Five Steps to Keep Your Pets Safe on the Fourth of July
Simple steps that pet owners can take to keep their pets safe amidst Fourth of July activities and celebrations.
Austin, TX, July 03, 2018 --(PR.com)-- Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital announced today some simple steps that pet owners can take to keep their pets safe amidst Fourth of July activities and celebrations.
Americans will soon be partaking in annual patriotic festivities for Independence Day. Good food, good company, and exciting pastimes, including fireworks, are a hallmark of this holiday.
However, if your pets were aware of what lies ahead, would they be as excited? Sadly, probably not. Veterinarians from sea to shining sea would like pet owners to understand the potential hazards that this patriotic holiday imposes. Loud noises, large crowds, accessibility to party foods, and summer's heat can pose threats to your pet's health and safety.
How should you prepare for the Fourth of July regarding your cat or dog? Consider the agenda for the day, stay aware, and prepare accordingly.
1.) Keep your pet indoors and identified
Are you going out to a party or hosting a gathering yourself? More pets are lost over the 4th of July than any other day of the year. If you are leaving your pets at home for the holiday, remember to ensure your pet is wearing their collar and identification tags. Consider having your pet microchipped and verify that the microchip contact information is up to date. Take a current photo of your pet to have on hand. Keep your pets indoors if at all possible. Ensure that your pet is kept in a safe, secured area, especially in the evening during active displays of fireworks.
2.) Create a calm environment
Soothing music in the background can help ease your pet’s anxiety and can help cover the sound of outdoor fireworks. Need a music playlist? Check out Austin Vet Peaceful Pups and Austin Vet Calm Cats custom playlists on Spotify. If your pet is exceptionally anxious about crowds or firework noise, consider asking your veterinarian about a sedative protocol tailored to your pet.
3.) Prevent food hazards
If you are taking your pet to a party or gathering, be conscious of what foods your pet may be exposed to in the party environment. Well-meaning friends can offer your pet food that may wreak havoc on their digestive system later, or even cause an intestinal obstruction (corn cobs, bones). Dogs left unattended may also take advantage of the food available around them.
4.) Keep it cool in the heat
Another common medical emergency following Independence Day is heatstroke, due to severe temperature and humidity elevations in Texas during summer. If outside during the day, keep your pets in cool, shady areas with access to plenty of water.
5.) Stay aware of pet interactions
Dog fight wounds are not uncommon after Fourth of July parties, since unfamiliar pets mixing at a social gathering can lead to aggression. Be sure to keep a protective and watchful eye on all pet interactions.
“You, the pet owner, have the ability to make wise decisions to ensure your pet’s safety during holiday activities,” says Dr. Sarah Kneupper. “Take these proactive steps to keep pets cool, secure, and comfortable.”
Dr. Kneupper regularly shares helpful tips for pet care on the Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital website at www.austinvet.net. The community is invited to take a tour of the hospital to meet the friendly staff, including Dr. Sarah. Please call (512) 288-1040 for more information or to schedule a pet appointment.
About Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital (AVDH) is a neighborhood veterinary hospital in Austin, Texas, with top notch services and equipment for providing exceptional pet care. The friendly, talented, and compassionate doctors and staff are highly trained to diagnose and treat difficult cases with success. We have been rated Austin's #1 Veterinarian numerous times and have earned the Excellence in Customer Satisfaction Award three years running. We are a fun, lively group with a zest for life in Austin and high quality veterinary medicine. Visit us online at www.austinvet.net.
Americans will soon be partaking in annual patriotic festivities for Independence Day. Good food, good company, and exciting pastimes, including fireworks, are a hallmark of this holiday.
However, if your pets were aware of what lies ahead, would they be as excited? Sadly, probably not. Veterinarians from sea to shining sea would like pet owners to understand the potential hazards that this patriotic holiday imposes. Loud noises, large crowds, accessibility to party foods, and summer's heat can pose threats to your pet's health and safety.
How should you prepare for the Fourth of July regarding your cat or dog? Consider the agenda for the day, stay aware, and prepare accordingly.
1.) Keep your pet indoors and identified
Are you going out to a party or hosting a gathering yourself? More pets are lost over the 4th of July than any other day of the year. If you are leaving your pets at home for the holiday, remember to ensure your pet is wearing their collar and identification tags. Consider having your pet microchipped and verify that the microchip contact information is up to date. Take a current photo of your pet to have on hand. Keep your pets indoors if at all possible. Ensure that your pet is kept in a safe, secured area, especially in the evening during active displays of fireworks.
2.) Create a calm environment
Soothing music in the background can help ease your pet’s anxiety and can help cover the sound of outdoor fireworks. Need a music playlist? Check out Austin Vet Peaceful Pups and Austin Vet Calm Cats custom playlists on Spotify. If your pet is exceptionally anxious about crowds or firework noise, consider asking your veterinarian about a sedative protocol tailored to your pet.
3.) Prevent food hazards
If you are taking your pet to a party or gathering, be conscious of what foods your pet may be exposed to in the party environment. Well-meaning friends can offer your pet food that may wreak havoc on their digestive system later, or even cause an intestinal obstruction (corn cobs, bones). Dogs left unattended may also take advantage of the food available around them.
4.) Keep it cool in the heat
Another common medical emergency following Independence Day is heatstroke, due to severe temperature and humidity elevations in Texas during summer. If outside during the day, keep your pets in cool, shady areas with access to plenty of water.
5.) Stay aware of pet interactions
Dog fight wounds are not uncommon after Fourth of July parties, since unfamiliar pets mixing at a social gathering can lead to aggression. Be sure to keep a protective and watchful eye on all pet interactions.
“You, the pet owner, have the ability to make wise decisions to ensure your pet’s safety during holiday activities,” says Dr. Sarah Kneupper. “Take these proactive steps to keep pets cool, secure, and comfortable.”
Dr. Kneupper regularly shares helpful tips for pet care on the Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital website at www.austinvet.net. The community is invited to take a tour of the hospital to meet the friendly staff, including Dr. Sarah. Please call (512) 288-1040 for more information or to schedule a pet appointment.
About Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital (AVDH) is a neighborhood veterinary hospital in Austin, Texas, with top notch services and equipment for providing exceptional pet care. The friendly, talented, and compassionate doctors and staff are highly trained to diagnose and treat difficult cases with success. We have been rated Austin's #1 Veterinarian numerous times and have earned the Excellence in Customer Satisfaction Award three years running. We are a fun, lively group with a zest for life in Austin and high quality veterinary medicine. Visit us online at www.austinvet.net.
Contact
Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
Karen Zumwalt
512-288-1040
www.austinvet.net
Karen Zumwalt
512-288-1040
www.austinvet.net
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