Posted Jun 28, 2019
Fireworks + Fido = No Fun
Grilled delicious meats paired with kabobs of onions, peppers, garlic and mushrooms are great for us - but spell danger for our furry friends. As we shop for our Fourth of July festivities, West Loop Market sponsor, West Loop Veterinary Care, reminds us to take steps to help keep pets safe through the July 4th fireworks and celebrations.
Noise phobia
Fireworks, thunderstorms and other loud noises can be very upsetting to cats and dogs. This is especially true during the July 4 holidays when many communities and individuals set off fireworks. Pets may exhibit a variety of symptoms including:
- Pacing
- Panting
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Barking
- Aggressiveness
- Destruction
- Attempts to escape
Even easy-going pets can be startled and frightened by fireworks and other loud noises. If your pet is especially troubled by fireworks, now is the time to talk with your veterinarian about ways to help your pet. Veterinarians can prescribe medications to help ease the anxiety of pets that are especially stressed.
The veterinarians at West Loop Veterinary Care recommend that pet owners take the following precautions to keep your pets safe and as stress-free as possible during the July 4 celebrations:
- Keep animals indoors in a safe, comfortable space
- Make sure external doors and windows are shut and keep pets under control as people come and go
- Play soft music, a calm television program, or other ambient noise
- Walk dogs before dark
- Don’t take dogs to celebrations with fireworks or loud noises
- Try calming pheromones and/or calming shirts to ease their anxiety
Most importantly, be sure to keep pets secure and under control. Many pets will jump a fence, run out an open door, or pull away from their walk. Check that all pets are microchipped and have collar tags and that all contact information is up-to-date.
Foods that may cause problems for pets
If you are celebrating with cookouts, be aware that many of the foods can be problematic for pets. While it’s best to keep pets on their usual diet, if you want to give them a small treat, many of the fresh vegetables found at our markets are excellent choices. Plain vegetables that can be safely shared with pets include asparagus, broccoli (in small quantities), carrots, cucumber, green beans, peas, snap peas and more.
Foods that may be tasty to humans but are toxic or can sicken pets include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Chocolate – including baked goods
- Sugar-free products with xylitol
- Fatty foods:
- Hot dogs
- Hamburgers
- Sausage
- Ice Cream
- Corn cobs
- Bones
This blog post is sponsored by West Loop Veterinary Care. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities with Green City Market, please contact Director of Development, Mandy Moody at mandy@greencitymarket.org.