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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – when celebrating with family and friends this 4th of July, remember that fireworks can be hazardous to your pets.

Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC and the associate director of Veterinary Services at the Pet Poison Helpline, wants pet owners to be aware of the potential dangers of fireworks.

“Pets are curious and will get into trouble if left unattended around fireworks,” said Lee.

 How Fireworks can Harm your Pet:

• Most fireworks are toxic to pets because they contain hazardous chemicals.
• When ingested, pets can develop gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, a painful abdomen, and bloody diarrhea.  
• Pets that ingest large amounts can suffer tremors or seizures, along with acute kidney failure, bone marrow changes, shallow breathing and jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin. 
• Exposure to lit fireworks can also result in burns to the nose, face, lips, or inside of the mouth, as well as eye irritation and conjunctivitis.  
• Noise factors: Fireworks can cause anxiety to those pets that are noise-shy.

“If your pets are gun-shy, thunderstorm phobic or noise-shy, consider talking to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives that can help them relax during fireworks,” Dr. Lee stated.

Simply keeping your pets out of the reach of fireworks will prevent them from being poisoned or burned this 4th of July.

If your pet ingests fireworks this 4th of July and is suffering, do not induce vomiting. Immediately seek help by calling your veterinarian, emergency veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. Pet Poison Helpline is a service available 24 hours, seven days  Staff can provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. 

Pet Poison Helpline has a fee of $35 per incident, which includes follow-up consultation for the duration of the poison case.

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