Keep your pet safe

As pet people, we usually like to include our pets in family events. I take my little dog with me as often as possible.

If you plan to have your dog or any of your pets with you during your Independence Day celebrations, there are some serious safety factors to consider. Many of these tips apply to any summer event, not just the holiday.

While many adults enjoyalcoholic beverages, please know that alcohol can poison pets. Just as in people, alcohol can cause intoxication in pets, but it can also cause weakness, depression, coma or respiratory failure, even in fairly small quantities.

Manufacturers now create sunscreen and insect repellents especially for pets. Be sure to use these special products, rather than those meant for humans. Regular sunscreen or insect repellent can cause poisoning in pets when ingested (and it's virtually impossible to keep them from ingesting it).

Go easy on the "grill scraps." Sure, Fido and Fluffy are drooling over that chargrilled steak, just like everyone else at your cookout, but changing your pets' diet can cause serious digestive upset.

If you just have to share your barbecue with your pets, keep it to very small amounts.

Those glowing necklaces are a ton of fun for the kids, but the "glow" material will be harmful to pets if ingested. Keep those toys away from pets.

Be sure that the citronella candles and insect oils are out of reach of pets. These products are harmful and can cause stomach upset and nervous system depression if ingested.

Fireworks are great fun for many people, but not so much fun for pets. The loud noises and bright lights are scary to most animals.

Sparklers can be hazardous because pets could be burned by the sparks and the sparks even have the potential of setting their fur on fire. Pick up spent fireworks, as they contain toxins that could harm your pet.

If your celebration involves fireworks, provide a safe, familiar, quiet place for your pet. Too many pets have been lost over the Independence Day weekend when they have tried to escape the noise.

Finally, keep in mind what you're celebrating. It means a lot more than burgers, barbecue and beer . . . Happy Independence Day!

'Til next time, take care of those you love . . . even those with fur, feathers, fins or scales.