Vets Warn Pet Owners Of No. 1 Holiday Hazard

From Corinna Soden of Vet24seven:

WORRIED ABOUT FIREWORK NOISE AFFECTING YOUR PET ON JULY 4th? BE WARNED: FOOD IS THE NUMBER ONE DANGER!

July 4th celebrations can bring cheer and good times for a lot of families, but for many household pets it can spell sickness and distress.

One of the biggest problems seen at veterinarian offices at this time of year is vomiting and diarrhea – otherwise known as ”garbage gut.”

“This condition stems from the rise in outdoor living and summer BBQs which result in dogs and cats eating what they shouldn’t,” says veterinarian Dr. Johanna Sherrill, a preferred provider of the new virtual veterinary service Vet24seven, a new app for mobile devices that enables animal owners to consult with their veterinarian via a live video chat or message.

“I recently had a pit bull puppy in my office that had eaten all the pork ribs on a table at a BBQ and then followed it with an entire cheesecake,” said Sherrill. “Not surprisingly, he ended up with chronic vomiting and diarrhea.”

She points out that cheesecake and similar foods are very high in fat which a dog’s or cat’s pancreas is not used to digesting and can lead to pancreatitis.

“It’s a lot more expensive to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of problems after the fact. Some simple prevention methods can save a pet owner time, money and distress,“ she said. “Eating the wrong food can be a major problem. I see a lot of what we call ‘garbage gut’ or dietary indiscretion at this time of year as a result of fun times on the beach or in the back yard.”

The vets list top tips for healthy, happy pets over the July 4th holiday:

Beware of the heat – Sunny July days can bring hot temperatures and with dogs joining families on the beach or in the park. Owners should ensure there is cool water available for their animals and a shady area to relax.
Hold the BBQ sauce – Yes, that tasty accompaniment that most Americans love with their steak can play havoc on the stomach of man’s best friend.
Skip those bones – It goes without saying that these can be a choking hazard for many dogs and cats.
Ditch the corn cobs – “Corn on the cob from the grill is great for adults to chew but for our pets it can be dangerous,” says Dr. Julie Miller of Pet’s Friend Animal Clinic, Sunnyvale. “People think corn cobs are a safe thing for dogs to chew on but they can easily become obstructed on them.”
Off the onions – A major toxin that should never be given to a pet. “It’s an oxidant and knocks them for a loop,” said Sherrill.
Ditch the wrap – According to Dr. Michael Sterns, of Alta View Animal Hospital in Mountain View, the wrapping on the meat is just the outer layer of food to many large dogs. “My dog is 130 pounds and thinks the aluminum foil is the rind of the meat. I much prefer owners storing or bringing their food in hard plastic containers which are dog-proof.”
Raise the bar – Bear in mind the height of the dog when ensuring your pet is safe from tempting foods. Big dogs can reach places that their smaller companions can’t, but remember those tiny pups can sneak into small spaces where they shouldn’t be!
Beware of the heat – again! – Remember the BBQ or smoker itself can be a danger and result in burns to animals trying to sneak a taste of that great-smelling smoked meat.

• Also see: Fireworks Aren’t So Festive For Your Pets
• For Fourth of July ideas for entertaining:
• Gear Up For Happy 4th! Recipe For Easy ‘Star-Spangled Sangria’
• For BBQ Lovers: A Chicken Wing Recipe to Make Your July 4th Party Pop
• Gear Up For Happy 4th! Recipe For Easy ‘Star-Spangled Sangria’
• Five Tips To Throw A Firecracker Of A Party On July 4th

And remember if you do have a problem with your pet over the holiday, more information is available at www.vet24seven.com.