Keeping Pets Safe This Holiday Weekend

This holiday weekend is sure to be filled with lots of barbecues and outdoor fun, but Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, which is based in Hauppauge, warns residents that treating a dog to some barbecue grub could be detrimental to its health.

Gross said that barbecue scraps fed to a dog may create gastrointestinal problems.

"Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea. Foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes and raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals," he said in a press statement.

Another tip to keep your pet safe and healthy this holiday, is to avoid taking a dog to any fireworks shows that may be continuing throughout the weekend.

"Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home," he said.

Gross advises pet owners to keep dogs inside the home if your neighbors use fireworks.

"Dogs are very sensitive to loud noise and may get edgy if they are exposed to the noise from explosions," he said.
 
Also, make sure a pet always wears a collar and identification tag in case he or she gets loose during the celebrations.