Keep Your Pets Safe on July 4th

Today you will be celebrating Independence Day, please bear in mind that many of the foods, drinks and events we enjoy can be hazardous to our four-legged companions. To help keep your pets safe and sound this Fourth of July, the experts at Newtown Veterinary Specialists offer the following tips:

• Never leave alcoholic drinks in reach of your pet: If enough alcohol is consumed, pets could become intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pet’s reach: Certain types of matches could potentially damage blood cells, which results in difficulty breathing. If ingested in high quantities, kidney damage can result. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin; if ingested it can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression.

• Keep your pets on their normal diet: Cats and dogs have very sensitive stomachs that rely on a regimented and strict diet. Any change can give them severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Certain foods can be toxic to pets, including onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes and raisins, salt, macadamia nuts, and yeast dough, for example.

• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets. We recommend that you resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Keep your little furry friends safe from the noise and chaos in a quiet, sheltered, escape-proof area at home.

Newtown Veterinary Specialists will be open 24 hours on July 4th. Have a safe and happy holiday!