Celebrate Memorial Day Safely with Your Dog

Barbeques

If you plan on packing a picnic or heading to a backyard barbeque this memorial day, be sure to remember that these events may also contain some dangers for dogs. Keep the picnic basket shut when your dog is around and keep those barbequed goodies away from your hungry pup. Make sure to remind your guests not to feed your dog any table scraps. Hot coals, tiki torches and citronella candles that are popular at barbeques may also be hazardous to your pup, so take precautions to prevent your dog from getting burnt.

Swimming

If you’re planning on heading to the beach for Memorial Day, make sure you pack a towel and some water for your dog to drink. You’ll also want to invest in a doggie lifejacket, even if you think your dog is going to be a good swimmer. Dogs instinctively know how to paddle but they don’t instinctively know how to swim. In fact, certain breeds of dog have a difficult time swimming due to their body type. Be sure that your dog is able to participate in the swimming fun safely and never let your dog go swimming unsupervised.

Boating

Another popular Memorial Day activity is boating! There’s nothing more relaxing than spending the day on the water, fishing or water skiing. If you love to go boating, why wouldn’t you want to bring your trusty dog along? But just remember that your dog isn’t used to spending time on a boat. If you plan on doing some speed boating, leave your dog at home so he doesn’t accidentally get knocked out of the boat, or get sea sick. Make sure your dog knows how to safely enter the boat, just in case he would get knocked out. Also, you pack a lifejacket for yourself when you go boating, right? Well pack a dog life jacket too, just to be safe. There is nothing more important than protecting your best friend.

Soaking up the sun

If you’re still social distancing and you’re planning a relaxing day sunbathing at home, there’s no reason your dog can’t join you. When you’re out in the sun you use sunblock, but that’s a little bit harder to apply to a furry friend like your dog. If your dog is going to spend time with you while you’re sunbathing, make sure you set up an umbrella for shade and keep plenty of water available for your pup to drink. You can also bring out some ice cubes for your dog to lick while you’re outside. The coolness of the cubes will help keep your dog cool and hydrated.

Enjoying the outdoors

If you’re spending your Memorial Day camping or hiking, of course you’re going to bring your dog along to enjoy the day with you. Don’t forget to pack some flea and tick repellant for your dog and when you’re done hiking be sure to check your dog over closely for ticks. Check out this blog to learn how to check your dog for ticks and safely remove them. You should also keep your dog leashed when you’re out walking and be sure to have an updated ID tag on your dog's collar in case they get lost.

Traveling

If you plan on hitting the road for Memorial Day, be sure to travel safely with your dog. You should never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle as the temperature can become dangerously hot very quickly. Even leaving your dog in the car with the air conditioner on has its risks as air conditioners have been known to fail. You’ll also want to pack a travel kit for your dog. Throw in some of their favorite freeze-dried food and treats, a dish and some water, and a blanket before you hit the road. Look into getting a dog seatbelt for your dog to make traveling safe.

As you celebrate Memorial Day, take the time to stop and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. Give thanks to our men and women in uniform who have given so much to make our country the place it is today. Have a happy and safe holiday!

For more tips and resources for your dog or cat, visit our blog. Check back weekly to stay-informed!