The coronavirus crisis has changed our lives in countless ways, and there’s no denying that summer 2020 will look very different from past summers. In particular, the pandemic will change how we celebrate the July 4th holiday. With most large community fireworks displays canceled, it’s very likely that smaller, neighborhood displays will fill the gap.
Fireworks can send your pet into a panic. If your best friend has an extreme reaction to the noise such as heavy panting, drooling, shaking, hiding, or trying to escape, the Juanita Bay Veterinary Hospital team may be able to help with medication.
If you need a refill on an existing prescription for sedatives, please remember that we need at least 72 hours notice to complete your request.
In addition to sedatives you can also try putting your pet in a Thundershirt or moving them to a comfortable room in your house and playing some soft, soothing music to take their mind and ears off the racket outside.
Here are a few more summer safety tips to ensure that your pet weathers the warm months happily and healthily:
- Grilling is tasty, but meat bones can lead to broken teeth, intestinal blockage or other severe problems. Nix the corn cobs, too—they can definitely cause intestinal blockage. Ingesting rich foods of any kind can cause upset stomach or even serious illness such as pancreatitis.
- No alcohol for animals! Booze can dangerously intoxicate your pet and could result in coma or in severe cases, respiratory failure. Yes, this includes beer—fermented hops and ethanol can cause issues for dogs and are very poisonous to cats.
- Heat can kill. If your pet is outdoors, make sure there’s plenty of fresh water and shade, or better yet, leave them home in an air-conditioned house.
- Even if your pet is on a tick preventative, it’s a good idea to check for these little pests after being outdoors. They can jump from pets to people and carry nasty illnesses, including Lyme disease.
If you think your pet might need sedative medication to deal with fireworks or have any other questions about pet safety during the holiday, give us a call at (425) 823-8411.