6 Tips for a Fun and Fearless Fourth of July

More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other time of the year. Pets and loud noises are not a winning combination. Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM has compiled a list of tips to help take some of the stress out of what is supposed to be a joyous celebration.

• Be sure your pets have well-fitting collars with up to date tags.
• Don’t give in to offering your pet a bunch of BBQ treats. Keeping as close to their regular diet as possible will help avoid upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhea and emergency room issues like pancreatitis.
• Life jackets help keep water-bound canines afloat, as not all dogs are strong swimmers. Never leave your dog alone at the beach and/or on a boat, as they can easily become overpowered by waves, tides and currents.
• Most dogs and cats DO NOT enjoy fireworks. Pet ears are far more sensitive to loud noises than ours. Classical music has been shown to reduce canine anxiety. ThunderShirt Polo Dog Anxiety Jackets are also an option to help comfort stressed dogs.
• Homeopathic calming remedies including Bach Rescue Remedy Pet  containing the herb Skull Cap help to safely reduce stress levels for dogs and cats with no adverse effects. Both products may be applied to the inner (hairless) ears, which act as acupressure points in dogs and cats. Both may also be given by mouth.
• Don’t put human sunscreen on your pet. Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets is fine for dogs and cats, but avoid zinc oxide, which is toxic to pets. DEET, a common insecticide, is also poisonous to pets and may cause neurological signs, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.

Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty plus years. A pioneer in anti-aging medicine and longevity research for pets, she created and patented the original PAAWS: Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System for dogs and cats. Dr. Carol holds both the dog and cat scientific patents. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo.  Shortly afterwards, she launched a very successful private practice and became founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute. Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments.