We all want to have fun in the sun, including our furry friends. While cooking in the backyard under a sky of fireworks is a go-to summer pastime, it can also be a dangerous scenario for pets.
Here are some tips to keep in mind before you fire up the grill and set off bottle rockets.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Pet
To prevent burnt paws and whiskers, the National Fire Prevention Association recommends keeping pets more than three feet away from grills. While paw burns are obviously painful, many people don’t realize the significance of scorched whiskers. They’re more than just extra hairs — they’re sensory aids, detecting air currents, guiding dogs and cats in the dark, and protecting them from obstacles. So, if a flame singes off a whisker, it could throw off their balance and lead to harm.
Don’t Let Them Eat the Scraps
Be careful when you’re chopping onions, mincing garlic or trimming fat. These foods can cause gastrointestinal damage, and foods in the Allium family are poisonous to cats and dogs. Common foods in this family include:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Leeks
- Chives
- Scallions
Turn on Familiar Noise
Since fireworks aren’t a noise that pets are accustomed to hearing on a regular basis, you might want to distract them by turning up noises that are familiar, such as:
- Fans
- TV
- Music (break out your rock speakers in the backyard)
Thundershirts or weighted blankets can also comfort cats and dogs when fireworks are going off.
Know When to Call Your Vet
Of course, it’s normal for pets to get amped up amid cookouts and fireworks, but if they’re hyperventilating or tearing up furniture, it’s time to get professional help. That’s why we’re here! For more information, please call us at (402) 334-5975.
