Don’t Mix Fireworks and Fido

By Camp Bow Wow Staff

Despite South Texas’ heat, summertime means outdoor events. Crowds, loud music, and fireworks all signify celebration to most humans, but the commotion may overwhelm or frighten your furry family members. Don’t take Fido along only to leave him behind in the car while you head into the festivities. Being alone while the party pops might make him anxious, and temperatures can quickly rise to a dangerous level, causing brain damage, heat stroke or death.

Fireworks:

As fun as the rockets’ red glare seem to us, fireworks can be hazardous for your dog. Just the sights and sounds can panic a pup, who might jump a fence or break a restraint in desperation to get away. Create a safe space in a kennel, play soothing music, or wrap Fido in a vest or blanket while you are gone.

Fireworks, lit or unlit, can cause physical damage to a curious canine. Anything on fire can severely burn muzzles or paws. Lighter fluid and matches are poisonous to animals. And even unused fireworks may contain potentially toxic chemicals such as arsenic, potassium nitrate and other heavy metals. Prevent the problem before it starts. Keep your pup far away from the blast zone or places where hazardous materials are stored.

Festivities:

Going to a night parade or event? Resist the temptation to adorn your dog with glow sticks. While the ASPCA states the phosphorescent chemicals are not highly toxic, chewing or swallowing could cause excessive drooling or gastrointestinal irritation. And swallowing a large piece of plastic could cause an intestinal blockage – resulting in an emergency vet visit fraught with anxiety and expense.

What about that barbeque, where someone may be tempted to slip man’s best friend a little snack from the table or a sip from a festive beverage? Although Spuds Mackenzie represented a beer brand, he didn’t actually drink the product, because fermented hops and ethanol are poisonous to dogs (and cats). Just small amounts of alcohol could cause a pup to become dangerously intoxicated, go into a coma, or in severe cases, die from respiratory failure. Other ingredients that might wind up on the potluck table that could harm your furry family member include onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes and raisins.

Too many people in an unfamiliar, noisy, crowded place can stress your pup. Consider if the holiday picnic will be as fun for him as it will be for you before you pack Fido in the car. It might be better to make sure your furry family members remain at home, safely indoors, with a comfortable place to retreat when the fireworks burst in air.