Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This 4th of July

Nothing says 4th of July in Texas like Barbecue, grilling and being outside. Although we may be tempted to treat Rover with steak bones and the like, there may be poisonous qualities in these foods as well as some of the drinks we enjoy during the holidays. In addition, firecrackers may terribly frighten your pets, and there have been many cases during 4th of July holidays where animals run away and end up lost or in shelters. Here are some tips to keep everyone healthy and safe during the 4th of July holiday:

* Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

* Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your petsNothing says 4th of July in Texas like Barbecue, grilling and being outside. Although we may be tempted to treat Rover with steak bones and the like, there may be poisonous qualities in these foods as well as some of the drinks we enjoy during the holidays. In addition, firecrackers may terribly frighten your pets, and there have been many cases during 4th of July holidays where animals run away and end up lost or in shelters. Here are some tips to keep everyone healthy and safe during the 4th of July holiday:

* Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

* Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing-or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

* Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.

* Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestion, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.

* Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestion can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
* Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

* Keep your pet indoors, with curtains and windows shut. Turn on the radio or TV to help camouflage the noise of the fireworks. Give your pet a blanket, bed, or crate, to burrow inside for safety. The best situation for your pet is to be at home with you. If your holiday plans take you elsewhere, it is best to leave your pet inside the house.

* Do not leave an animal in the back yard, even if it normally stays there and shows no inclination to climb the fence or dig its way out.
"If they're left outside in the yard, some will chew through chain link, or jump a fence that they've never even tried to do before."

* Panicked animals have even been known to break through windows, in their desire to bolt to perceived safety. If your pet normally has access to a dog door, make sure it is securely locked.

* Be sure your pets have water - if stressed, they will probably want to drink - and be sure they have gone to the bathroom before you leave.

* Do not take pets to fireworks shows. There are too many strangers, too many