July 4th Safety Tips for Dogs

With the Fourth of July upon us, many are planning quick trips to the beach or lake, fireworks extravaganzas, barbecues and more. Are Fido and Fluffy included in your plans? Here are some tips to take care of your pet this holiday.

Provide plenty of fresh water in the heat
Keep in mind that dogs get hot in the summer, too! If you're outdoors, make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration. If you're not sure that your destination will have water, carry a bottle or two and a portable bowl. Check out a product like the Speed-E-Drink Dog Waterer, available at PetSmart.

Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a parked car
Even in the shade, a parked car retains heat. Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of a car parked in the sun can exceed 100 degrees in just a few minutes, and dogs can only cool themselves through panting and sweating through the pads of their feet, according to PETA.

Bottoms up...
It may come as a surprise, but dogs cool from the bottom up, so a good idea is to let your dog lay on a cool, wet towel. My dog likes to cool his paws in a kiddie pool or on the step of the swimming pool. You can also use a spray bottle to spray a dog's underbelly and feet with cool water.

Beware of loud noises
While you're enjoying the Fourth of July fireworks display, Fido may be cowering in fear. Not all dogs enjoy the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks. Make sure your pet has a place to retreat from the noise and commotion. Crating your pet may be a good idea, according to About.com. Most importantly, if you do choose to take your pet to the celebration, ensure he/she is on a strong leash. No one wants to search for a pet at the local pound after he fled from all the chaos!

Keep Fido off the table
It's likely that if you bring your dog to a picnic or barbecue, he may sneak some scraps from under the table or con someone into feeding him with his puppy-dog eyes. Keep an eye on what and how much he gets. Some foods can be toxic for dogs, like onions, chocolate and grapes or raisins, according to Petalia.com.

Carry proper ID
It's always a good idea to keep a good ID tag on your dog that includes your name, address and phone number. You should always have a few current photos of your pet, and keep records of his height, weight and coloring, in case he ever gets lost.

Plan for longer trips
If you're taking more than just a day trip, do some pre-vacation pet planning. Make sure Fido's vaccinations are up-to-date, and carry copies of shot records. Make sure you have heartworm and flea protection, too.

Always keep your pet on a leash when letting him out of the car, and make sure to offer him fresh water.

If small enough, keep your pet in a carrier during trips in the car. If you have a larger pet, consider buying a pet restraint harness from a local pet store. This will not only keep your pet safe in the event of an accident, but will also keep him from distracting the driver.

Wherever you go, make sure your pet behaves and clean up after it promptly to ensure that other pets will be welcome in the future.
Sources
Krista Mifflin, About Dogs -- Protect your dog from fireworks, About.com http://dogs.about.com/cs/generalcare/a/fireworks.htm
Purina, Traveling with your Pet, Yahoo! Pets http://pets.yahoo.com/dogs/health-and-nutrition/205/traveling-with-your-pet/
Dr Cam Day BVSc BSc MACVSc, Human Foods that Poison Pets, Petalia.com http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?specie=Dogs&story_no=257
Cesar Millan, 4th of July Tips for Keeping Hot Dogs Cool!, Yahoo! Pets http://pets.yahoo.com/blog/cesarmillan/1185/4th-of-july-tips-for-keeping-hot-dogs-cool
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Protect Man's Best Friend During Summer's Dog Days, PETA http://www.peta.org/feat/dogdays/index.html