Although we appreciate and love to see our clients and their pets, owners would be well advised to do a mental checklist to avoid an unscheduled emergency visit over the next few days to weeks.  Here are some things to note as you put together those holiday plans:

FIREWORKS:
Although people generally enjoy firework displays this is not a place where you should take your pet. They can become frightened by the large crowd of people, the loud noises, and unexpected bursts of light. It is best to keep your pet in a safe, quiet, and familiar area inside your home where they can not escape should they become frightened. Close all windows and shades in areas in your home while you are away. Distract your pet while you are gone by leaving the television or radio playing at a normal volume or turning a fan on to help muffle out noises. Remove any items that your pet could chew on or destroy should he/she become frightened as some animals are destructive when frightened. Do not leave a pet outside unattended as they could become frightened and run away. They may also try to get into the home or hurt themselves trying to escape the yard. Regardless where you pets are during the Independence Day celebrations make sure they have identification tags or are micro-chipped.

Do not use fireworks near pets. They may burn themselves on the lit firework or could chew on unlit or used fireworks which contain toxic substances.


FIREWORKS & THUNDERSTORMS:
If you are home with your pet and they act nervous with loud noises, such as pacing, whining, or crying do not stroke your pet and try to reassure him/her with words. Often this action may reinforce the behavior, instead the best thing to do for your pet is to distract your pet by playing with him/her or doing an activity your pet enjoys.


HEAT STROKE:
Animals get heat stroke when their body temperature increases above normal. This can occur for several reasons including: being left in a car without adequate ventilation even for a short amount of time, being outside on a hot or very humid day without appropriate shade, or exercising in the heat or humidity. Pets that are overweight are at an increased risk of getting heat stroke. Heat stroke causes serious health problems and possibly death in a relatively short amount of time. Please do not leave your pet in the car, as partially opened windows will not provide enough air on summer days. If your pet spends time outside ensure they have plenty of shade and cold water to drink. Avoid taking your pets on long walks or playing outside for long period of time during the warmest times of the day or on hot days.


PICNIC FOODS:
Several foods that are safe for us to eat can harm your pet or even kill them. Foods that are harmful to your pet include chocolate, avocados, grapes/raisins, onions/chives, garlic, yeast dough, and salt.

Corncobs are not toxic to your pet, but they can get stuck in your dog’s esophagus or intestines can cause obstruction. Corncobs generally will not pass on their own, and often require surgical removal.

Curious pets can put their head in empty chip bags and suffocate.

Changing your pet’s diet by giving them human foods can upset their digestive stomach causing vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Fatty foods, meat scraps, grease from meats, butter or oil can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which is painful and can be life-threatening. Some dog breeds are more prone to develop pancreatitis.


ALCHOLIC BEVERAGES:
Never give or leave alcoholic drinks unattended where you pet can get a hold of them. Alcoholic drinks can harm your pet and possibly lead to coma and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.


TOXIC SUBSTANCES & HAZARDS:
Glow stick/jewelry – The inner liquid can cause irritation of the digestive tract, excessive drooling, and intestinal blockage (intestinal foreign body) if ingested.

Insect repellent especially those containing DEET can cause neurological problems in your pets.

Sunscreen products that are not labeled for use on animals can cause stomach upset (drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea) as well as lethargy and excessive thirst.

Other summer hazards for your pet include: matches, lighter fluid, Citronella candles and similar products, hot grills or fires. Regardless if your pet can swim they should not be left unattended near swimming pools, spas, lakes, or ponds as they could fall in and drown.