Memorial Day Pet Safety: 8 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe
Memorial Day Pet Safety: 8 Tips to Keep
Your Dog Safe
As we approach Memorial Day, it's crucial to prioritize the safety of our furry friends. While this long weekend is often a time for get-togethers and barbecues, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards that Memorial Day festivities can pose to dogs. By planning ahead, you can ensure your pet's safety and make the most of the long weekend. Here are some essential tips for keeping dogs safe on Memorial Day.
Avoid Feeding Your Dog BBQ'd Foods: Memorial Day often involves grilling and cooking, but many of these long weekend favorites are unsafe foods for dogs. Avoid feeding your dog uncooked or seasoned meats. Uncooked meat can contain bacteria, and some seasonings are toxic to dogs. Cooked bones should also be avoided. These can shatter and damage your pet's mouth, throat, or intestines. Other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and foods high in fat. These foods can cause digestive upset, pancreatitis, or even poisoning. Keep an eye on your pet to prevent them from sneaking scraps off the grill or picnic table.
Provide Plenty of Water: Warmer weather often accompanies Memorial Day celebrations, so keeping your dog hydrated is crucial. Ensure they have access to fresh water throughout the day, especially if you're spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activities.
Keep Them Cool: Dogs can quickly overheat in hot weather, leading to heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Provide shade for your pet if you're spending time outdoors, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in a Parked Car: On a warm day, temperatures inside a parked car can skyrocket quickly, leading to heatstroke, brain damage, or even death.
Leash Your Dog: If you're hosting an outdoor Memorial Day gathering or attending an event, make sure your dog is on a leash or in a secure space (like a fenced backyard) to prevent them from going on an unplanned adventure.
Watch for Signs of Stress: Memorial Day celebrations can be noisy and crowded, which may be stressful for some dogs. Keep an eye on your pet's behavior and body language, and remove them from stressful situations if needed. Signs your dog is stressed include pacing, trembling, drooling, and trying to hide. Create a safe space where your pup can go if they become overwhelmed, like a cozy space in a quiet room.
Dog ID Tags & Microchips: With increased foot traffic and open doors, it's easy for dogs to wander off and get lost in the excitement of the holiday. Dogs can also be scared by fireworks and try to run and hide. Before the holiday weekend, check your dog's LostMyPet QR tag to ensure it's in good condition and on their collar. You can easily order a replacement LostMyPet QR tag if you notice some scratches or damage. Has your address or contact number changed? Be sure to update that info in your LostMyPet account, too!
Has Your Contact Info Changed?
Don’t forget to update your contact information in LostMyPet. This information helps get a lost pet back to where they want to be - at home with their people!