10 Tips to Prepare Pets for Memorial Day Weekend
Our pets love summer as much as we do! It’s the best time of year to go for a walk, enjoy all that the season has to offer, such as picnics, walks, swimming, running, or just enjoying a nap in the backyard with your fur babies. While these are all great activities, I have some tips to offer for a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend.
1. Make sure your dog cannot get into the picnic basket
Delicious picnic items that are considered poisonous to dogs include grapes and raisins (even gooseberries). While xylitol is a natural sugar substitute for people, it is also toxic to dogs. So be sure to keep everything that contains xylitol (baked goods, candy, mints, gums, etc.) away from your pets.
2. Table scraps are a no-no
Foreign body hazards like corn on the cob and Peach seeds are not necessarily poisonous, but they still pose a dangerous threat to dogs. They can quickly get stuck in the intestines and will require surgery to remove them
3. Don’t give Fido that extra bone
While it is very tempting, it can also be life-threatening. Your dog should never be given pieces of barbecue along with the bones, such as cartilage and fat. Certain breeds and overweight dogs are subject to pancreatitis.
4. Be prepared when you go hiking
Always make sure the trail is dog friendly, and be sure your dog is in good shape and has the stamina to go hiking. Brachycephalic breeds and small dogs cannot physically handle strenuous walks. Also, bring lots of water and always stay on designated trails.
5. Make sure your pet has access to cool water and shade
Our pets, especially dogs, get a lot thirstier. What we do when they get hot, and other than panting and drinking, they have no way to calm down. Get your pet in the shade as often as possible. While cats and dogs like to sunbathe, direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and lead to heatstroke
6. Never leave your pet in the car
It can take minutes, yes, MINUTES, for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car. Most people don’t realize how hot it gets in parked cars. I want to see it? See the video below.
7. Keep pets away from fireworks
For us, fireworks are the highlight of the night, yet many pets are afraid of them. Loud noises and bright lights easily startle pets, causing them to want to get as far away as possible. Fireworks are also harmful to pets, as they contain dangerous chemicals.
8. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Believe it or not, dogs can get burned, especially those in short or light-colored coats. And just like people, sunburn can be painful for a dog, and too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Talk to your vet about sunscreens for your pet (don’t assume a human sunscreen is appropriate for your dog).
9. It’s best to keep your dog on a leash at all times
Summer vacations mean all kinds of exciting sights, smells, noises, bugs, and people running around, not to mention exciting places to explore. You never want to lose your pet because he was distracted in an unfamiliar environment or afraid of loud noises
10. Make sure your pup has their ID tag on
We love bringing our pets places; it means we get to spend more time with them! However, when you take your pet on an outing, make sure he is wearing his collar with up-to-date identification tags if he is going to roam. It never hurts to be careful
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