Celebrating the Fourth of July may be something that you look forward to every year, but it can come with a lot of problems if you have a dog that is frequently spending time in your backyard. If you're concerned about what it takes to keep your dog healthy during this holiday, you'll need to take some precautions and look into what kinds of things can occur if your dog is left unattended. To avoid an unnecessary and potentially costly visit to the vet, consider the following.
Avoid Tying Up Your Dog Outside Due to Fireworks
One of the most common ways dogs become injured during the Fourth of July is due to being let out and getting scared of fireworks. The loud booming and visible lighting up of the sky can frighten any dog, leading to them trying to get away. If you tie up your dog when they're outdoors, they are at risk of being choked when they get frightened from the fireworks. With this in mind, it's best to keep your dog indoors when fireworks are being set off.
Make Sure Your Dog Stays Cool If Heat is Expected
It's rather common for it to be hot in the beginning of July, making it a good idea to look into ways to keep them cool. While keeping your dog inside and in air conditioning is a good idea, you'll also want to look into what kinds of things you can do so they're comfortable throughout the day if going outside.
Some good ideas for keeping your dog cool and prevent overheating include the following:
- Apply sunscreen if your dog is going outside
- Provide plenty of shade if outside
- Supply plenty of fresh water
Keep Human Food Out of Reach from Your Dog
If you intend on celebrating the Fourth of July with a barbecue with friends and family, you need to make sure that the food is kept away from the dog. While your dog may be tempted to grab a bite of a hamburger or corn on the cob, it can be dangerous for your dog to consume.
Consider Boarding if You're Going to Be Gone
If you're unable to keep a close eye on your dog due to having guests over or being away from home, you should consider boarding your dog at a trusted kennel. The reason for this is your dog can easily get frightened from fireworks, making it a good idea that they are somewhere where they will be supervised.
By knowing how to take the best care of your dog during the Fourth of July, you can avoid the need to rush to the vet due to an injury or other issue. For more information, contact Oakton Animal Hospital or a similar location.
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