When you think of the 4th of July in San Diego County, you probably imagine the fun, delicious food, and celebration with friends and family, but your dog doesn’t see it this way. In fact, July 5th is known as being one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters, overwhelmed by scared pets who attempted to get away from the loud noises. However, 4th of July celebrations aren’t just anxiety-inducing for dogs, they can also be dangerous. If you’re traveling for your Independence Day celebration, the stress of travel and being in an unfamiliar place can make all of these feelings even worse. So whether you’ll be away from home because you’re traveling or attending a nearby celebration, consider holiday dog boarding for your furry friends, where they’ll be safe, happy, and well cared for.

In addition to this, keep the following tips in mind when preparing for the 4th of July celebrations so they can go as smoothly as possible for you and your dog.

Don’t leave alcoholic beverages unattended

Alcoholic beverages can potentially be poisonous for dogs. Ingestion of alcoholic beverages can cause your dog to become intoxicated, weak, depressed, and in severe cases, it can even lead to a coma. Alcohol ingestion can also lead to respiratory failure for some dogs, which can be fatal. 

Only use sunscreen and insect repellents made specifically for pets

Avoid using any sunscreen on your dog that isn’t made specifically for pets, because ingestion of regular sunscreen may cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and lethargy. In addition to this, insect repellents containing DEET may cause neurological issues in dogs and other animals.

Keep in mind that too much sun and heat can be dangerous for dogs

July means hot and, in some areas, humid, weather! If the weather is extremely hot and humid, it may be best to keep your dog indoors. If your dog is outside, make sure he has access to shade and plenty of water. In addition to this, avoid leaving him outside for long periods of time, especially if he will be unattended. You should also learn the signs of overheating and treat your dog immediately if you notice this happening.

Keep matches and lighter fluid away from dogs

Some matches contain chlorates, which can damage blood cells and cause difficulty breathing or kidney disease when ingested. Lighter fluid can cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. Ingested lighter fluid may also cause central nervous system depression and if inhaled, can cause aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems.

Stick to your dog’s normal diet

Even small deviations from your dog’s usual diet can cause severe indigestion and even diarrhea. This is especially true for senior dogs, who have delicate digestive systems and specific nutritional needs. Additionally, certain foods like onions, chocolate, coffee, avocados grapes, raisins, salt, and yeast dough can be toxic to dogs. Get more details about human foods that can be toxic for dogs here.

Keep dogs away from glow jewelry

Although the substances contained in glow jewelry is made to be non-toxic for humans, it can cause excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. Intestinal blockage may also occur if your dog swallows large pieces of plastic from the plastic container glow jewelry is made from. 

Keep your dog away from citronella candles, insect coils, and tiki torch oil products

All of these products can cause stomach irritation or even central nervous system depression if they are ingested. If inhaled, they may cause aspiration pneumonia.

Don’t use fireworks around dogs

Aside from the fact that exposure to lit fireworks can cause severe burns, injuries, and trauma to your dog’s face and paws, unused fireworks are a hazard as well. Many fireworks contain substances that are toxic for dogs like potassium nitrate, arsenic, and other metals.

Keep your dog away from loud, crowded fireworks displays

While these events may be fun for you as a human, most dogs just find them overwhelming and frightening. Dogs often become scared or disoriented by the sound of fireworks, so it’s best to keep them safe and comfortable in a secure area of your home. You may also want to consider holiday dog boarding, which will ensure your dog will be safe, secure, and well taken care of. 

If you will be keeping your dog at home while you go out, make sure that wherever your dog is kept is escape-proof and safe. Dogs can easily get hurt when trying to escape or by successfully escaping and leaving home. It may also help to play with your dog and exercise him before the fireworks begin so he’ll be tired and potentially even sleep through the noise. Leaving a TV or radio on with soothing music or other calming sounds may also help calm your dog by drowning out the sound of fireworks.

Holiday Dog Boarding: Trust Fon Jon to Keep Your Pet Safe This 4th of July!

Whether it’s holiday dog boarding, regular dog boarding, or daycare, at Fon Jon Pet Care, our campers are always treated with love and care. We want your dog to feel like Fon Jon Pet Care is his home away from home! 

Our unique dog boarding facility is perfect for your camper to spend his day outside running around and playing with other dogs! Dog boarding and daycare campers are monitored all day so we can keep an active and safe environment. Our outdoor play yard is very spacious and has a park-like setting, offering a variety of ramps, kiddie pools, and other fun-filled activities available for them all day!

We have more than 70 years of experience providing top-quality dog boarding, grooming, daycare, and training in San Diego County. Visit our website or call us at (858) 490-2117 to learn more about our dog boarding packages. You can also make an appointment online!