PET CARE
Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips
The Fourth of July means fun and festivities abound! Independence Day is often celebrated with an abundance of barbeque, fireworks, and a host of friends and family. This US holiday is no celebration for dogs though; the sound of fireworks causes many dogs to panic and run, resulting in many lost dogs every year.
Here are some Fourth of July pet safety tips to keep your dog or cat safe and sound among all the festivities:
Keep Pets Inside
This is the safest way to help your pet avoid the stresses of the festivities. Keep the blinds closed, and put on a radio. This is comforting and distracting from the ruckus that may be going on outside.
Use Pet-Safe Bug Spray
Sunscreen or bug spray that isn’t labeled specifically for pet use may irritate your pet’s skin. Ingestion of it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Avoid Citronella Candles
Inhalation of citronella can cause severe respiratory problems for your pet. It can even result in pneumonia.
No Glow Sticks!
Glow sticks and glow jewelry: keep it away from your pet! Your pet could swallow the plastic, causing intestinal problems.
No Alcohol
Keep that red solo cup out of your pet’s reach and do not leave alcohol unattended: alcoholic beverages may be a part of your good time, but they can be fatal for our pets.
Avoid Fireworks
Going to a fireworks display? Leave your pet at home! As mentioned, the excitement is a little too much for your cat or dog. This anxiety is only increased when large crowds, music, new smells, and fireworks abound.
Avoid Flames
Keep lighters, lighter fluid, and matches out of your pet’s reach. These contain harmful chemical substances that can cause your pet difficulty breathing, skin irritation, gastro-intestinal upset, respiratory problems, and even kidney disease.
Get your Pet Microchipped!
While using the tips above should prevent your pet from running away or fleeing in fright, getting your pet micro-chipped is a safe bet just in case something happens. Your pet will be safer, and more readily found.
Consider Investing in Dog Insurance
Looking for more ways to keep your pup happy and healthy? Consider investing in a dog insurance policy with MetLife Pet Insurance.1 Dog insurance policies can help pet parents provide the coverage and care their furry family member deserve. Get your free quote today.
Protect your Pets
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions.
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.