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4th of July Experience for Animals 
Just like every other holiday, the 4th of July has its own special set of hazards regarding your companion animals. Below is a list of potential dangers and how to properly prepare for them. *Fireworks- What could be more iconic than fireworks on 4th of July? We all have fond memories of fighting through a crowd, in search of that perfect spot with a perfect view. You settle in, try to ignore your obnoxious neighbors and just when the heat becomes unbearable and you begin to wonder why you went through all this effort, the sky explodes into color and all goes silent save for the historic boom our forefathers heard centuries before. You leave with a euphoric sense of having participated in something greater than yourself. However these feelings of nostalgia and patriotic pride are the furthest thing from what's going on with your companion animals. The sound of fireworks terrifies most animals, and rightfully so, since the decibel range for an average firework is between 160- 180 and hearing loss starts at 80 decibels...plus they sound like thunder. Make sure you provide your animals with a safe place to stay, if needed give them a calming aid or put on a thunder jacket, and make sure they are wearing identification, which brings me to the next danger.. *Escape- All the frightening sounds of fireworks, loud music, and the tempting smell of cooking out can cause your animal to flee the safety of home and find refuge elsewhere. Make sure your companion animals are safe inside and just in case of accidental escape are wearing proper identification (tags or microchip). *Cookouts- You don't want to alter your companion animal's diet in light of the Independence Day celebration. Indulging ourselves in a rich, fatty meal on occasion may not do much but give us a heavy, possibly upset stomach, but for our furry family members it is much more detrimental. The fatty contents in your meal such as cooked meats, greasy drippings, and the many starchy sides we serve at those inviting cookouts can cause painful gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, or worse, a potentially fatal case of pancreatitis. You don't want to end up spending the night at the emergency vet, when you could  be celebrating with drinks in hand. Which brings me to the next point.. *Alcohol- Make sure your alcoholic and sugary drinks are out of reach of your companion animal. Alcohol ingested by animals can be incredibly toxic and in some cases cause a coma or fatality. If your animal does accidentally indulge, watch for signs of weakness, depression, stumbling, and vomiting. *Dangerous Fluids- Keep your animals away from all lighter fluid, glow in the dark jewelry, propane, grease droppings, matches, sunscreen, and again, alcohol. All contain toxic ingredients to dogs and can be extremely fatal if ingested. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline immediately at 1-800-213-6680 if you suspect that your animal companion has ingested something or might be injured.Keep these numbers on hand for quicker response-the faster that you can get help, the less your animal companion will suffer and the more likely he or she will make a speedy recovery. | 
