Manhattan, Kan -- The Fourth of July is finally here, and with the celebration comes fireworks, barbeques and outdoor fun for all; including our furry, four-legged friends. The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health cares for companion animals as much as you do.

The big booms and bangs from the firecrackers this weekend are exciting for us, but could scare your pet. Keeping your pet on a leash is highly recommended to keep them from running away, exhausting themselves or getting lost. Exercise your pet early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the extreme heat. If you do have to walk your pet during the day, walk them in the grass to avoid burning their paws on the hot sidewalk.

The sunshine and warm weather also mean more responsibility to care for our pets. If your pet is outside during the hottest part of the day, the most important thing for owners to remember is to provide enough water for them. Dogs and cats do not sweat like humans, but instead use their lungs to cool down. Panting is a sign your pet is getting warm. Providing ample amounts of shade is also a good way to help keep your pet cool.

Another consideration is automobile travel with your companions.

 “Never leave animals in your car,” stated Dr. Michael Faurot, Kansas Department of Agriculture Animal Facilities Inspection Program Director. “The temperature can rapidly rise and increase your pet’s likelihood of heat stroke.”  If your pet does jump in the car with you, go through a drive-through, shop at pet friendly stores or bring a friend along to play with your pet as you run your errands. 

If your pet does overheat, the most common signs of heat stroke include: heavy breathing, rapid heart rate, drooling, vomiting, dazed appearance and collapse. If you see any of these signs, bathe your pet in cool, not cold, water and immediately call your local veterinarian.

Long weekends, with lots of sunshine, are also a perfect time to hit up the lake. Before you throw that floaty out for your dog to retrieve, look for blue-green algae on the water. What are blue-green algae? Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms found naturally in all types of water. The algae can grow or bloom on stagnate and warm bodies of water.  The algae is easily seen floating on top of the water and is a blue-green color, like the name suggests. Sometimes, the algae can produce a toxin that can be harmful when ingested.

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention lists the common signs of blue-green algae poisoning as being: loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, stumbling, foaming at the mouth, diarrhea, convulsion, excessive drooling and seizures. If you see your pet with any of these symptoms after playing in the water, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has information on their website about blue-green algae and lakes in Kansas under advisory and warning. You can also receive up-to-date lake conditions at this Toll Free Number: 1-855-HAB-LAKE (1-855-422-5253).

The best way to prevent your pet from getting sick from blue-green algae is to avoid contact. If your pet decides to take a swim in some water with a bloom, wash him or her off right away with clean water to keep them from licking it off their fur.

For more information, visit the Pet Poison Helpline and consult your local veterinarian.

You can also contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture with further questions at (785) 564-6700. With these few tips in the mind, enjoy the Fourth of July with good food, firecrackers and your happy, healthy four-legged friends.

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