NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Want to throw an “awesome” Fourth of July party that’s both fun and dog-friendly?
As you spend Independence Day with family or friends, you may need to pay a little extra attention to your dog to keep him safe and happy amidst the festivities. After all, your furry friend might get a little too curious about the leftover barbecue, which could lead to tummy troubles or worse.
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VCA Animal Hospitals has shared the following five tips to help ensure your Fourth of July party is safe for your canine guests:
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Dog-proof your party venue. Whether you’re celebrating indoors or outdoors, take the time to dog-proof your space, with food preparation and grilling areas set up away from where dogs play.
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Be careful with these barbecue dishes. Some foods that come off the grill can be dangerous for pets, so keep fatty meats and meats with bones (like chicken, steak, and ribs) away from prying eyes. Also, keep in mind that raw chicken and beef can contain harmful bacteria, like salmonella and E. coli.
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No dogs for dogs! Hot dogs are high in salt, so avoid giving your dog salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and peanuts. Too much sodium can lead to dehydration and high blood pressure in dogs.
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Pay attention to the toppings. Toppings like garlic, shallots, chives, and onions can cause stomach problems and more serious problems in dogs, such as red blood cell destruction and anemia. Additionally, mustard and ketchup are not toxic, but they can cause vomiting.
Other food ingredients that can be potentially harmful to pets include sauces, rubs, seasonings, coffee, grapes, raisins and cocoa powder, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
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Chocolate is forbidden. Whether it’s candy, ice cream, or cake, chocolate is a no-no for dogs and cats. Depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the weight of the pet, it can cause a serious medical emergency. In short, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is.
While there are plenty of foods that humans should avoid, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also posted a photo of foods that you can share with your pets, as long as they are unseasoned, cut into small pieces, and given sparingly in small portions. If you do feed any of these fruits to a furry friend, be sure to remove any seeds, pits, stems, or peels. As for the meat, it should be lean, cooked, and boneless.
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In addition to the concerning culinary creations, summer meals often include other items that could be dangerous if ingested, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:
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Fireworks
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Alcoholic beverages
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Sunscreens and insect repellents (whether consumed or applied topically)
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Insecticides and fertilizers
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Tiki Torch Fuel, Citronella Candles, and Bug Coils
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Matches and lighter fluid
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Charcoal and skewers
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Corn cobs and bones
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Some plants
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Luminous jewelry
If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, you should call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately.
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