The Fourth of July is just around the corner! This can be a scary holiday for Fido, and a dangerous one as well. In this article, a local Seminole, FL offers some tips on keeping your four-legged buddy safe over the next few weeks.
Hydration is absolutely crucial at this time of year! Make sure that Fido always has cool, clean water to drink. If you take your fuzzy friend off your property, have a portable water option for him. You can get him a doggy water bottle with an attached bowl, or collapsible dishes.
The Fourth can be scorching hot. Let Fido relax in rooms cooled by fans or air conditioners. Don’t walk him on hot pavement, and try to keep him indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
Dogs get very scared and confused about fireworks. This is one reason we see so many reports about lost pets after the Fourth. Bring your canine pal inside before it gets dark. You may want to put him in a quiet back room, and turn on a TV or radio to mask the noise. If Fido gets very scared of loud noises, ask your vet about pet calming products, like calming shirts, treats or sprays.
It’s best to err on the side of caution here. Make sure that your furry pal has been fixed, microchipped, and is up to date with his vaccines and parasite control products. We also recommend keeping ID tags on Fido.
Are you planning to grill out? Be careful what you give your canine companion! Some of the things you’ll find on many picnic tables are toxic to Fido. Some unsafe foods include garlic and onions; avocados; meat on the bone; grapes and raisins; pitted fruit; raw dough or yeast; nuts; mushrooms; and anything that contains xylitol. What can you give your pet? Most types of plain, cooked meat, fish, and chicken are fine, so go ahead and give your pooch a burger or a hot dog.
We never really get a respite from fleas, ticks, and other parasites, but they are out in droves at this time of year. Stay current on your furry friend’s parasite control.
As your Seminole, FL veterinary clinic, we’re dedicated to offering great care. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
