Here’s the ASPCA‘s list of precautionary pet safety tips to make Memorial day (and just about any day) a blast for you and your pets…
1. Keep alcoholic beverages out of paws reach. Alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, so make sure pet does not accidentally consume any wine, beer or spirits.
2. Stay on regular diet & resist those pleading eyes. Although it may be tempting to throw your dogs licking chops some picnic fare we advise that you resist the urge. Just say “No” to those angelic, begging eye! Any change in your dog’s diet can result in an upset stomach. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.
3. Use ONLY dog specific bug repellent and sunscreen. Never use human insect repellent or sunscreen on your dog. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.
4. Fido should stay clear of matches, candles & lighter fluid. Keep your pet away from matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system. Before you light that hot grill make sure your four legged family member is out of harms way.
5. Supervise pool time. Never leave kids or pets unsupervised around a pool or lake. Like humans not all dogs are expert swimmers. Also, pools aren’t large water bowls-they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach upset.
6. Carry ID. If traveling with your pet, take identification for them and their health records. Make sure they are wearing their collar & tags at all time in the event that become lost.
7. Never leave pet in hot car…at ANY time! Your pet is just as susceptible to dying of a heatstroke when the mercury rises. It only takes a few minutes for the inside of your car to
get excessively hot and turn into a sauna. And in Florida, it happens in a matter of seconds.
8. Provide plenty of water. Always make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water no matter where you are.
9. Be prepared rain or shine. Make sure your pet has a comfortable place to get out of the sun, rain, or other types of weather.
10. Provide pet with a safe & quiet place to rest. Not only is it important to make sure your guest are relaxed and comfortable, you should also do so for your pet. Remember Memorial day can be quite stressful & noisy on your pet so it is important to provide with a place of refuge to rest their head and get away from the crowd. Because no loving pet owner wants a startled dog or cat running away, bolting for the doggy door or jumping the fence.
Every Memorial Day, I take my three kids, two dogs and cat out of town. We usually go and visit some relatives and attend their local parade, but I can tell you we never go anywhere without taking water with us. I once neglected to bring water with us a few years ago and one of my dogs got really dehydrated. That is why I now take several water bottles with me wherever I go just for my pets.