Happy Independence Day!
Unfortunately, your pets may not be as happy about it! In her article, "Keeping Your Pet Safe and Sane on July 4th" Dr. Becker shares some reminders on keeping your pet safe during the "Big Bang".
Excerpted from healthypets.mercola.com:
July 4th Pet Hazards
Alcohol. Make sure to keep all drinks with alcohol in them out of reach of your pet, and insist your guests do the same. “Adult beverages” can poison your dog or cat. Depending on how much is ingested, an animal can become very intoxicated, weak, depressed, and can even slip into a coma. Severe alcohol poisoning can result in death from respiratory failure.
Human sunscreen and insect repellent. Make sure to use products designed specifically for your dog or cat rather than human products. If your pet ingests a sunscreen product, it can cause excessive thirst, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Insect repellents containing DEET can result in neurological problems in pets.
Matches and lighter fluid. Some matches contain a substance called chlorate, which can damage blood cells, impair respiration, and even cause kidney disease. Lighter fluid can irritate your pet’s skin, and if ingested can cause GI upset and central nervous system depression. Inhaling lighter fluid can result in breathing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia.
People food. Even if your pet has a diverse diet and a well-conditioned GI tract, it’s best to keep party and barbeque foods out of reach. Feed your dog or cat her regular diet for the holiday, and be especially careful not to make potentially toxic people foods like chocolate, coffee, onions, grapes, raisins or bread dough accessible to your pet.
Costumes and glow jewelry. Don’t give your pet access to glow jewelry, which if eaten can cause excessive drooling, GI irritation, and potentially, intestinal blockage. Also think twice about dressing up your pet for July 4th. Unless your dog (or even less likely, your cat) loves to play dress-up, don’t force the issue. Make sure anything you dress your pet in is comfortably loose and doesn’t constrict movement in any way. Also remember it’s July and your pet can easily get overheated – especially if he’s wearing a costume.
Citronella. Always keep citronella candles, oils, and insect coils out of reach of your dog or cat. Ingestion can cause stomach irritation and potentially, central nervous system symptoms. Inhaling the oil can cause breathing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia in pets.
Fireworks. If your 4th of July celebration involves backyard fireworks, make sure your pet is safe indoors well ahead of time. Lit fireworks can result in severe burns and other injuries, and unused fireworks contain potentially toxic substances like potassium nitrate and arsenic. If you’re planning to watch a professional fireworks display, I highly recommend leaving your pet at home, indoors, where it’s quiet, familiar and safe. Loud, crowded public fireworks displays terrify and overwhelm many pets.
Alcohol. Make sure to keep all drinks with alcohol in them out of reach of your pet, and insist your guests do the same. “Adult beverages” can poison your dog or cat. Depending on how much is ingested, an animal can become very intoxicated, weak, depressed, and can even slip into a coma. Severe alcohol poisoning can result in death from respiratory failure.
Human sunscreen and insect repellent. Make sure to use products designed specifically for your dog or cat rather than human products. If your pet ingests a sunscreen product, it can cause excessive thirst, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Insect repellents containing DEET can result in neurological problems in pets.
Matches and lighter fluid. Some matches contain a substance called chlorate, which can damage blood cells, impair respiration, and even cause kidney disease. Lighter fluid can irritate your pet’s skin, and if ingested can cause GI upset and central nervous system depression. Inhaling lighter fluid can result in breathing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia.
People food. Even if your pet has a diverse diet and a well-conditioned GI tract, it’s best to keep party and barbeque foods out of reach. Feed your dog or cat her regular diet for the holiday, and be especially careful not to make potentially toxic people foods like chocolate, coffee, onions, grapes, raisins or bread dough accessible to your pet.
Costumes and glow jewelry. Don’t give your pet access to glow jewelry, which if eaten can cause excessive drooling, GI irritation, and potentially, intestinal blockage. Also think twice about dressing up your pet for July 4th. Unless your dog (or even less likely, your cat) loves to play dress-up, don’t force the issue. Make sure anything you dress your pet in is comfortably loose and doesn’t constrict movement in any way. Also remember it’s July and your pet can easily get overheated – especially if he’s wearing a costume.
Citronella. Always keep citronella candles, oils, and insect coils out of reach of your dog or cat. Ingestion can cause stomach irritation and potentially, central nervous system symptoms. Inhaling the oil can cause breathing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia in pets.
Fireworks. If your 4th of July celebration involves backyard fireworks, make sure your pet is safe indoors well ahead of time. Lit fireworks can result in severe burns and other injuries, and unused fireworks contain potentially toxic substances like potassium nitrate and arsenic. If you’re planning to watch a professional fireworks display, I highly recommend leaving your pet at home, indoors, where it’s quiet, familiar and safe. Loud, crowded public fireworks displays terrify and overwhelm many pets.
Click here to see the full article at healthypets.mercola.com.
We carry a few products that can help such as Homeopet's TFLN,
Thundershirts, calming chews, essential oils and more! Buy them on our website or at either of our locations.
Homeopathic remedy provides relief from fear of: Thunderstorms, Fireworks, Wind, Loud Noises, Gunshots. Restless, anxious and unwanted behavior can be helped with this fast acting, non-sedating liquid.
ThunderShirt uses gentle hugging to calm your dog or cat. With its patented design, ThunderShirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs and cats if they are anxious, fearful or overexcited.
Pets Have Allergies?
Allergies seem to be especially rampant this year. Here's another excellent video from Dr. Karen Becker on the signs, symptoms, and suggestions for relief for your pet's allergies!
Spinal Manipulation & Holistic Consultations
for your pet at End of the Leash Mukwonago
For the month of July, Dr. Witte will be here on Thursday the 11th and Wednesday the 24th to do consultations and/or spinal manipulations for your pet.
She is now offering cold laser therapy! She says, “This is a great method of treating arthritis, soft tissue injuries, wounds, inflammation, and surgical incisions. I will be able to offer this not only at the clinic, but also when I am “on location” as well.” (On location includes her visits to End of the Leash!)
You can also make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Witte to discuss holistic options for your pet (nutrition, supplements, essential oils etc…). Appointments are for 20 minutes and include a consultation and adjustment. Call the store to reserve your spot: 262-363-3338.
About Witte’s Veterinary Care:
Veterinary service providing traditional and alternative treatment options for your pets. Services include spinal manipulative therapy, wellness exams with individualized vaccination schedules, medical treatment, aromatherapy/therapeutic oils, western herbs, nutrition counseling, and whole food supplementation. House calls available upon request.
Visit Witte’s Natural Veterinary Care on Facebook for more information.
We hope you and your pets have a safe and happy July 4th!
Your Friends at End of the Leash
Please remember that us folks at End of the Leash are not veterinarians, and no information on our website is intended to replace the indispensable and professional advice of your veterinarian.