The Fourth of July is coming up quickly! For many of us, the summer holiday means barbeques, swimming, and having fun with family and friends. However, this can be a dangerous holiday for our canine companions. Read on for some doggy safety tips from a local Fayetteville, NC vet.

Heat

Hot days are always dangerous for Fido. He is wearing a fur coat, and can’t cool himself off very easily. Make sure that your four-legged buddy always has clean water and access to cool, shady areas. If you’re taking your pet somewhere with you, pay attention to his paws as well. Dogs can burn their feet on scorching hot surfaces. Keep your pup on soft ground as much as you can. Your furry pal may also appreciate some doggy ice cream, or a chilled bowl of sodium-free broth.

Food

Fido will be more than happy to supervise you as you’re cooking. Just be careful here, as many of the things on that picnic table are dangerous to dogs. Don’t give your pooch anything that contains grapes, currants, or raisins; avocados; chocolate; caffeine; or alcohol. Meat on the bone is unsafe as well, as is anything with xylitol; fruits with seeds or pips; and raw meat or dough.

Fires

Fires, tiki torches, citronella candles, and barbeques all pose a risk to Man’s Best Friend. Keep your cute pet at a safe distance from any flames.

Fireworks

As you may know, many of our canine friends are absolutely terrified of fireworks. Fido may very well bolt out of sheer terror, so you’ll need to take precautions to keep him safe. We recommend bringing pets indoors before it gets dark. Offer your furry bff comfy bedding, some puzzle toys, and a yummy treat or chew, and turn a TV or radio on to mask the noise. It’s best not to let him off leash at all this week.

Precautions

When it comes to pet care, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Fido should be fixed, microchipped, and current on his vaccines and parasite control.

Be Careful Near Water

Many dogs love swimming! If you’re heading to a pool or beach, keep a close eye on your canine buddy! Never leave a dog unattended near water, even for a minute.

Enjoy your holiday! As your local Fayetteville, NC veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!