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Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it.

Whether or not you're planning your own Independence Day celebration, it's important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after Fourth of July festivities. Preparing in advance:

Safety during July 4 celebrations:

Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Are pasture fences secure enough to keep horses or other livestock confined? Evaluate your options, and choose the safest area for your animals; and make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.
Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there's great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
If you're hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
Don't let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from thesecommon foods that are actually toxic.
Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it's extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don't leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
Never leave your pet in your car when it's warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
If you're travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.
Follow safe food handling and hygiene practices to protect your family and guests.

After the celebrations:

Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn't set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.

Source: AVMA: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/july-4-safety

The Art of Kong + 3 Yummy Recipes

Marina Veronica

Rules to Follow When Using a Kong

1. The filling has to be at the correct consistency. If it is too hard to get out, your dog will become frustrated and bored with it. If it is too soft, then it will go too fast and the dog will be left feeling unsatisfied and bored.

2. It has to be the correct kong, as in the correct size and density for the dog’s mouth and tongue. You do not want the dog to eat the kong- or you will end up with a huge vet bill!

3. Until the dog understands the concept of eating from a kong, never leave him alone and unsupervised.

4. A kong is not a toy. It is yours not the dog’s; and it is given by you as a powerful training and bonding aid.

5. It has to taste good for your dog and have healthy ingredients.

How to Choose Your Kong

Check the information on the packet. If your dog can destroy hard substances, then you will need the heavy black kong. If you have a puppy you are kong training, then the soft light blue one will be best.

How to Fill Your Kong

The stuffing needs to be firm but not hard…about the consistency of pate of soft cheese to begin with. It is easier to fill a kong while it is still warm. or at least at room temperature; you can then leave it in the fridge overnight to firm up to the consistency of firm chilled pate. As the dog works at the filling it will soften with the warmth of his/her paws and the action of the saliva. Frozen kongs are good as a treat on hot days and help add more fluids into the system.

Kong Cuisine: 3 Yummy Recipes

Kong Recipe: Banana and Honey INGREDIENTS

1 or 2 ripe bananas

INSTRUCTIONS

Step One; Cut the end of a ripe banana (2, if using the large kong) and block the small hole at the bottom of the kong.
Step Two: Slice 3 or 4 thin pieces and put to one side.
Step Three: Mash the remaining banana in a bowl.
Step Four: Add a tablespoon of honey and mix.
Step Five: Fill kong with banana mash.
Step Six: Place the sliced pieces on the top sealing the large end. Smear with a little honey and put in fridge to chill for at least an hour.