After waiting through the dark dreary days of winter, it’s finally here — Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer! Many of us will spend our Memorial Day weekend gathered with friends and family at barbecues and other outdoor events, commemorating our fallen military heroes and celebrating the start of another summer. And who better to kick off the sunny season with than our favorite four-legged friends? Before you pack your cooler or toss some burgers on the grill check out our tips for keeping your pets safe and happy this Memorial Day holiday.
Analyze Appropriateness and Socialize Safely
When it comes to including your dog or cat in your Memorial Day celebrations, first and foremost, know your pet. Just like people, some animals are up for any adventure, including large social gatherings like a holiday barbecue or parade. Others are far more content lounging on the couch alone at home. Multiple factors go into choosing whether or not to include your dog or cat in your holiday plans, from weather and location to your pet’s age, temperament, and sociability (how well they deal with strangers, children, or new/novel events). No matter where you are, try to provide a safe space away from the activity that your dog or cat can “escape” to should their surroundings become too overwhelming. Monitor your pet regularly for signs of stress and make sure those around you approach your pet calmly and respect their space. It is important to remember that often things that we find enjoyable can be stressful or even dangerous for our pets, so take time to consider whether including your dog or cat is appropriate for them.
Beware of BBQ Hazards
Nothing says summer like the alluring smell of food sizzling on the grill and news flash, our dogs find those smells pretty enticing too. Barbecues are a staple of many Memorial Day festivities and even the most well-behaved dog is likely to have a difficult time resisting the delectable scents of your holiday feast. Keep curious canines away from grills, buffets, bonfires, and fire pits to prevent burns and ensure they do not consume anything harmful. Timely clean up of abandoned plates and drinks and securing garbage bags and other waste can help prevent your pup from helping himself to any unsafe food, alcohol, or cannabis products. Popular barbecue foods that your dog should avoid include (but are not limited to) avocados (guacamole), onions (raw or cooked), grapes, ice cream, chocolate, corn cobs, fat trimmings, and bones. Make sure to include some pet-friendly treats on your holiday menu and, if you are heading out to a BBQ or parade, take some pup cups or other pet-safe treats along and you’re sure to be the hit of the party with the canine crowd!
Keep em’ Cool and Hydrated
Memorial Day often signals the start of warmer weather. Our pets don’t have nearly as many mechanisms for temperature regulation and cooling as we do, overheating and heatstroke in dogs can occur much more quickly and at far cooler temperatures than many people imagine. Always have fresh water available and provide ample shady spaces for your pet to cool off. Limit time outside when temperatures rise, avoid strenuous exercise, and regularly evaluate your pet for signs of distress and fatigue. Excessive panting or drooling, increased thirst, lethargy, and changes in the color of a dog’s gums and tongue are early signs of overexposure to heat. If you think your dog or cat is suffering from heatstroke, seek veterinary care immediately. See our series on Keeping Your Pets Cool Through the Dog Days of Summer (links below) for more hot weather safety tips.
Prioritize Pool and Swim Safety
If your Memorial Day festivities find you near a pool, lake, or beach swim safety is of paramount priority. The number one rule when it comes to canine water safety is NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED. Many people think dogs are natural swimmers, but that isn’t always the case. Know your dog’s limitations in the water and keep an eye on him at all times. Watch for signs he may be tiring, contending with currents or riptides, showing too much interest in something dangerous in or along the water’s edge, or struggling to exit or regain solid footing. And don’t forget about the risk of hypothermia. This time of year, waters in New England still run rather cold. And, despite their furry coat, if the water is too chilly for you, it is likely too chilly for your pup (especially small dogs or those with short fur). If your dog does take a dip, make sure he takes lots of breaks and warm and dry him completely after his swim. Check out our article Canine Swimming Safety: 10 Water Safety Tips for Your Dog, for more tips on keeping your dog safe in or near the water.
The Importance of ID
When it comes to relaxed holiday gatherings with people coming and going, you can guarantee at some point during the festivities someone is sure to leave a door ajar or gate cracked open, providing the perfect opportunity for escape. To help prevent the loss of your beloved pet, ensure your dog or cat is wearing a secure collar with up-to-date identification tags. Microchipping can provide an added layer of security, significantly increasing the chances of a lost pet being returned. If your pet is already chipped, take this opportunity to verify that your contact information is current with the microchip registry.
Don’t Forget the Fireworks
While we often think of the 4th of July when it comes to fireworks, many people enjoy sparklers or smaller neighborhood fireworks displays over Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, the loud noises and sudden bright flashes of light from this festive form of human celebration can cause an exorbitant amount of stress and anxiety for our furry friends. During any kind of fireworks presentation, it is best to secure pets in a safe cozy spot indoors, as far away from the lights and sounds as possible. Treats, toys, and ambient noise (like a radio or white noise machine) can provide great distractions and drown out the activity. If your pet has an extreme aversion, you may wish to speak with your veterinarian about prescribing medication to help with their anxiety.
Rest, Relax, and Recover
The hustle and bustle of Memorial Day festivities can take a toll on all of us. The whirlwind weekend of activities, a parade of faces, and variations in routine and environment can all add up to stress and fatigue, not just for us, but for our pets too. Giving your dog or cat the space and grace for post-celebration care will help them transition smoothly and comfortably back to normalcy. From feeding times to walks, playtime, and bedtime, it is crucial for your dog or cat to get back on their regular schedule as quickly as possible. Predictability equals peace, so the sooner you can get them back into their predictable patterns, the faster they will feel at ease. In the days following your Memorial Day celebrations make sure you and your pets have plenty of downtime to rest, relax, and recover.
With a little forethought, preparation, and observation you can keep your pet safe and happy, making this Memorial Day memorable for all the right reasons and starting your summer off on the right paw!!
Comments