Ethos Veterinary Health
  • Veterinary Teams
    • Ethos Discovery
    • Clinical Studies
    • VetBloom CE
    • Ethos is Hiring
    • Learning & Development
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Executive Team
    • Our Hospitals
  • Advancing Medicine
    • Meet Our Medical Leadership Team
    • Medical Excellence
    • Medical Operations
    • New Product Committee
    • Specialty Advisory Board
    • Veterinary Science Consultancy
    • Blood Bank Programs
    • Clinical Studies
      • Open & Enrolling Studies
      • FAQs: Clinical Studies at Ethos
    • Ethos Discovery
  • Ethos Updates
  • Careers + Development
    • Ethos is Hiring
      • Career Opportunities
      • Employee Benefits
      • Meet Our Talent Teams
      • Referral Program
    • Learning & Development
    • VetBloom
    • Careers Unleashed
    • Veterinary Nursing Programs
      • ER Immerse Nursing
      • Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Program
      • RECOVER Certification
      • Fear Free Certification
    • Veterinary Student Programs
      • Vet Student Externships
    • Veterinary Programs
      • Internship and Residency Programs
      • ER Immerse
      • ER ABVP
      • 6 Tips for a Stress-Free VIRMP Application Process
    • Veterinary Conferences
Ethos Veterinary Health
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Executive Team
    • Our Hospitals
  • Advancing Medicine
    • Meet Our Medical Leadership Team
    • Medical Excellence
    • Medical Operations
    • New Product Committee
    • Specialty Advisory Board
    • Veterinary Science Consultancy
    • Blood Bank Programs
    • Clinical Studies
      • Open & Enrolling Studies
      • FAQs: Clinical Studies at Ethos
    • Ethos Discovery
  • Ethos Updates
  • Careers + Development
    • Ethos is Hiring
      • Career Opportunities
      • Employee Benefits
      • Meet Our Talent Teams
      • Referral Program
    • Learning & Development
    • VetBloom
    • Careers Unleashed
    • Veterinary Nursing Programs
      • ER Immerse Nursing
      • Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Program
      • RECOVER Certification
      • Fear Free Certification
    • Veterinary Student Programs
      • Vet Student Externships
    • Veterinary Programs
      • Internship and Residency Programs
      • ER Immerse
      • ER ABVP
      • 6 Tips for a Stress-Free VIRMP Application Process
    • Veterinary Conferences
  • Veterinary Teams
    • Ethos Discovery
    • Clinical Studies
    • VetBloom CE
    • Ethos is Hiring
    • Learning & Development

Our Blogs

4th of July Pet Safety Tips

The Fourth of July!  Barbecues, fireworks, lazy days by the water … and a big spike in visits to veterinary emergency hospitals! Why, you ask? Well, sometimes, when we are busy having fun, our focus shifts, slips or is divided, and our furry friends seize the opportunity to find some not-so-healthy ways to have some fun of their own.

Holiday Dangers to Avoid

Corn cobs

Corn on the cob is a backyard barbecue favorite, yet ingestion of the leftover cobs can present a huge problem. Corn cobs are difficult for dogs to digest, and many dogs will swallow the cob almost-whole. It can then lodge in the intestines and is the perfect size and shape to cause a serious blockage. This problem is life-threatening and requires emergency (and expensive) surgery. To keep your pets safe by keeping trash in a covered receptacle.

Accidental drownings

Pools and lakes are fun for all, but can be problematic as well. Each summer we see a few drownings and near-drownings from pets who fall into the water and can’t figure out how to climb out. Be sure that if you are near the water – especially a pool – that the area is fenced in and pets are kept out. If pets are going in the water, make it your first job to show them the way out, then remember to keep a watchful eye on them.

Teriyaki skewers

While skewers are great for holding together kabobs, they can be devastating when ingested. Interestingly enough, many dogs who ingest skewers don’t immediately show signs of a problem. However, the skewer is so sharp that it can perforate the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, traveling through the body and wreaking havoc along the way. Again, disposing of all food related trash is a secure location is important for prevention of this problem.

Motor vehicle accidents

Cookouts and summer celebrations are fun for the whole family, but while everyone is busy enjoying themselves it is easier for pets to escape. As a result, the number of pets hit by cars can increase dramatically when people are distracted by holiday happenings. Be sure that your pets are secured inside latched doors or in a fenced-in-area. If there is any doubt about whether a door might be left open, then a crate inside or a runner in the backyard is the safest option.

Fireworks

While most people are mesmerized by fireworks, many pets go into panic mode when the fireworks start to rumble. If you know that fireworks make your furry friend nervous, try putting them in an area with bright lighting and white noise (like the TV, music, etc.), away from windows (this also works with dogs who are scared of thunderstorms). If your pet gets so upset that you are worried for his/her health, please talk with your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications that may be helpful.

As we launch into the holiday weekend, take a minute to ensure that your pets are safe from summertime dangers. Hopefully this will keep you from having to come see us this summer! As always, if you do need us, our hospitals are open.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

 

Share

About the Author

  • Libby Holman, DVM

Related Posts

  • How to Protect Dogs from Loud Noises
    Read Article
  • How to Use Dog Seat Belts for Pet Car Safety
    Read Article
  • Water Intoxication
    Read Article
  • Pool Safety for Dogs (And Cats Too!)
    Read Article
  • Beach Dangers for Your Dog
    Read Article
  • Easy Homemade Healthy Dog Treats
    Read Article
  • Ethos Pet Kitchen: Frozen Sweet Treats
    Read Article
  • 5 Games to Play with Your Dog
    Read Article
  • 5 Tips for Boarding Your Dog: What to Bring and How to Prepare
    Read Article
  • Lake Safety for Dogs
    Read Article
  • Found a Lost Dog? This is What You Do
    Read Article
Ethos Veterinary Health
  • Veterinary Teams
    • Ethos Discovery
    • Clinical Studies
    • VetBloom CE
    • Ethos is Hiring
    • Learning & Development
© 2025 Ethos Veterinary Health Privacy Policy
Website Design by Jackrabbit