Fireworks: We speak from experience when we say the barking is non-stop and that is only if you can get your smaller dog out from under the bed. Quite frankly, our Independence day and joy is a frightening thing to Rover! Therefore, there are some things you should be careful about!
The following tips come from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:
• 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 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 ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and tiki torch 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.
• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
• Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, who can become frightened or disoriented by the sound. Please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities, and opt instead to keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.
And there are even more tips! Our friends over on ASPCA can advise you so please take a look!
You do not have to exclude Rover from all the joy but, please, use some common sense when celebrating our nation’s independence! Be sure your doggie is comfortable and will experience as little stress as possible.
We know that cannot always happen – especially if you are in a neighborhood where fireworks are enjoyed one right after the other but as long as you take a little precaution your pet will not be forever traumatized!
