{"id":2035,"date":"2016-07-01T05:15:23","date_gmt":"2016-07-01T05:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=2035"},"modified":"2016-07-01T05:15:23","modified_gmt":"2016-07-01T05:15:23","slug":"4-tips-for-a-safe-4th-of-july","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/4-tips-for-a-safe-4th-of-july\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Tips for a Safe 4th of July"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Fourth of July conjures images of sunshine, boating, BBQ and fireworks! However, as a pet owner, you also need to think of the safety of your four-legged friends as the summer holiday approaches.\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Here Comes the Boom!<\/strong><\/p>\n

While many of us enjoy a beautiful fireworks display, our pets can be scared and even injured by the show. Fireworks are loud and scary to our pets. Unfortunately, this is a holiday that leads to many escaped and missing pets. Many dogs that are in a fenced-in backyard become frightened and find a way over, under or through the fence. Those brought along to the show may likewise run away after a sudden \u201cboom.\u201d This is why it\u2019s important to make sure your pets have a collar with ID tags. If your pet is microchipped, be sure that you have registered the chip with your most recent address.<\/p>\n

It is best to leave your dog indoors at home with windows closed, shades drawn, and a TV or radio on for background noise. \u00a0If your dog is kennel trained, the kennel is a perfect safe haven. If you absolutely must take your pet with you, use a strong leash and consider using a chest harness for added security–dogs have been known to slip out of collars. Stay away from the fireworks launch point both during and after the show. Smoke and fumes from fireworks can be irritating to an animal\u2019s airways, which are often more sensitive than ours. In addition, the empty fireworks containers can contain harmful residual chemicals.<\/p>\n

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If you pet does go missing, start searching immediately! The sooner you start looking, the better the chance of finding your missing pet. Learn more about bringing a lost pet home\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0or this\u00a0ASPCA smart phone app<\/a>\u00a0provides a personalized recovery kit with step-by-step instructions on how to best search for a lost animal.<\/p>\n

2. The Heat is On!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dogs, cats and our other animal companions can become overheated easily. \u00a0Avoid outdoor activity with Fido during the hottest time of the day and take walks during the morning and twilight hours. \u00a0Any pet that is outdoors should always have access to fresh, clean and cool water. \u00a0Likewise, a shaded spot is a must! \u00a0And of course, no pet should be\u00a0left in a vehicle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Just Keep Swimming!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many dogs enjoy a dip in the lake, but precautions should be taken to avoid accidents or illnesses. \u00a0Be sure that your furry friend is monitored at all times while\u00a0swimming<\/a>. Use a life jacket, not only to prevent accidental drowning but also as visual marker. Avoid areas of the lake with excess plant growth and high boat traffic.<\/p>\n

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Your dog will inevitably ingest some water while swimming which comes with inherent risks.\u00a0Help to mitigate those risks by avoiding shallow lakes with algae growth, as blue-green algae is highly toxic to dogs. Dogs can even become ill from drinking too much clean water!<\/p>\n

4. I\u2019ll Have What You\u2019re Having!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many of us love the variety of delicious foods we eat on the Fourth, but don\u2019t share with your pet! Unsupervised pets are likely to eat foods they shouldn\u2019t during cookouts and well-meaning guests may over-indulge your dog with scraps from the picnic table.<\/p>\n