When summer arrives, it’s only natural to want to bring our dogs everywhere so that they can enjoy barbecues, festivals and other outdoor activities with us. But the truth is that bringing our dogs everywhere can be deeply distressing to them. Strange people, unfamiliar dogs, loud noises and toxic foods can all add up to a one very over-stimulated canine.
So what can you do to keep your dogs healthy and safe during the summer? Here are three dog safety tips to keep in mind:
Set Up a Dog-Safe Space
This is one of the most important things you can do to make life better for everyone in the household. Even if your pets are people-friendly and sociable, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, and if you are busy entertaining you won’t necessarily know when they’ve had enough. Make sure you have a crate, bed or travel cage set up in a quiet space, and give your pet a high-value treat (think stuffed Kong) to keep him happy and distracted during the party.
Dog safety tip: if you must have your dog outside, make sure he’s in a cool, shady, protected spot with plenty of water, and check on him often to make sure he’s okay.
Avoid Hazardous Foods
Keep your pets on their usual diet, and don’t give in to the temptation to let them eat table scraps, chips, soda or alcohol. Aside from the choking hazard presented by chicken bones or ribs, the high fat content of many party foods can cause pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea. When the food is outside, keep your dogs inside. And remember – management techniques like tethering, gating and crating can be your best friends, especially when you have dedicated counter-surfers or dogs who will eat any- and everything (we’re looking at you, Beagles and labs).
Be especially careful when these items are on the menu: garlic, onions, grapes/raisins, chocolate and anything with xylitol. You’ll have to check labels carefully for xylitol, it’s in a lot of foods you wouldn’t expect, like some peanut butters.
Have An Emergency Plan Ready
No matter how much planning and management you do, things can still go wrong. Your dog may bolt out the gate when guests are arriving, or jump through the screen when the fireworks start. Know what to do if your dog does go missing, and keep that emergency vet information and poison control hotline number posted somewhere handy.