The Fourth of July is just around the corner! The summer holiday, for many, is synonymous with sun, fun, and grilling out. However, it can be a dangerous time for our furry friends! A Plano, TX vet offers some suggestions on keeping your animal companion safe below.

Water

July is also Pet Hydration Month, and with good reason. When it gets hot, as Independence Day often is, dehydration and overheating present serious dangers. Make sure that your pet always has plenty of fresh, clean water!

Cooling Vests

This one’s for Fido. (You can try putting a cooling vest on Fluffy, but that is also a good way to end up in the ER.) There are different types to choose from, so do some research before deciding. You can also go the DIY route: hang a wet bandana around the pup’s neck. The evaporation will help cool it.

Cool Beds

One way to help your pet beat the heat? Give them a cool spot to hang out in. Hammock beds are a good option. They stay cooler than regular beds, because air can pass below them. You can also point a fan at or above your furry pal’s bed. Another option is to freeze a few towels and let your pet sleep on that.

Food

Food is a big part of many holidays. For the Fourth, barbecuing is the standard go-to. You can share some food with your pet, but stick with things that you know are safe. Some good options would be plain, boneless meat, fish, or chicken; deli-meat; cooked eggs; or sodium-free broth. It’s also important to know what isn’t safe. These include meat on the bone; garlic and onions; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; avocado; and anything that contains xylitol or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Monitor little ones closely: young kids may innocently try to ‘share’ their food with their four-legged pals.

Commotion

Fireworks are quite scary to our furry buddies! Bring Fido and Fluffy indoors before dark. If your pet is very scared of the noise, turn a radio or TV on. You can also try using pet-calming products.

Preventative Care

Keeping up with regular wellness care is very important! Make sure that Fido and Fluffy are fixed, microchipped, and current on their vaccines and parasite control. As your Plano, TX animal clinic, we’re here for you! Call us anytime!