Fourth of July
Pets suffer with the loud sounds brought on each year with fireworks. It can cause weeks of constant stress for animals as people start shooting off fireworks well before July 4th.
For pets, the booming sounds bring fear and disorientation—leading pets to do almost anything to get away, even jumping through glass windows, running into traffic, or frantically scaling tall fences which can lead to life threatening injuries for your pet. Keep a close watch on your pets anytime you hear fireworks and consider putting your pets in an enclosed safe space. If you know your pet is sensitive to loud noises, see your primary care veterinarian for recommendations for calming medicines.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is just as real for pets as it is for humans. Dogs have trouble cooling down on hot days because they don’t sweat like humans. Dogs can sometimes die from heat stroke after less than an hour of outdoor activity. Limit time outside on hot days and always make sure you provide pets with shade, water, and a way to get back inside.
Outdoor Activities
If your pets are with you outdoors, make sure you supervise them, just as you would a child. It’s easy for pets to get lost, run into streets, or get bitten by a critter. Sticks and branches on the ground can also cause choking and severe mouth injuries to dogs. If your pet likes to chew and chase, use a tennis ball, Frisbee or other toy instead of branches. Also remember, concrete or blacktop surfaces become painfully hot and can reach well over 100°F, leading to severe paw pad burns. If your dog swims a lot, their paw pads are at a greater risk of burning. Water softens paw pads, so when dogs walk on hot asphalt after getting out of a pool or lake their paws are ultra-sensitive and more prone to burning or cracking.
Food
Many foods that are safe and healthy for humans will make pets sick. Foods that can sicken dogs include: avocados, apple seeds, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, onions, potatoes, grapes, tomatoes, chocolate and sugar-free gum containing xylitol.