Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country. It’s also a time that marks the unofficial start of summer. Whether you’re attending a Memorial Day parade, hosting a backyard barbecue, or going to a fireworks display, it’s important to keep canine safety in mind. Here are some essential tips to ensure a happy and healthy holiday for your furry family member.
1. Beware of Heat-Related Issues
As I mentioned a minute ago, Memorial Day often marks the unofficial start of summer. Depending on your location, this weekend may be filled with sunshine and high temperatures. Since dogs have a harder time regulating their body temperatures, they’re more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. With that said, if you’re planning to spend time outdoors with your pup, it’s crucial to provide plenty of fresh water, shade, and a cool safe haven. REMEMBER: Like people, dogs can also get sunburned … especially if your dog has a lighter coat or exposed skin. Along with providing shade, look into sun-protective clothing and pet-safe sunscreen. Applying dog-formulated sunscreen to more sensitive areas (such as their nose, ears, and belly) can help protect them from harmful UV rays.
2. Beware of Barbecue Hazards
Backyard barbecues are a Memorial Day tradition, but certain cooking practices and foods can pose risks to dogs. First things first: Keep your pup away from hot grills, open flames, and sharp utensils. Plus, watch the table scraps. Many human foods are toxic to dogs, including onions, chocolate, and grapes. Also, your dog shouldn’t eat overly fatty meats (due to potential pancreatitis), cooked bones (they’re too brittle and can injure your dog), and highly seasoned foods. Instead, offer dog-friendly treats or prepare a special meal for your furry friend to enjoy.
3. No Licks of Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are often a part of holiday gatherings. But, they can be extremely dangerous for dogs. If your dog does drink alcohol, ethanol will be absorbed into his system. It’s important to understand that a dog’s metabolism can’t process ethanol like yours can. Your pooch will likely get drunk and experience symptoms such as confusion, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, and even seizures. If your dog does lap up your booze, call your emergency vet immediately.
4. Keep Dogs Indoors During Fireworks
Memorial Day gatherings may include fireworks displays, which can be very stressful for your dog. Since fireworks produce extremely loud explosions, high-pitched whistles, and bright flashes of light, they can startle dogs and trigger a flight response. It’s important to keep in mind: Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than we do. So, the loud bangs can be distressing to them. Plus, the vibrations caused by fireworks can create a sense of unease for dogs. To avoid your dog from fleeing and potentially getting injured, keep them inside and in a safe space during firework displays. A few tips:
- Keep the blinds down to help block out the sights of bright fireworks.
- If your dog is crate-trained, put him in the crate with a blanket around the sides. This will help to block out the sights of bright fireworks … as well as muffle the sound a bit.
- Help reduce the sound of loud fireworks by keeping the television on or playing some soothing music.
- Look into the ThunderShirt, which is a special anxiety-relief vest that applies gentle, constant pressure onto your dog’s torso to help naturally calm stress and fear (sort of like swaddling a baby)! They sell them on Amazon.
5. Secure Your Backyard
If you plan to have a backyard gathering or spend time outside with your dog, it’s essential to secure the area properly. Do a thorough look around your fence, making sure there aren’t any holes or gaps where your dog can escape. Also, as people come and go, be mindful of open gates and doors. It only takes a second for your dog to dart.
6. ID Tags and Microchipping
Any outdoor gathering with increased chaos and noise can boost the risk of your dog darting off and getting lost. So, do yourself a favor and double-check that your dog’s collar tags are up to date with accurate contact information. If your dog is microchipped, ensure the microchip registry has your current contact details. You know what they say … hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
7. Keep Insecticides and Chemicals Away
Do you know who else loves your grilled hamburgers and hotdogs? The flies! To repel bugs during outdoor gatherings, many people use insecticides, citronella candles, or other chemicals. These products can be toxic to dogs if ingested or if their skin comes into contact with them. So, keep them out of your dog’s reach and opt for pet-friendly alternatives whenever possible.
