Marking the item this way will serve as a reminder to check the date, as well as make it easy to spot.
If an emergency should occur where there's more than one person on site, let the person most trained in first aid handle dressing injuries. This is especially true if the dog's owner is too emotional to make the correct decisions. Keep in mind that the purpose of administering first aid is to stabilize the dog until he can be taken to the veterinarian. If the incident occurs away from home (beyond traveling distance to your regular veterinarian), having the contact information for a local emergency veterinary clinic with you can save your dog's life.
It's always a good idea to take a canine first aid course. Study a book, video, or ask your veterinarian for tips. Being prepared is the first step in first aid.
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