Memorial Day is around the corner! Whether you are planning to attend a parade, head out on the water, or soak up the sun, it is important to keep your pets safe! Here are a few pet safety tips to keep in mind this Memorial Day weekend:
Traveling
When traveling by land, be sure to restrain all pets with a safety harness or in a crate. Do not leave your pets in the car. To learn why, click here.
When traveling by lake, make sure the dog is wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Doggie life vests are available at many pet stores. While most dogs are good swimmers, not every dog “just knows” how to swim.
Pet IDs
All it takes is one second for a treasured companion to slip out an open door, or even a window, and disappear. Having a collar and ID tags on your pet is the easiest way to assure your pet’s return home.
Many owners complain that their pets hate wearing collars. To help pets adjust to wearing a collar, it is best to start when they are a puppy or kitten. Try short bouts of “collar time” and use positive reinforcement. If your dog or cat dislikes a certain type of collar, there are a multitude of collars that exist. Keep trying out different collars until you find the perfect match!
In addition to a collar and ID tags, pets should also have a microchip. Having a microchip embedded under your pet’s skin is an excellent backup to help in identifying your pet. To learn more about microchips, check out this blog or talk to your family veterinarian.
If your pet does go missing, contact the local veterinary hospitals, emergency animal hospitals, animal shelters, and animal control. Make them aware of the situation in case your pet ends up on their doorstep. For more tips on how to bring a lost pet back home, click here.
Avoid Sprays and Lotions
There are hundreds of sprays, lotions, and gels to protect humans from the sun and pesky insects. DO NOT use these products on your pets! Unless a product is specifically designed for pets (such as dog sunscreen), it can be toxic when applied!
Symptoms of toxicity include:
- Skin rash or hives
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive salivation
- Trouble breathing
- Change in behavior
- Tremors
- Wobbly gait
When it’s too hot and the sun is too strong, keep your pets safe by leaving them inside with the AC on! If it’s sunny and your pet has to be outside, make sure there is a shaded area for him. Before you put any product on your pet, talk to your veterinarian first to ensure it’s pet-friendly!
Click here to read Part II for two more very important pet safety tips for Memorial Day!
