Pet Safety Tips For July 4 In New York

NEW YORK — July 4th is here and is a time when Americans across the country remember the people who fought for our freedom and paved the way for us all to have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

While fireworks and barbecues are a part of the fun on Independence Day, these activities can pose a "very dangerous" situation for pets, according to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"We may over indulge in a BBQ but the scraps fed to a dog may create gastrointestinal problems," Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA, said via news release. "Keep your dog on a regular diet and be sure to ask your guests not to give table food to your pet! 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."

A few other useful tips may help make July 4th safer for your dog:

Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, the SPCA wrote.

"So please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities," the organization stated. "Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home. Turn on some music to drown out noise from fireworks. Make sure your pet always wears a collar and identification tag."

Neighborhood celebrations contain loud fireworks and sparklers that are very hot. Use the same caution for your pets as you do for your children, Gross said.