The Fourth of July is celebrated nationwide, often for days leading up to and past the actual holiday.
Fireworks, parades, and cookouts are the most common ways that Americans celebrate this holiday. However, none of those things are good for our pets.
Not all dogs enjoy the large crowds and noise of bands and rescue trucks with sirens in parades. Also, the heat bearing down on them, as well as the hot pavement under the paws, make parades a trio of trouble for most dogs. Please consider all of this before taking your dog to the parade. If you do take your dog, be sure to bring along water to drink, and try to stay on the grass in the shade as much as possible.
Cookouts with friends and family are fun, but be sure your canine family member isn't given/doesn't sneak any of the delicious food. Human food can cause stomach issues, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Some food ingredients are also toxic to pets, alcohol included. Consider leaving your pets at home or inside during cookouts.
Fireworks and sparklers are the most common way Americans celebrate this holiday, and everyone loves a good fireworks display. However, many pets are afraid of loud noises. Leave your pet inside, at home, with the tv or radio playing to help muffle the sound. Adaptil (dogs) or Feliway (cats) can help calm upset pets. If your pet is extremely anxious with loud noises, ask your veterinarian about a prescription medication to give prior to the fireworks.
Sparklers and other firecrackers that many people use can also burn curious pets who get too close. Leave your pets inside.
The July 4th holiday is the time of year when the most dogs get loose or become lost. They become frightened and escape homes, handlers, yards, etc, and end up wandering around or at the shelter. Please leave your pet safely at home during the festivities. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with a current dog license and rabies tag. Suburban Animal Clinic recommends microchips as a permanent form of identification for all pets.
If your pet becomes lost during the holiday, please contact the local shelters and veterinarians as soon as possible. Shelters take in more dogs during this holiday than at any other time of the year. The more identification your pet has, and the sooner you let them know that your pet is missing, the sooner and more likely you are to be able to bring your pet back home.
We would like to reminder you that our July 4th Holiday hours are as follows:
Thursday July 3rd 7:00am-4:30pm
Friday July 4th: CLOSED
Saturday July 5th: 9:00am-1:00pm
If you have an emergency after hours, please contact MedVet Hilliard at 614-870-0480.
We wish you a safe and happy holiday!
Suburban Animal Clinic is located in
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