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Keeping Fido Safe On The 4th

July 1, 2019

The Fourth of July is just around the corner! The summer holiday can be quite dangerous for our canine pals, so you’ll want to take precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet offers some July 4th dog safety tips in this article.

Food

Barbeques are a big part of many July 4th celebrations. Fido definitely deserves a special snack, and probably won’t turn that cute nose up at a burger or hot dog. Just be sure to only offer him safe foods. Don’t let your pet have anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; chocolate; avocados; pitted fruits; nuts; chocolate; alcohol;  grapes, currants, or raisins; meat on the bone; or xylitol.

Fireworks

July 4th is a peak time for lost pet reports. Many dogs are terrified of fireworks. Even the most loyal and faithful pup may bolt if he gets scared. Limit Fido’s outdoor time around the 4th. Before the fireworks start, put him in his crate or a quiet back room, with comfy bedding and toys. Turn a radio or TV on to mask the noise.

Heat

Hot weather can be very dangerous for Fido. After all, he is wearing a fur coat! Make sure that your canine buddy always has shade and water.

Other Hazards

Grills, fire pits, chemicals, and traffic can all endanger your canine friend. Keep your four-legged buddy away from these potential dangers.

Trash

Dogs are very opportunistic, especially when it comes to food. Fido isn’t above sniffing through the trash in search of leftovers. This can be dangerous, as your furry pal could find things like bones, fat trimmings, unsafe foods, toothpicks, and skewers. Use garbage cans with secure lids, and don’t leave uneaten food or leftovers out.

Parasite Control

Summer is a peak time for fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Keep up with Fido’s vaccinations and parasite control! He should also be microchipped and wearing ID tags.

Crowds

Many dogs are friendly and outgoing, and basically see strangers as opportunities to score snacks and belly rubs. Others, however, are much more timid. If Fido isn’t a ‘people pup’, don’t take him to crowded places. Just let him stay home and take a nap. He’ll be waiting with happy dances and tail wags when you get home!

Happy 4th of July! Please contact us, your Washington DC vet clinic, anytime. We’re here for you!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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