4th of July in Bedford: Pet Safety Tips

Bedford, MA – The 4th of July is cause for celebration among humans in the United States, but it can potentially be very hazardous for our furry friends.

According to BluePearl Veterinary Partners, animal hospitals see as much as a 25 percent increase in patients on the July 4 holiday.

"July 4 is a very busy time for emergency and critical care veterinarians," Dr. Jennifer Holm, a BluePearl veterinarian and group medical director who is board-certified in emergency and critical care, said in a press release. "Pets get injured, they eat all sorts of things they wouldn’t normally be eating, and many get very stressed out by fireworks."

While pet owners should anticipate the possible stress caused by loud fireworks and firecrackers, there are several other hazards that may have slipped their mind. These include grapes, swimming pools and the poodle next door.

Some owners have turned to medication to help with the stress; talk to your veterinarian about the possibilities.

Here are some of the most common July 4 dangers BluePearl doctors see, and what to do about them:

• Foreign body hazards. It’s not unusual for emergency veterinarians to treat dogs with a corn cob or a rib bone they have swallowed. So be careful of what your dog may find by prowling the ground or open trash cans. Read more about the dangers of bones in particular here.
• Open doors. If you have guests, your front door will open multiple times. And with fireworks blasting outside, your cats and dogs may panic and bolt out the door. Keep a close watch.
• Food that makes pets sick. If you’re hosting a barbeque, be careful about what gets fed to your pets, on purpose or accidentally. Foods that can sicken dogs include: avocados, apple seeds, caffeinated beverages or alcohol, onions, potatoes, grapes, tomatoes, chocolate and sugar-free gum containing xylitol.
• Other dogs. A block party brings together the whole neighborhood, including dogs who might be extra jittery by the general noise and chaos. Agitated dogs may bite. Consider keeping your dog at home.
• Water. Do not assume all pets know how to swim. A crowded pool party is probably not the best time to find out.
• And at the risk of stating the obvious, don’t let your pets anywhere near where people are setting off their own fireworks.

In general, Holm advises that the 4th can be scary and chaotic for animals. Enjoy your time with them, but help them out to remain calm.

"I would say that July 4 is probably not the time you would want to explore a lot of new things with your pets," Holm said. "Use common sense and keep your pets safe."

Photo Credit: Morguefile