Pet Safety Tips From Our Veterinarian at Bluegrass Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN

At Bluegrass Animal Hospital, our Knoxville, TN veterinarian knows first-hand that the 4th of July can be a dangerous pet holiday. Unfortunately, while the 4th of July may be a day of celebration for us, it is a day full of risks for many pets. From ingestion of toxic foods at a barbecue to heat stroke and even getting lost, there are a number of dangers that owners need to protect their pets against this coming Independence Day.

Pet Ideas for a Safe 4th of July

Fortunately, our veterinary team has some great pet ideas to make this pet holiday a safer one. For starters, if you'll be hosting a barbecue at your home this 4th of July, make sure to keep food out of your pet's reach at all times. Human foods can be toxic to pets, so avoid feeding your pet any scraps (especially anything that may contain small bones).

If you'll be spending time outdoors this 4th of July, be sure to also provide your pet with plenty of access to shade and fresh water. This will help to protect him or her from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Furthermore, make sure your pet has lots of opportunities to come inside and cool down; if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet.

Finally, if your pet gets scared of fireworks, make sure he or she has a safe and cozy place to hide during nighttime firework displays in your neighborhood. Do not allow pets to be outdoors while fireworks are being let off, as pets that get scared are much more likely to run away. Now is also a good time to make sure your pet is microchipped and that the information on the chip is up-to-date.

Schedule an Appointment at Bluegrass Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN with Our Veterinarian Today!

These are just a few of the ways you can keep your pet safer this 4th of July. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, contact our Knoxville veterinarian at (865) 694-8387.