Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy This 4th of July!

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

The Fourth of July is a time when the entire family gets together around the grill. The perfect time to share stories and food in the comfort of your own backyard; but perhaps it isn't exactly safe to include your four legged friend in on the festivities. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cautions that the holiday food can in fact be potentially dangerous for your fury loved ones; here are the following tips to keep your pet safe.

Beware of the Piña Coladas: Alcoholic beverages pose a potential risk to your pets if consumed. They can lead your friend to depression or a possible coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a posing threat in the worst case scenarios.

Do not share your insect repellent or sunscreen: The consumption of sunscreen products and insect repellent may lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme thirst and complete lack of energy. Any insect repellent that contains DEET is said to leave neurological problems

Never let them help light the grill: Some brands of matches contain certain substances that are poisonous for your loved one. Chlorates can possibly harm your pets blood cells that lead to difficulty breathing, possibly Kidney disease in the worst case scenario. Lighter fluid, whether ingested or inhaled can lead to many health problems such as: gastrointestinal irritation, depression in the central nervous system, aspiration pneumonia and the development of breathing problems.

Everyone should keep an eye on what they eat: Remember that they are family but cannot eat everything you eat. Certain foods like onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can be toxic for all animals. As their owner, you should be especially careful if your pet is not as young as they used to be; older pets have harder times with digestion and more nutritional requirements.

Be on the lookout for glow sticks: Glow sticks can be a fun additional accessory for every party but not so much for your pet. If consumed you're looking at the possibility of gastrointestinal irritation, excessive drooling and even intestinal blockage from swallowing the plastic container. Lets keep an eye on what is in their reach, especially if you have a curious friend.

Citronella candles, insect coils and oil products are as harmful as they are useful: Consumption of any of these products could lead to more gastrointestinal irritation and depression in the central nervous system. If they inhale the oils, you could be looking at aspiration pneumonia for your loved one.

Keep them away from the fireworks!: We all know what exposure to any lit fireworks can do but even toxic substances in the unlit ones can cause harm; potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals are potentially fatally dangerous if exposed to your pet.

Even the festive firework displays are a nuisance: Make sure they are in the house, where they can fully be protected from the noise that's going on outside. Keeping your pet safe is going to be easy this Fourth of July as long as you are an educated owner.