Memorial Day Pet Safety Tips

Memorial Day, considered by many to be the official start of the summer, is a holiday designated to remember the fallen soldiers who died while serving our country. It is often celebrated with cookouts, bonfires, pool parties, and fireworks. However, all these enjoyable activities can involve certain risks to our pets, including food toxicity, heat stroke, and injury. Emergency Veterinary Care Centers is always happy to help pets and pet owners around the holidays, but we want you both to stay safe and healthy! Below are some important tips to keep risks to a minimum so you and your pet can enjoy your holiday weekend to the fullest.

Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe During Memorial Day Activities

Plan ahead for Memorial Day weekend with the help of these pet safety tips:

Cook Out

If you’re hosting a cookout or attending someone else’s, and you are planning to bring your dog, there are several things you and others around you should be aware of, including:

• Keep alcoholic beverages out of reach
• Prevent access to plates with human foods such as: chocolate, raisins, avocados, grapes, and onions
• Avoid exposure to mosquito-repellent candles and open flames
• Keep scraps and snacks away from your pet

Bonfire

As mentioned above, dogs should not be permitted around open flames (large or small). A hot ember can shoot out and ignite the fur on their bodies. This doesn’t mean that your pet can’t enjoy the warmth of a fire—you just need to make sure that this enjoyment takes place from a safe distance. You should also make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water.

Swimming in the Pool

Some dog breeds seem to be drawn to the water more than others—but regardless of whether your dog is timid or confident in the water, you should always supervise them. Plus, you should prevent them from drinking the water because the chemicals (like chlorine) can burn your pet’s mouth, throat, and stomach.

Safety Tips for Lakes, Ponds, and River

If you are planning to take your pup out on the open water (like on a boat or in a kayak, for example), you should prepare to have plenty of floatation devices with you. And again, you should always supervise your dog in or around water.

Tips for Firework Safety

Each animal reacts to loud sounds, such as fireworks, differently, so knowing your particular pet is important in helping them feel safe. But even if your dog does not seem scared of fireworks, it’s typically best to keep them secured inside of your home while they are going off—as having them out can risk them getting spooked, running off, and being lost.

Moreover, if your dog acts scared during firework shows and you are at home, you can do the following things to make them feel more comfortable:

• Go on a long walk before the fireworks start.
• Put your dog into a crate with familiar toys and treats.
• Turn on music, the television, fans, etc., to lessen the sound of the booms.
• Stay with them (or have someone you trust stay behind)
• Talk to your vet about potential medications or holistic options that can alleviate anxiety.

Additional Safety Tips

Other tips to help your pet stay comfortable, healthy, and safe:

Provide Shade

Heat stroke is a common issue we see in pets around this time of year. Keeping them cool and hydrated is essential! In addition to providing plenty of water for your dogs, you should also ensure they can cool off in shady areas. Canines can get dehydrated quickly, so preventing that should be one of your top concerns while enjoying time outside with your pet.

Avoid Insect Sprays

Unless products like insect repellent and sunscreen are specifically made for animals, they should be avoided because they can cause symptoms like excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and increased thirst.

Have Tags and Chips for Identification

Unleashed dogs always have the capability to escape from their owners, so it’s important that you make sure that your pet is microchipped and has a tag on its collar with your information on it.

Vaccinate Your Pet

Before spending a considerable amount of time outside and around other people and animals, you should make sure that your dog is completely up to date with its vaccinations and other preventative measures (such as flea and tick medication, etc.). It’s typically a good idea to also have the tag that you get from the vet after a rabies shot attached to your dog’s collar. This will help if it runs off or if your pet bites someone.

Pet Proof Your Vehicle

If you are going to be traveling in a car with your dog (for a short or extended amount of time), you should “canine proof” your vehicle. This may include removing human foods and drinks from the floor and cupholders, making sure the animal can’t get into any medication by accident, and purchasing safe carriers and leashes that will keep your beloved pet secure inside. In addition, never leave your dog alone in the car.

Contact EVCC For More Memorial Day Pet Safety Tips

By following the tips listed above, you can help your pet stay safe during the holiday weekend. If you have any questions or think your pet might need to see an emergency vet, contact EVCC by calling one of our locations. Our team will be happy to help you any time of day!